Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Helen Smith

Head Teacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead

I have been both privileged and proud to be Headteacher of Wivelsfield Primary School for over 5 years . I love how 'Team Wivelsfield' works so well together to create a happy and vibrant school, full of exciting learning opportunities in the classroom, outdoors and in our local community. The most satisfying part of my job is seeing children grow in confidence and develop a love of learning and individual talents as they progress through the school from Reception to Year 6.

Out of school, I unwind by horse riding, walking our dog, trying to keep my garden under control and keeping up with my family.

Mrs Green

Acting Head of School, DDSL, English Lead

kirstyg@wivelsfield.e-sussex.sch.uk

Wivelsfield Primary is a truly special place – the sense of community, the dedication of the staff, and the enthusiasm of the pupils make it a joy to come to work each day. I feel immensely proud to now be serving as Acting Head of School and am committed to continuing the nurturing, inclusive, and ambitious ethos that makes Wivelsfield such a wonderful environment for children to thrive in.

I have been teaching since 2008 and feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with children across all primary year groups, from Reception to Year 6. One of my favourite highlights of working at Wivelsfield Primary School is organising our Year 5 residential trip to Bowles – it’s always such a memorable and rewarding experience for the children (and the staff!).

My passion for teaching began with a love for maths, and I’ve trained as a Primary Maths Specialist Teacher. I enjoy helping children develop confidence in their mathematical thinking, encouraging a love of numbers, patterns, and problem-solving. I also lead English at Wivelsfield and love nothing more than diving into new books, discovering fresh stories, and sharing them with others. I’m always looking for ways to inspire children to become confident, creative writers and enthusiastic readers.

I successfully passed my NPQSL in 2024 and I am leading on developing oracy skills across the school through the Voice 21 project – a really exciting journey that’s already having a big impact on how we help children express themselves clearly and thoughtfully.

When I’m not in school, I love visiting the theatre, sewing, or getting lost in a good book. My happy place is anywhere by the water – whether it's the sea, a lake, or a peaceful riverbank!

Miss Cosgrove

SENCO Monday - Wednesday

I am very excited to be joining the team at Wivelsfield Primary School. After being in Berkshire since University I am returning to the village I grew up in, just down the road. I have been teaching for many years, the majority of that time has been spent in Reception and Nursery which I absolutely love, with a few years in Year 2 and Year 5. Being a SENCO is a new role for me, but one I feel very privileged to be able to do.

When I am not at school I spend my days trying to tire out my two young children. We love going to the beach in all weathers and I am the unproud owner of the naughtiest cat in the world.

Miss Hayley Glassock

Head of School - On Maternity April 2025

From the moment I joined the team, the supportive community, in both school and the wider village, instantly impressed me.

When given the opportunity to take up Maths lead, I jumped at it. Having always enjoyed numbers and puzzles, I relish opening up maths for everyone and helping children and staff break down problems into easily accessible steps and spreading the love of maths.

Outside of school, I enjoy getting out of Brighton and going long walks/occasional runs and attending yoga classes. To balance out all the activity, I also enjoy cooking (and eating) tasty treats and competing in the family brownie making competition.


Class Teachers

Mrs Awcock

Class Teacher- Robins. (maternity leave)

As a resident of Wivelsfield as well as a member of staff I truly believe it is an amazing place to grow up. Wivelsfield school and community are welcoming, supportive and creative and it really is a fantastic place to live and work! Although I am newer to teaching than other members of staff, I have been lucky to gain experience from working with children of ages ranging from 2 onward for the last 4 years.

Although I do love teaching English and Maths, my favourite subject to teach is our 'Topic'. This normally includes History and Geography; I just love learning with the children, discovering new information and building up the children's knowledge and understanding over the course of the year.

When I'm not in school, I'm busy trying to keep my two children entertained. We love being outdoors together, exploring in the woods with our dog Rosie and going on bear hunts!

Mrs Amanda Williams

Class Teacher- Robins.

Miss Faull

Class Teacher- Hedgehogs

I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to be part of the Wivelsfield team. I love Key stage 1 and was delighted to teach in Year 1.

