Mr Derry

Headteacher

"I am Headteacher here at Henley Bank High School and love my job. I am passionate about education and ensuring that all students have the best chance to succeed in life, regardless of what they choose to go on to do. My degree is in Religion, Philosophy & Theology."

 

Miss Bradbury

Interim Head of School 

"I am really excited to take on the role of interim co-head of school. I have been at Henley Bank since 2018 and am passionate about ensuring that every student from our year 7s through to our sixth formers get a well rounded and academic experience where they feel supported and are able to thrive.  

My favourite part of my job is teaching and I love teaching both geography and history having studied geography at the University of Sheffield."

Mr Dakin

Interim Head of School 

"I am the interim Head of School in charge of raising standards, curriculum and assessment. This means that I work closely with the year 11 students to ensure that they get the best possible examination outcomes. I also ensure that all year groups have broad, balanced and rich curriculum that provides our students with life changing powerful knowledge.

I am a passionate science and maths teacher and studied chemistry at the University of Bristol for my undergraduate degree."

Mrs Kay

Assistant Headteacher 

''I am the Assistant Headteacher in charge of attendance and safeguarding which means I work on ensuring all of our students are attending school and confident in school and the wider world.

I absolutely love my subject, Design and Technology. I studied Creative Contemporary Practice at Leeds Met Uni and then worked in the fashion industry for a number of years before completing my PGCE at Goldsmiths, London.''

 

Mr Derbyshire

Assistant Headteacher

''Every morning I go to work with the aim of helping pupils receive the education they deserve and ensuring they leave school with the best possible outcomes. As an English teacher and the Assistant Head for Sixth Form, this is what I will be doing at Henley Bank. After studying Politics and Philosophy (BSc) at the London School of Economics, I completed Teach First in Yorkshire before moving back to Gloucestershire.

I love teaching English and this will be clear in my classroom and lessons every day. In my role leading the Sixth Form, I look forward to giving local students the opportunity of academically rigorous and well respected A Levels, that will help to open doors in later life.''

Mr Watson

Assistant Headteacher

''I am the Assistant Head for Raising standards, which means I work closely with year 11s to ensure that all students receive the education that they deserve. I studied Mathematics at the University of Leicester before doing my PGCE at King's College London. I love teaching maths and in particular helping all students to see the joy in maths and to become the best mathematicians they can be. I aim to help all students get the absolute best possible grades that they can achieve.'' 

Miss Acland

Head of English

''As Head of English my role is to oversee the English department. This involves working alongside a fantastic English team to develop and refine the English curriculum." 

 

Miss Cresswell

Head of Maths

"After studying Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics at the University of Warwick I went on to do my PGCE at Gloucestershire University and did my second training placement at Henley Bank. I loved it so much and could only stay away for a year before coming back. I love teaching here and honestly believe that we are in the best setting for encouraging pupils to thrive, and develop a love of mathematics."

Mr Murphy

Head of Science 

 "My name is Mr Murphy and I am the Head of Science. My goal is simple: to help you unlock the wonders of the universe and discover the "why" behind how our world works. I believe science isn't just a subject you learn from a textbook—it's a hands-on adventure, a way of thinking, and a powerful tool for shaping a better future."

 

Mr Gailey

Head of Humanities

"I oversee the subjects Geography, History, Ancient History and Religious Studies. This involves developing the curricula for each of the subjects and developing the staff members in my department to continually improve their pedagogical and subject knowledge to enhance the teaching and learning of and for our students."

Ms Bray

Head of MFL 

"As head of the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) I am responsible for the curriculum and for overseeing the development of teaching and learning in the language department where we currently offer Spanish and French. My specialism is Spanish and my degree is a BA (Hons) in Education Studies, from the University of Gloucestershire.  During my 16 years teaching experience I have had the pleasure to see pupils not only develop into confident linguists but also become better communicators whilst enhancing their understanding of other cultures."

