Sarah Roberts, Co-headteacher at Didcot Girls' School

Sarah joined Didcot Girls' school in 2010 and has progressed from Teacher of English to Co-headteacher since then. 

I was fortunate enough to be placed at Didcot Girls' School during my teacher training year and knew that it was the only school I wanted to work in. Since joining Didcot Girls' School, I have benefited from working with a wide range of colleagues and school leaders across RET, been supported to complete a masters qualification in Teaching and Learning, had coaching sessions, and joined many carefully designed and research informed CPD sessions. Leadership sits at the heart of RET and it is a privilege to support both students and staff in their own leadership journeys. 

I'm so proud to work at Didcot Girls' School and find my interactions with our school community to be energising and inspirational on a daily basis. Staff are united in their commitment to deliver the best possible education for the young people we serve and this shared moral purpose and commitment to something greater than ourselves brings great joy. 

Julia Durie: Associate Assistant Headteacher, Didcot Girls’ School 

Julia joined Didcot Girls’ School in Ridgeway Education Trust in 2019 as Second in English, having begun her teaching career at St Birinus School two years earlier. Since joining Didcot Girls’ School, Julia has taken on a range of roles including Lead Practitioner, Associate Senior Leader for Reading, Acting Head of English, and now Associate Assistant Headteacher. 

I was drawn to Didcot Girls’ School because of its commitment to giving every student the best possible opportunities and outcomes. Since joining, I have felt incredibly well supported to develop my leadership skills, through coaching, opportunities to take on different roles, and more recently completing my NPQSL. Leadership is part of the DNA of the trust, and during my time in RET I have learnt that, at its core, leadership is about empowering others, building trust, and keeping the moral purpose at the heart of every decision. 

I love my job because I am able to work directly with students while also contributing to the wider strategic vision of the school. I particularly enjoy working at Didcot Girls’ School because I work alongside genuinely inspirational leaders across the school, which I feel is a real privilege. I would describe the culture at the school as very supportive whilst also being highly ambitious for our young people. In my current role, I am most proud of the work I’ve done around literacy, helping students to access rich and challenging texts and succeed in their learning. It has been a really rewarding journey, and I feel very lucky to have grown my career within RET. 

Amelia Kyriakides: Joint Head of Science and Associate Assistant Headteacher (T&L and CPD), Didcot Girls’ School 

Amelia joined Didcot Girls’ School in 2016 as a newly qualified teacher.  Following a period as Head of Biology, she was promoted to joint Head of Science and, initially undertaking a role alongside this as a Lead Practitioner, she now also holds the role of Associate Assistant Headteacher leading on Teaching and Learning and CPD. 

Before joining Didcot Girls’ School, I visited for a tour and remember walking past a display of books about pedagogy in the staffroom. I immediately got a sense of the culture for continual learning and knew it would be an exciting place to learn and teach. 

Since joining Didcot Girls’ School I have been given a wide range of opportunities that have developed me as a teacher and leader. Early in my career I took on the role of Head of Biology, a role that I held for seven years before becoming Joint Head of Science. I developed my curriculum thinking and led on collaborative curriculum development and subject CPD. 

Alongside this, my interest in teacher development led me to take on mentoring roles and then become Lead Practitioner. This enabled me to support teaching and learning through CPD delivery and coaching. Experience gained led to a two-year secondment to SLT after which I moved into the role I now hold as Associate Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning and CPD. 

Throughout my career, I have appreciated the opportunities to continually develop that I have been supported in. This has included gaining a Master’s in Learning at Teaching from Oxford University, a Senior Leadership NPQ and an abundance of high-quality CPD in school. Along the way, I have enjoyed opportunities to share work that we have done both within and beyond the trust through publications and conferences.   

Working with staff at Didcot Girls’ School to develop our teaching and learning is incredibly rewarding. The culture of continual learning and collaboration means there is always an exciting new challenge, alongside the support of brilliant colleagues.

