Our Staff
At Summerhill we have an amazing staff providing excellent care and support for all students. You will get to know them during your time at Summerhill, and they are all looking forward to meeting you! Explore this page to find out about a few staff you will get to know first!
Mr Harris: Headteacher
It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the Summerhill family.
I believe that every child at Summerhill School, regardless of background or individual need, should achieve and progress at a transformational rate in order for them to leave secondary education as well rounded citizens. Each student needs to leave with skills and qualifications required to equip them to be fully prepared, successful and happy in an ever changing society. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher as I see it as one in only a few careers where one can change the life chances of another person for the better. Ultimately, the influence of a teacher holds great responsibility and is one that I treat with great care.
I have been teaching for 19 years and have enjoyed every aspect of my career. I started as a young PE teacher which was a profession that was fostered through a love of sport. I was a swimmer when I was young and this took me all around the UK and Europe. As now I am a little older I watch more sport than participate!
As a parent, I place huge importance on high standards of care and education for my own children. As Headteacher, I set exactly the same high standards for your children. The ethos of my teaching is, if it is not good enough for my children then it is not good enough for your children.
I look forward to getting to know you all and sharing in your successes.
Mr Cresswell: Deputy Headteacher (Safeguarding Team)
I've been Deputy Headteacher at Summerhill for over a decade and love the school community. I know that everyone will do their very best to make you feel welcome, care for you and help you to be a success.
My parents were both teachers and I was certain that I would never want to be a teacher! I studied Science at university then worked as the Technical Manager of a theatre. I had great fun designing scenery / lighting / special effects and working with great teams of people putting on productions and going on tours around Europe and the UK. I trained to become a teacher after doing "behind-the-scenes" tours for young people round the theatre - I discovered I enjoyed teaching even more than the theatre. I still love to spend time designing, making and mending things or solving problems. I enjoy writing the school timetable because it's like a huge jigsaw puzzle.
I'm fascinated by the natural world and passionate about looking after the environment. I'm a particular fan of trees, bees, bats, owls and dogs... some of my favourite memories are of spending time bug-hunting and nature-watching with my wife and daughters.
Mr Randle: Deputy Headteacher (Safeguarding Team)
Welcome to Summerhill School, we are really looking forward to you joining the Summerhill Community.
I have been a teacher for the past 17 years and have worked in pastoral care for over 10 years in numerous roles as Head of House, SENDCo, Head of Inclusion and Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour. I strongly believe our role as a teacher is to support young people to become well-rounded individuals. We are driven at Summerhill School to ensure students achieve not only academically but to also ensure the young people in our care develop, Physically, Emotionally, Socially, Spiritually and Mentally.
I am a strong believer in being firm but fair and having a focus on high standards. I have high expectations of all young people no matter their background and believe the Summerhill Values of Courage, Ambition, Respect and Effort are key to young people being successful in the future and post-16.
I always knew I wanted to be a PE teacher. I studied Sports Science at University and completed my Masters (MSc) in 'Sport and Exercise Science' before completing my teacher training. I am a keen sportsman who enjoys Triathlons, my biggest achievements include completing the London Marathon and Half-Ironman. I have a personal goal to complete a full Ironman.
I look forward to supporting your child through their journey with us at Summerhill School.
Mrs Sprouting: Assistant Headteacher (Safeguarding Lead)
I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was in 6th form in a local secondary school, with an awesome headteacher. I went to Keele University and studied Maths and Education Studies before completing my teacher training. I have worked in 2 other schools and joined Summerhill in 2014.
I love spending time with friends and family, enjoying days out and meals together. I have two children who are usually amazing, a girl who is 7 and a boy who is about to move up to Secondary school (so I know how you are all feeling at the moment).
Outside of school I teach dance classes, enjoy films, reading a book in the sunshine and travelling to new countries.
I love working at Summerhill and the fantastic atmosphere it has. Everyone, teachers and students are so friendly, that you walk in and feel at home.
My advice to Year 6 would be to take a deep breath, walk in and start making memories, they really are the best years!
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