I have been Headteacher at Crow Lane since January 2008. Before working here, I worked at another school in Kirklees and schools in Calderdale, West Berkshire and Reading.  I am passionate about making sure that our children have the best possible opportunities to achieve their potential and enjoy learning.  Crow Lane is a brilliant place to be and being Headteacher here is the best job in the world!

Outside of school I like to cook and bake and,  since my husband doesn't have a sweet tooth, cakes and biscuits tend to find their way to the staffroom!  Funny thing is, no-one complains about that!!  We also have an allotment where we grow most of our own vegetables.  Being out in the fresh air at the weekend is enjoyable, even when the weather is not so good, and gives me time to recharge my batteries a little bit before Monday comes around again.

Interview

If you won the lottery, what would you do (with the money?)

Well, if we’re talking about a huge jackpot, I’d give up my job (much as I love it!)  and travel the world to see different cultures, safe in the knowledge that I could do it outside of school holidays!  I’d buy homes in different places so there would always be somewhere sunny to go between trips.

Which 3 famous people would you invite for dinner? Why?

Piers Morgan for the celebrity gossip

Stephen Fry for humour and some intelligent conversation

Jools Holland for great after dinner entertainment

What pets do you have?

None. Have never had pets, even as a child so that probably explains why I’m not really an animal person. 

What’s your favourite game?

Got Kinect for Xbox at Christmas a year or so ago, so enjoy Motion Sports (especially hang-gliding).   I like Scrabble and we always take Travel Scrabble on holiday – helps pass the time in airports when the plane is delayed!  I'm a great Sudoku fan as well! 

What do you like to eat?

Mainly things which aren’t that good for me! I love crispy duck with pancakes, olives, milk chocolate and bacon sandwiches! But not all at the same time!

What’s the most embarrassing CD in your collection?

The Best of Barry Manilow – a freebie from the Mail on Sunday!

Which TV programmes do you like?

I’m definitely a Corrie fan!  Thanks to Sky+ I never miss an episode.  I also like Silent Witness, Masterchef, The Apprentice and Spooks.

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

Somewhere warm, with lots of history, great scenery, good food and wine and preferably few other British people as we like to mix with the local people when we are abroad.   

What Chinese Year were you born in?

Year of the Rat.  Apparently that means  I have a happy, lively personality and am very outgoing, with a good memory.  Rats hate waste and idleness!  Sounds about right!

What was your best subject when you were at school?

I enjoyed most subjects when I was at school, but my best subjects were English, maths and history.