Gordon Ball: Science Teacher, Didcot Girls’ School  

Gordon recently joined Ridgeway Education Trust (RET), as a science teacher at Didcot Girls School.  This wasn’t his first time at DGS – he was also trained by our expert teachers and Senior Leadership Team through the RET SCITT, picking up the character and ethos of the school. 

 I’d originally worked in a very different industry, so it was a real career change moment to move from a sales office to a classroom. The SCITT programme that RET offered really suited career changers like me – it felt like being immersed straight into the new job and not “just” being a trainee. I was welcomed by the science department with open arms – and that really helped me realise DGS was a great place to work – as well as that teaching was so rewarding! There is a strong emphasis on continuing personal development here; it creates a genuine belief across the staff that we can all keep finding small changes and wins to improve our students’ educational outcomes. 

There are the traditional career prospects you would expect of a Trust, but I value the more informal opportunities at DGS – there’s a real excitement for trying out ideas, and support to do so. That links to what is a very “family” feel amongst school staff. The biggest stand-out for me? The pastoral team are very visible in all elements of the school day - showing they care for the pupils, helping students access our lessons, and therefore helping us teachers teach those students. Seeing them do such a good job really makes you want to do your best for the students, which ultimately makes you feel proud of the role you play in creating successful young adults year after year. 

Gemma Charles:English teacher and Social Media & Marketing Lead, Didcot Girls’ School 

Gemma joined Didcot Girls’ School in 2023 and has since progressed from Higher Level Teaching Assistant to English Teacher and Social Media and Marketing Lead. 

I joined Didcot Girls’ School because its reputation for excellence and commitment to helping young people reach their potential strongly aligned with my personal values. I was looking for a new challenge and knew that working within such a high‑achieving, passionate team would be both motivating and fulfilling. 

From the very start, the energy and enthusiasm of the staff were infectious. Within my first day, I knew I wanted to train to teach and play a part in shaping the school’s legacy for young people. The support I received was exceptional; DGS not only encouraged this step but actively guided me through the application process for the Ridgeway Education Trust’s School‑Centred Initial Teacher Training. The quality of this training meant I began my teaching career feeling confident, well prepared, and genuinely excited about the profession. 

I have benefited from a wide range of high quality CPD, from SEND support to developing effective modelling and explanations, all of which have helped me grow in confidence and continually improve my classroom practice. 

What really stands out about DGS and Ridgeway Education Trust is the strong ethos of shared responsibility and leadership at every level. Staff are encouraged to contribute their skills and ideas, creating a culture where people feel trusted, valued, and supported. 

I absolutely love my job. The staff are warm and supportive, and the students are a constant source of joy, reminding me every day why DGS is such a special place to work. 

Joe Bates: MFL Teacher, Didcot Girls’ School 

Joe joined Ridgeway Education Trust in 2024 as a trainee in the RET SCITT and after placements at schools across the trust secured a permanent position at Didcot Girls’ School.  

Looking for a career change to teaching, I wanted to join Didcot Girls School because it’s a school which not only educates girls to the high standards that all children deserve but is equipping and empowering them to be the leaders of our future. Since joining, I've benefited from regular CPD opportunities to support my development, including bitesize teaching and learning briefings, regular and supportive feedback from colleagues and access to mentoring. 

Having held leadership and management positions in my previous career, I've found it reassuring to see that leadership is part of the DNA of the trust, with colleagues at all levels encouraged to exercise different skills and facets of leadership in their roles. With learning and development a part of the school's culture, I feel there are many opportunities available for professional growth. 

While teaching is a demanding profession, I love my job because of the passion that my colleagues bring to their role every day and the unwavering commitment to students' support and development. That in turn inspires me to perform to my best. 