Living by the sea in Brighton means I spend a lot of time outside of the classroom on the beach, watching my dog Rupert dive in the waves and catching up with friends! I’m also a keen horse rider and enjoy riding Oscar in the countryside at the weekends.

Miss Parris

Class Teacher- Starlings Thursday to Friday

I have been a teacher at Wivelsfield School for over a decade now and enjoy working with such a dedicated and enthusiastic team. I have taught across all the age ranges and have loved seeing the children grow into individuals we are very proud of.I am passionate about finding ways to learn beyond the classroom and I'm always looking for teaching opportunities in the real world.

In my spare time I enjoy exploring nature with my family. When we are not busy climbing rocks, you will often find us playing in mud, jumping in puddles and building dens.

Mr Pickup

Class Teacher - Swallows. Maths Lead & Staff Governor

I have been part of the Wivelsfield Primary school team for seven years. From my very first day as a trainee teacher, I have been welcomed and supported by everyone. The whole school community works incredibly hard together to provide the children with a safe, rich and fun learning environment.

I am lucky enough to have been involved in many aspects of school life. I have recently finished my term as staff governor and I am currently supporting Mrs Green on the Voice 21 Oracy program.

I lead Maths within the school, supporting my colleagues and the children at Wivelsfield to deliver an engaging mathematics curriculum. We have recently joined the 'Mastering number' program, and I am excited to see the impact this has on our number recall within Key Stage 1.

When I'm not in school, I enjoy playing golf and going on walks with my dog Ralphie.

Miss Guy

Foxes Class Teacher Wednesday- Friday

I am really pleased to have joined the Wivelsfield team! The school has a friendly atmosphere and a really wonderful setting. I have been teaching in London for over ten years and have been lucky enough to have taught across every year group. Having been class teacher across Key Stage 2 many times, I have developed a real love for this stage and am very happy to be teaching Year 3 this year. It is a real privilege to work with children every day and I am particularly passionate about catering for different learnings styles in the classroom as well as helping all children reach their potential. I love teaching reading and writing and using art and drama across the curriculum. I have a degree in History and so am looking forward to leading both History and Geography across the school this year, bringing the world into the classroom and the past to life in fun ways!

In my spare time, I enjoy getting out in nature, running, swimming and going for long walks and am passionate about looking after and protecting our environment. I have a two year old son who keeps me very busy when I am not teaching!

Mrs Katy Lowries

Class Teacher- Foxes. Monday & Tuesday

Miss Penny Gough

Class Teacher- Otters

I joined the Wivelsfield team in October 2022. The Otters class and the school community were incredibly welcoming and I quickly felt part of the team. In my spare time, I enjoy playing football and I am looking forward to setting up more opportunities for the girls to be involved in the sport.

Miss Kelly

Class Teacher -Owls. Science Lead

I am very proud to be a member of the Wivelsfield community and have thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of the Wivelsfield ‘family.’

In particular, I enjoy seeing the children’s ideas develop and evolve into wonderful learning moments and achievements. It Is great to see the combination of small steps and giant leaps which all of the children make.

Outside of school, I enjoy to read, cook and listen to music. I also love to visit and explore new places!


Office Staff

Mrs Corinne Yates

School Business Manager

Mrs Ruth Howie

Admin Assistant

Mrs Natacha Bungaroo

Finance Assistant


Premises Staff

Mr Matthew Houghton-Stevens

Caretaker

Louise Mayfield

Cleaner


Teaching Assistants and Individual Needs Assistants

Mrs Louise Ferguson

Mrs Emma Fotheringham

Mrs Melanie James

Mrs Juliet Maslin

Miss Andee Mason

Mrs Geraldine Murtagh

Mrs Kerri Parton

Mrs Cathy Sturgess

Mrs Gemma Thornton

HLTA

Mrs Annette Truss

Mrs Sandra Wakelen

Mrs Sarah Theakstone

Office Staff


Midday Meals Supervisors

Mrs Louise Ferguson

Miss Andee Mason

Mrs Claire Keast

Mrs Sandra Wakelen

Forest School Leaders

Miss El Hill

Forest School Leader


Kitchen Staff

Mrs Kelly Ellis

Cook

Mrs Jo Taylor

Kitchen Assistant

Mrs Sharon Latreille

Kitchen Assistant

Mrs Sandra Wakelan