Staff and Governance
Any school is primarily defined by the quality of its staff and Saint Pierre is no exception. Our experienced and talented staff are the very core of the school. All our staff are committed to the highest professional standards, and have a real belief in the power of this unique school.
Governance
Proprietors; Mr. Peter Spencer-Lane (All educational and administrative matters), Mr. Kurt Davies
Miss Gemma Hoffman
Headteacher, Head of Early Years and DDSL
“In order to enhance our children’s creativity and enthusiasm towards learning, the children within Early Years are provided with a wide range of topic themed activities, which are delivered by a dedicated and passionate team. It has been a pleasure to be a part of scaffolding and moulding the minds of such eager children.“
Mr. Peter Spencer-Lane
Executive Head and Proprietor (2019-) MA, BSC, Cert. Ed.
“Everything you need to know about this unique school can be seen in the smiles of the boys and girls as they arrive in the morning. Many schools say they are a family school but here we mean it; our pupils are proud to be academically focused, kind and polite.”
Mrs. Poppy Read
Deputy Head & Year 4 Teacher (2019-) BSc Psychology, PGCE with Billericay SCITT
“All the pupils and staff have been so friendly and welcoming to me since I have joined as a new member of staff. The children are incredibly respectful and it is nice to see them so motivated with their learning. I have enjoyed my time here and look forward to my future as a teacher at Saint Pierre.”
Miss Grace Partner
DSL, Head of Nursery and Compliance Officer
“The family atmosphere at Saint Pierre is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. It is lovely to see the children here thrive from such an enriched provision and enhanced additional curriculum.”
Miss Charlene Hannaway
SENCo, Reception Teacher (2026-)
“To be able to contribute to the children’s learning journey is a real privilege. Watching each child grow more able and confident brings such joy. I am proud to be part of the Saint Pierre family.”
Academic staff
Mrs. Charlotte Tipper
Reception Teacher (2008-) EY & Childcare Degree with EY Professional Status, SEN dip support
“To engage the minds and hearts of my children, day-to-day, is a pleasure. The freedom to provide amazing learning experiences is greatly enhanced by our small class sizes at Saint Pierre.”
Mrs. Chloe Dyton
Year 1 Teacher (2022-) BA (Hons Early Years Education) EYTS Essex Primary SCITT and PGCE with QTS
“At Saint Pierre we focus on building resilience amongst the pupils. We encourage them to become confident learners within a supportive environment. It is great to be part of such a positive teaching cohort.”
Miss Samantha Ingram
Year 2 Teacher (2020-) BSc. Sociology, M.St. Social Research Methods, M.Sc. Criminology, GTP Qualification Teaching Status, Pastoral Lead
“I joined Saint Pierre as a teacher in September 2020 and immediately felt the wonderful ‘family’ atmosphere of the school. The staff were welcoming and supportive and the children delightful, happy and passionate about their learning. Being a teacher here is a unique and satisfying experience and I have also benefited from observing excellent teaching and leadership across the school. Saint Pierre, you are a gem!”
Miss Katie Elliston
PE & Year 4 Teacher (2025-) QTS, PGCE, BSC (Hons) in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
“At Saint Pierre, PE is more than physical activity – it’s where character is built, teamwork is learnt and every student discovers the power of perseverance and personal growth.”
Mrs. Jadie Oberholzer
Mental Health Lead, Art & JASS Teacher (2017 -) M.A. Hons, FDip Art, TLC
“It is a privilege to teach at Saint Pierre, in a school community that prioritises personalised teaching and learning opportunities. All children are taught in a nurturing and exciting environment that promotes originality, personal progress and curiosity. What is most encouraging as a teacher at Saint Pierre, and as a parent of a child attending the school, is the significance adhered towards socialisation, understanding the world, positive relationships, responsibility and individual talents. There is a strong and nurturing community at Saint Pierre, one that values tradition, charity and integrity.”
Mr. Troy Brooks
P.E. Teacher (2025-) UEFA B Football Qualification
Miss Abi Corbett
TA (2003-) Cert. LS Level 2
“I have been at the school many years and love every minute of my time here. The children are simply amazing and I am proud of each and every one of them.”
Miss Laura Frith
Reception KS1/2 TA (2005-) NVQ Lvl 3 EY
“Observing my children’s excitement for knowledge through play and discovery in this small, family environment is an incomparable privilege.”
Mrs. Susan Thompson
HLTA Higher Level Teaching Assistant (2011-) NVQ Level 3 Childcare
“I would say that I love the family feel of Saint Pierre and how the children grow in confidence as well as academically.”
Mrs. Julie Aldridge
Nursery Practitioner
“Working in the Nursery at St Pierre is truly amazing. It is a privilege to be part of the children’s learning journey, and to be part of the St Pierre family.”
Madame Lydiane Hinton
French Teacher (2021-)
“It is lovely seeing the children eagerness and enthusiasm to learn French at St Pierre School. The small classes allow to provide great learning experiences for the children to practise the language with fun and engaging activities.”
Miss Alice Dowdeswell
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
”Since starting at Saint Pierre, all the staff have been very welcoming and supportive, which has made me feel part of the family. I am privileged to work with inspiring teachers who strive to make learning enjoyable for each child. The opportunity to assist the children in their learning and growth during their formative years gives me great pride.”
Mrs. Laura Bragard
Nursery Practitioner (2024-) BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
“It is a privilege to be a part of such a wonderful school that values the uniqueness of every child and enables them to develop to their full potential. From the moment children join Saint Pierre, they become part of a family atmosphere where teachers nurture creativity and help pupils to develop perseverance and independence in order to become lifelong learners. I look forward to being a part of this journey at Saint Pierre.”
Katie Watson-Steward
Year 3 Teacher (2025-) BA (Hons) English Literature, PGCE LDBS SCITT
“Since joining Saint Pierre, I have really enjoyed working as part of a friendly, welcoming team of people. With smaller class sizes, you truly know every child’s unique personality, learning style, and potential, allowing you to tailor your teaching rather than just managing a classroom; which makes it a very rewarding atmosphere to work in.”
Lucy Butcher
Year 5 Teacher (2025-) Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Graduate Trainee Program GTP, CELTA TEFL, BA (Hons) Spanish and European Studies
Hannah Pearce
Year 6 Teacher (2025-)
Samanatha Lydon
Nursery Practitioner (2026-) NVQ 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, Qualified Ofsted Registered Nanny
“Supporting children in schools and family homes, I have built a deep understanding of children’s social, emotional and educational needs. Working in a nursery, I want to help children build confidence, independence and a love of learning at the start of their educational journey.”
Rachel Alden
Nursery Practitioner (2024-)
“It is a pleasure to work in a school where staff work together to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment for every child, embracing innovation, ensuring that every pupil is prepared to thrive.”