Leoni Barnes: Library Manager, Didcot Girls’ School and RET Reading for Pleasure Lead 

Leoni started working at Didcot Girls’ School in 2014 as a decision to change career. Having initially joined the busy school office, the position of Library Manager became available, which was an exciting opportunity to try something new. In 2023, Leoni was appointed as Reading for Pleasure lead for Ridgeway Education Trust, alongside her role in the DGS library. In her RET role, Leonie works across the eight trust schools creating reading opportunities and experienced for all of our children and young people.  

In 2023 I gained accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, which was a culmination of various study including webinars, reading and case studies. My confidence as a leader has grown hugely with the support of the Trust – both through the potential Trust leaders saw in me to excel in a role that I was completely new to, as well as providing the opportunity for me to consolidate my expertise through the chartership process. There is a real culture in the Trust of helping staff to find our passion and supporting us to take our career in our chosen direction. 

I love my job because I have the freedom to be creative and try out new ideas with students. Working with young people is hugely rewarding, especially when you can inspire them to pick up a book! Didcot Girls’ School is a very friendly and nurturing place to work; everyone cares about the outcomes for our young people. I am proud to be a part of such a community and to be able to play a small but important part in students’ lives. 

Raluca Chende: Headteacher, Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School 

Raluca joined Ridgeway Education Trust in September 2023, starting as Teaching and Learning Strategic Lead at another RET school, Carterton Primary School, before becoming Headteacher of Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School in September 2024.  

I came to Sutton Courtenay because I wanted to be part of a community with ambition, warmth and a genuine commitment to its children. RET has enabled me to bring my passion for teaching, learning and evidence‑informed practice into a school that values growth and continuous improvement. Since joining, I’ve benefited from rich professional learning and the chance to work closely with experienced leaders across the Trust. The ongoing professional dialogue around curriculum, pedagogy and safeguarding has strengthened my practice, while leadership coaching has been invaluable in navigating the early stages of headship and the complexity of the role. Having access to a strong network of colleagues — from primary and secondary leaders to safeguarding specialists and fellow DSLs — has deepened my leadership and reinforced what I believe: that people thrive when they are trusted, collaboration is prioritised and every decision is rooted in doing what is right for children. 

I love my job because there is nothing more rewarding than seeing children grow in confidence and thrive when the adults around them believe in them and champion their potential. What I value most about working at Sutton Courtenay is the culture we are building together — one shaped by compassion, ambition and a genuine sense of belonging. I am proud of the collective determination of our staff, families and pupils to create a school where every child feels known, valued and able to succeed. My journey reflects the Trust’s commitment to developing people, nurturing leadership from within and creating genuine pathways for progression. 

Lizette de Bruyn: Deputy Headteacher, Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School 

Lizette joined Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School through a secondment as Assistant Headteacher and was delighted to then be appointed as substantive Deputy Headteacher. From the outset, Lizette felt genuinely supported and welcomed, and  quickly recognised the Trust’s strong commitment to developing leaders and investing in people. 

Working closely with an exceptional headteacher and alongside inspirational colleagues, both within school and across the Trust, has been central to my professional growth. The collaborative culture has enabled me to reflect meaningfully on my practice, take on new challenges and continue to develop as a leader. 

Regular professional dialogue, including Trust‑wide Deputy Headteacher and English Leader meetings, along with ongoing support from the Director of Primary Education, have strengthened my confidence and leadership skills. These opportunities have reinforced a shared focus on high‑quality provision and ensuring that every decision is rooted in what is best for children. 

What I value most about working at Sutton Courtenay is the strong sense of community and shared purpose. I am proud to be part of a school and Trust that nurture leadership, champion collaboration and create the conditions for both staff and pupils to flourish. 

Jordan Lunnon:Teacher at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School  

Jordan joined Sutton Courtenay Primary CofE School in September 2025 as a second-year ECT.  

Before training to be a teacher, I worked as a biomedical scientist in the NHS, specialising in haematology and blood transfusion. As a keen scientist with a particular interest in blood science, the career initially seemed ideal. However, over time I realised I was lacking the human interaction and sense of fulfilment I was looking for. This is what prompted me to train to become a teacher. 

