For the second Head in our series, meet Dr Susannah Abbott, Head at Belmont, Mill Hill Prep.
What inspired you to become a headteacher, and what do you find most fulfilling about the role?
I wanted to be a Headteacher because I love working with children and making a positive impact on their lives. While I found teaching incredibly rewarding, this role allows me to shape strategy and create an environment where pupils and staff thrive. My sporty, competitive nature makes me naturally ambitious, and I enjoy setting goals, driving improvement, and striving for excellence.
What was your first year of teaching like, and what was one of the biggest lessons you learned from that experience?
The first word that comes to mind is relentless. The biggest lesson learned is that overpreparing lessons can be risky, as the best ones often take a natural, unexpected direction.
How do you ensure the School’s values and vision are reflected in daily activities and interactions?
Before I answer this, I have to say that Belmont has the best values - Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You are truly brilliant. We talk about our values constantly - in fact, my very first assembly celebrated their importance by showcasing Nike’s Find Your Greatness advert. Additionally, by actively listening to pupils through various staff and pupil voice forums, we can explore new ways to celebrate and further strengthen these values, ensuring they remain at the heart of everything we do.
What is a lesson you have learned as a leader that has shaped your approach to education?
I was a sports leader before I became an educational leader - captaining numerous teams from school level to university to Reading FA and Middlesex FC. These experiences taught me just how crucial culture is and the profound impact it has on results. The famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” could not be more accurate.
As an educational leader, I firmly believe that setting the right culture is essential for everyone to thrive. At Belmont, our values - Be Kind, Be Brave, Be You - create a happy, positive environment that can be felt throughout the School every day.
What are the key priorities for the School over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Ensuring that we continue to live out our values every day. Maximising collaboration with Mill Hill School to enhance opportunities for our pupils. Introducing a therapy dog—building on the huge success of our recently launched Cat Club. Ensuring our curriculum not only prepares children for academic excellence at GCSE and A Level but also equips them with the core skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What was your favourite subject when you were in school?
I had two favourites - please don’t ask me to choose between them because it would be impossible! PE and History were equal favourites.
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
Sport! I've always loved being active, though these days, I usually exercise before a busy school day rather than after. My main activities are swimming and running, but you’ll often find me in the back garden playing 2v2 family football. I’m also proud to be part of the FA Talent Scouting team for the England Lioness Pathway - a role I absolutely love. It’s incredibly rewarding to help identify and support young talent, contributing to the future of women’s football.