Mrs Lane

Head of Art & Technology

"As Head of Art and Technology, I oversee the day to day running of our creative suite of subjects which include Art, Design and Technology, Food Science and Computer Science. I am Fine Art trained but have had the exciting opportunity of teaching textiles, photography, graphics and ceramics during my 16 year career in teaching so far. We have a fantastic team of subject experts in our Art and Technology department and our aim is to ensure that all of our students are exposed to a world class curriculum that prepares them for the creative and technological world of tomorrow."

 Mr Blackwell

Head of Music & Performing Arts

"As head of Music and Performing arts, I oversee the day-to-day running of the departments and manage live events such as the school production and various music performances throughout the year. After studying music at college, I graduated from the University of Westminster with a BA Hons—degree in Radio Production. I continued to develop my music production skills post-university before deciding to train to be a teacher and help bring a new modern perspective to music education."

Miss Thompson 

Head of Year 7 

Email Miss Thompson 

''As Head of Year 7, my biggest goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable with the exciting jump from primary to secondary school. I know that moving to a bigger school can feel a little intimidating, so I’ll be here to make sure everyone puts down really strong roots at Henley Bank, builds confidence, and feels ready to thrive and go on to do amazing things!

I also teach Science, so I’m really looking forward to introducing you to the Superlab and all the fantastic experiments we do here. I’ll challenge you along the way, support you when things get tricky, and I’m sure a few terrible Science jokes will creep in too… it’s just part of the job! 

I studied Animal Biology at the University of Gloucestershire before becoming a teacher.''

 Mr Busby

Head of Year 8

Email Mr Busby

"My name is Mr Busby. As well as being head of Year 8, I'm also a teacher of English and sociology and the manager of our Duke of Edinburgh programme. My job as head of year involves making sure that every student here feels happy, safe and ready to learn every day. My goal is to ensure that every student in the year group feels valued and understands that they are an essential part of our school. I encourage high standards, preparedness and enthusiasm in everything that we do. I am very proud to work with our enrichment team to help students discover and explore new interests outside of the classroom. 

I studied sociology at University of Warwick and worked in South Korea as an ESL teacher for seven years before returning to do my PGCE at Bristol University."

Miss Lothian 

Head of Year 9

Email Miss Lothian  

''I am the Head of Year 9. My role as Head of Year 8 is to support our students through all aspects of their school life here at Henley Bank High School. I will celebrate successes with them, push them to continuously improve, and guide them through any issues. I am the person students and parents can come to if they have any problems at school. I am also a History teacher, with a passion for Ancient and Medieval History and a desire to continue learning about global history. I completed an MA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilisations at the University of Edinburgh before undertaking my PGCE in Secondary History at Bristol University.''

Mr Harris 

Head of Year 10

Email Mr Harris 

"Being a Head of Year is a privilege because I get the opportunity to support and engage with the students daily and build those foundations at such an important stage in their educational journey. I genuinely enjoy celebrating their successes as a team and guiding our students through the more difficult challenges in the hope that all of our students leave school as well rounded respectful members of society.

I believe every young person has the potential to achieve great things, and it is my role to instill that belief and guide all students to bring to the surface all the wonderful attributes they have to offer. My aim is to encourage Year 10 to be ambitious, resilient and most importantly kind, whilst reminding them to embrace the journey ahead and be proud of their achievements along the way."

Mr Zeal

Head of Year 12 

Email Mr Zeal

"I am Lead Practitioner for English and KS5, as well as Head of Year 12. I really enjoy working with students as they move into sixth form, helping them build confidence, independence and ambition as they take on the challenges of post-16 study. I am particularly interested in creating a sixth-form experience that combines strong academic outcomes with the support students need to thrive."

Mr Derbyshire 

Head of Year 13 

Email Mr Derbyshire 

"At Henley Bank Sixth Form, the community really stands out and I am immensely proud f this. Our Year 13s are involved in the College system, volunteering and leadership roles. More than that, they help set the tone for a warm and inclusive sixth form where everyone can achieve their goals and head to aspirational destinations."