During my SCITT year and my first ECT year in another school, I began to develop a strong understanding of what it takes to be a brilliant teacher. Since joining the trust, and with the guidance and support of leaders, I have been able to build on this foundation and can genuinely see myself becoming the teacher I aspire to be. I feel I am been given the opportunity to develop not only my understanding of what to teach, but more importantly why we teach, and the value we add to the lives of the children and the wider school community. 

I am incredibly grateful that I made the move to Sutton Courtenay, not only because of the supportive staff and wider trust, but also due to the clear focus on professional and personal development. Questions are listened to, feedback is constructive, and I have consistently felt heard and valued, despite being new to the profession. Every member of the team has welcomed me and rooted for me, and this truly reflects the positive culture here. I am proud to be part of this community and excited to continue growing as a teacher. 

Sally Aitio, Year Two Teacher, Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School

Sally joined Sutton Courtenay in 2024 as a part-time Year two class teacher. Since joining she has taken on the roles of Maths lead, Forest School lead and Eco lead at the school. 

Although I have been teaching on and off for nearly twenty years, most of my experience has been in Early Years, and I spent a large part of my early career teaching in Switzerland. In recent years I have been assisting in the classroom, and at Forest School. Before joining Sutton Courtenay, I had lost confidence in myself as a teacher. However, since joining the school my confidence has grown hugely and I am now teaching full time, with additional leadership roles. I have had incredible support from the trust and from my headteacher, who has championed me every step of the way, and encouraged me to go for roles that I would never have considered before. At Sutton Courtenay I have had the chance to spend time observing good practice in other schools in the trust, so that I can reflect on my own practice and keep improving. I have been made to feel appreciated and valued by our leadership team and by the trust. One of the highlights of this year has been working closely with other Maths leaders across the trust. It's so powerful to be able share experiences, challenges and successes together, and then bring that knowledge and reflection back into our own schools. I have also been supported in developing and delivering a Key Stage One Forest School curriculum. I came to the school with a passion for outdoor learning and was determined to help the school grow in this area. All my ideas have been met with enthusiasm and encouragement from the school and the trust.   

I feel so lucky to be part of the incredible team at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. I am supported in everything I do, listened to, and given the time to grow personally and professionally. It is such a reflective environment to work in. 

Christie Van As:School Business Manager, Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School 

Christie Van As joined Ridgeway Education Trust in 2024 as the Executive Assistant and Trust Administrator to the CEO of the Trust. She has since progressed to the role of School Business Manager for Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. 

My progression at RET reflects the Trust’s commitment to developing and enabling people to progress. 

I joined Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School as the School Business Manager as it presented the opportunity for me to learn and develop whilst contributing to the success of the school. 

Since starting this role, the Trust has enabled me to start a Level 4 School Business Professional apprenticeship alongside my role as SBM. Supported closely by the School Business Lead and working with the Senior Leadership Team at the school, I have been  given me the opportunity to learn from experienced educational professionals. 

I find working at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School professionally challenging and rewarding.  I am encouraged and enabled to develop and grow into the role. 

I enjoy the collaborative culture in the Trust and am dedicated to help support the teachers provide the best education for our pupils. 

Juliette Little:Deputy Headteacher, Acting Headteacher and Trust Safeguarding Lead, All Saints CofE Primary School 

Juliette joined All Saints CofE. Primary School in September 2015 as a newly qualified teacher after completing her BA in Primary Education at Oxford Brookes University. Since then, Juliette has progressed through a range of roles including class teacher, subject lead, curriculum lead and Assistant Headteacher. Following All Saints joining Ridgeway Education Trust in November 2023, she continued to develop her career further as Deputy Headteacher, Acting Headteacher (one day a week) and Trust Safeguarding Lead.  

