Sally Simpson
Sally Simpson - Headteacher
Can you outline your career path?
After graduation from Christ Church in Canterbury with an English Degree, I studied for a PGCE. Having always known that my career would be in education, I couldn’t wait to meet my first class! My first job was in a large Infant School in Hove. Here, under incredible school leadership, my passion grew and my potential as a leader was recognised during my NQT year. After swiftly becoming a year group leader, I joined the Senior Leadership team and began my National Professional Qualification for Headship. After five years, I moved on to a small rural village school. This brought new and exciting challenges and allowed me to develop further leadership skills. Throughout this time, I taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I also trained as a SENCo, a Specialist Dyslexia Teacher and worked privately as a tutor. I soon joined in partnership with Brighton and Hove as a Key Stage 1 Moderator, giving me a unique insight into the world of assessment. I became Acting Headteacher at Parkland Infant School in 2012, taking the school to a very successful Good rating from Ofsted. In 2018, I became Head of both the Infant and Junior School. Leading both schools from strength to strength over the past seven years has been an absolute privilege.
What do you love about your job?
There are far too many elements to list! Predominantly I feel fortunate that I get to watch so many different individuals grow and learn, experiencing success and failure and radiating resilience. I also love working with the Parkland Staff who always strive to ensure the children in our care get the very best education possible. I also love that each day is so varied and exciting – I have even had the Prime Minister fly into school to watch me teach!
What made you get into teaching?
I have always loved working with children and am passionate about children’s literature. This, coupled with my own drive to learn, led me into schools. As part of a psychology qualification, I completed some research in my local primary school and I have never looked back
What opportunities has Swale Academies Trust given you?
Becoming part of the trust has meant I have been able to continue my journey in leadership. Being Head of two schools brings unique challenges and the trust offers suburb support through their Primary Improvement Team. This has been invaluable.
What is the best advice you can give someone starting their career in teaching?
The best advice I could give would be to ensure you reflect on your achievements and recognise that in this profession, you have the ability to make a difference to children’s lives every single day.
What are the secrets to your success?
I have had a wealth of opportunity and have been lucky enough to work in a wide variety of schools that have helped me develop so many different skills. My drive to make a difference for as many children as possible has certainly helped me along the way too!