Meet the School Leaders

Francine David

Stanford Primary

I was delighted to be appointed as Head of School for Stanford Primary School in April 2019. I had been Deputy Head at Stanford since 2015, having taught in Merton for many years.

My educational values are driven by inclusion: we must ensure that all children have opportunities for success. I believe that reading, writing and maths are key skills for life not just subjects at school. The curriculum we teach in primary school needs to be meaningful for children if it is to inspire a love of learning.

Stanford is a small, diverse, inclusive school where we make the most of being able to get to know our children and families incredibly well. I enjoy working in partnership with our governors, staff and parents, and we all strive to provide excellent opportunities for all.

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Helen Green

Keston Primary

I am an experienced teacher and senior leader, having worked in Croydon and Surrey schools for more than 30 years. I was delighted to be appointed Head of School at Keston in September 2019 followed by Headteacher in 2022. I have worked at the school for 18 years in a variety of roles.

I am passionate about creating a high quality inclusive education for every child, to ensure they are prepared for all learning experiences as they develop in today’s society.

I am a trained coach and recognise the contribution coaching can make to school improvement and staff development.

I am very proud to lead Keston working with staff, governors and parents to ensure an excellent education for all.

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Clare Rackham

Chipstead Valley Primary

During my career in education, I have held a combination of teaching and leadership positions across 3 boroughs. I came to Chipstead Valley Primary as an Assistant Head in 2014. I was subsequently promoted to Deputy and also held the position of Teaching School Director. In September 2020, I was appointed Head of School closely followed by Headteacher in 2022.

I care passionately about our school community, not only as a member of staff, but also as a parent. I am proud to lead such an innovative and creative school, whose staff, governors and parents work together in partnership, to provide a high quality, inclusive education for all.

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Hayley Lewis

Beecholme Primary

I was delighted to be appointed to the role of Head of School and am extremely proud to lead Beecholme.

My life and education values are in line with those at Beecholme and these are very much driven by my commitment to inclusivity. We will achieve inclusivity by ensuring that all children have the same opportunities to succeed in school and beyond, through an inspiring curriculum and by promoting a love for learning.

I enjoy all aspects of school life and love working collaboratively with children, families and the wider community. When I am not busy working with the children at school, I am busy at home with my twin boys who are 11 and who are my proudest achievement yet!

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Pete Steward

New Valley Primary

I began teaching in 1990, and have held leadership roles in a five-form middle school and a one-form primary with a nursery. I became Head at New Valley (then Wattenden) in January 2013, and since then I have been proud to lead the school through a time of enormous change and great progress.

Working in education - trying to improve the real lives of real people - there are good days and bad days...but never pointless days.

My teenage daughter is the most important thing in my life; when I’m not with her, you might find me walking up hills or playing records.

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