I chose to join All Saints because of its nurturing, people‑centred ethos, strong leadership and clear sense of community. Since joining, I have benefited from high‑quality professional development, including in‑house CPD delivered by Trust experts alongside external training opportunities. I have also undertaken the NPQH which has strengthened my leadership skills and confidence. Leadership is truly part of the DNA of the Trust with a strong focus on leading for impact and for legacy. Through my time with RET, I have learnt that effective leadership is rooted in relationships, clarity of purpose and developing others. The opportunities I have enjoyed at All Saints reflect the supportive and aspirational culture that exists both within the school and across the Trust. 

I love my job because it is both rewarding and challenging. What I enjoy most about working at All Saints is the positive culture, the strong support from colleagues and the Trust, and most importantly the amazing children who make our school such a special place. I am most proud of the continued growth of the school and the support we provide to our whole community.  

Sarah-Jane Lewis, Deputy Headteacher, Hagbourne CofE Primary School and Lead Mentor for the RET SCITT

Sarah-Jane joined Hagbourne in 2006 and has progressed from Newly Qualified Teacher to Deputy Headteacher during this time. She currently holds additional leadership roles, including Designated Safeguarding Lead, Maths Lead, Pupil Premium Lead, and Attendance Lead.

Since joining the school, I have gained experience teaching across all year groups and have undertaken a wide range of subject and leadership responsibilities. I have completed specialist training as a Teaching for Mastery Specialist with the BBO Maths Hub, including achieving School Development Lead and Professional Development Lead accreditations, and currently serve as Lead Mentor for the Trust SCITT programme. I have benefitted from a broad range of high‑quality professional development, which has supported my work at Hagbourne, across the trust, and in collaboration with schools throughout the region as part of my Maths Hub role.

Leadership really is part of the DNA of the trust. I have learnt that effective leadership is rooted in strong relationships, clear values, and collaboration. It involves listening carefully, being visible and consistent, and making thoughtful decisions that keep children’s best interests at the centre of everything we do. Working across the trust has reinforced the importance of shared accountability, learning from others, and balancing autonomy with consistent expectations, whilst also recognising that sustainable leadership depends on developing and empowering others. Overall, my experience has shaped my understanding of leadership as a moral and collective endeavour focused on long‑term improvement, inclusion, and impact.

I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference to children’s lives every day and to be part of a team that genuinely cares about learning, wellbeing, and personal growth. What I enjoy most about working at Hagbourne CofE Primary School is the strong sense of community, where children, staff, and families work together in a supportive and nurturing environment, and where children are truly known and valued as individuals to ‘be the best they can be’.  I would describe the culture at the school as caring, inclusive, and reflective, with high expectations balanced by kindness, collaboration, and a clear commitment to our Christian values of care, courage, respect and responsibility. I am most proud of the progress our pupils make, both academically and personally, and the way the school team works together to support every child to thrive.

Holly Mundy: Year 6 Class Teacher, Hagbourne Primary School  

Holly joined Hagbourne CofE Primary school in 2018 and has progressed from being a NQT to leading the school’s writing curriculum and being part of the wider SLT since this time. She is also the PE lead and ECT mentor at the school.  

My connection to the school began long before my teaching career. From the age of 16, I volunteered at Hagbourne and quickly recognised it as a welcoming and inspiring environment. After completing my teacher training, I was fortunate to secure a role at the school - something I still think of as fate. Since joining, I have benefited from strong networking opportunities and support from colleagues across the wider Ridgeway Education Trust. This collaboration has enabled me to develop the writing curriculum and refine approaches that best suit the needs of our pupils. 

Through my experience within the trust, I have developed a clear understanding of effective leadership. I have learned that communication is key, that it’s important to ensure decisions are purposeful and understood, and that we must remain adaptable in an ever-changing educational landscape. Leadership, to me, is embedded in the trust’s ethos.   

What I value most about working at Hagbourne CofE Primary School is its unwavering focus on children. Every decision we make is centred on what is best for them. I also value our staff team - we achieve what we do because of each other. The school’s culture is warm, welcoming, and full of community spirit, making it a place that is truly hard to leave. 

Caroline Dendy: Reception teacher at Hagbourne CofE Primary School  

As well as being Reception teacher, Caroline is EYFS and Reading and Phonics Lead at Hagbourne CofE Primary School.  

I hoped that one of the benefits of Hagbourne CofE Primary School joining Ridgeway Education Trust would be the opportunity to get involved in more high quality CPD opportunities - and I was correct!  As a small primary school, my new role as EYFS and Reading lead was quite challenging. Once the Primary Director was appointed, networks were quickly established for all leaders and suddenly, I had connected with other professionals of varied and rich experiences. Such meetings continue half-termly, boosting not only my skills but my confidence knowing I am ‘doing the right things’. Leadership really is part of the DNA of the trust. What I have learnt about leadership during my time working in RET is that everyone is a leader in some form, and that good leaders are supportive and help you grow within your role so that, over time, it feels natural to take on additional responsibility.  

I love my job because of the children and my colleagues. Additionally, I like making a difference and having a positive impact on my pupils and their families. Since joining RET our school family has expanded, creating additional opportunities to visit and learn from other trust schools - including DGS where both of my daughters attend which is a lovely feeling. Every day is different and no matter what, I know I have the support of my own school as well as those in the trust. I am not alone and truly grateful. 

Catherine Steele, Chief Operations Officer, RET Central Team 

Catherine joined Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School in 2017, prior to the school joining Ridgeway Education Trust in April 2019. She began as School Business Manager and, as the Trust grew, progressed into Trust‑wide operational roles. Catherine is now Chief Operating Officer, with strategic responsibility for estates, ICT, health and safety, catering, transport and sustainability across the trust.  

I was drawn to Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School because of its strong values, clear sense of community and focus on doing the right thing for both pupils and staff. When the school joined Ridgeway Education Trust, I moved into a central Trust role in 2019 as Operational Services Lead, working across both primary and secondary schools, before being appointed Chief Operating Officer. During my time at RET, I have benefited from a range of professional development opportunities, including leading complex projects, learning from colleagues and taking on increasing levels of responsibility. Leadership is embedded in the DNA of RET, and I have learned that effective leadership is built on trust, collaboration, clarity and supporting others to succeed. 

I love my role because no two days are the same and the impact of the work is visible across all schools. I particularly value RET’s commitment to putting children first, working with integrity, taking collective responsibility and supporting one another to achieve high expectations. I am most proud of contributing to a trust that genuinely lives its values and invests in people to create strong, inclusive and sustainable schools. 

Jane Emmott: Data & Systems Lead, RET Central Team 

Jane joined St Birinus School in 2014 and has progressed from Exams Assistant to Data and Exams Manager at Didcot Girls’ School. Her current role is Data & Systems Lead for the Trust. 

I joined St Birinus School after enjoying my role as a casual invigilator and wanted the opportunity to work flexibly whilst my family were young.  Since joining St Birinus and later Didcot Girls' School, I have benefited from a wide variety of internal and external training opportunities, including data analysis, leadership development and sector conferences. The experience has given me both the technical expertise and the contextual understanding needed to develop systems that genuinely work for schools, particularly supporting the Trust’s ambition for joined‑up working. Leadership is part of the DNA of the trust and I’ve learned that good leadership is often behind the scenes — anticipating problems, supporting colleagues, and making complex work feel manageable for others. 

I love my job because it combines purpose with problem‑solving and allows me to contribute to outcomes that really matter One of my favourite moments each year is results day — sharing in students’ joy and knowing the role we play in opening doors for what comes next. I would describe the culture at RET as ambitious, supportive and focused on long‑term impact. I am most proud of the work we’ve done to lead for legacy — creating systems, processes and a culture that will continue to benefit students and staff for many years to come.