Next, we introduce Mrs Kate Simon who will be the founding Head at Mill Hill International, Thailand!
Having been with Mill Hill for a number of years, most recently as Head of Grimsdell, Mill Hill Pre-Prep, we are looking forward to seeing her implement 'The Grimsdell Way' over in Thailand as the School welcomes its first pupils in September 2025.
What inspired you to become a headteacher, and what do you find most fulfilling about the role?
As a little girl, I used to create my own 'pretend' dance school with lists of names and different classes, eventually drawing 'paper people' to represent each child and giving them little personalities. I guess I enjoyed creating a community in my play, and that is what I find truly fulfilling in my role now. It was definitely in my blood to lead a school from a young age.
What was your first year of teaching like, and what was one of the biggest lessons you learned from that experience?
I worked as a Year 3 teacher in a deprived area of Liverpool and had over 30 children in my class with two-thirds SEN, although, I now recognise that some of those needs were trauma related. In that first year as a very young teacher, I think I tried to control too much, so one of the biggest lessons I learned is that children respond in different ways to learning and engage in different ways. As the practitioner, you have to meet them where they are and adapt to their needs and personality. You have to ask yourself, who is this expectation for? Is it for me or the child? I have carried this reflection with me in my career to anchor myself to a truly child-centred approach.
How do you ensure the School’s values and vision are reflected in daily activities and interactions?
I find this easy and joyful. As soon as I am in school and amongst the children, staff (and parents at drop off) I feel naturally positive and grateful for each person. I smile a lot and give out positive energy I hope. I think this sets the weather for the children and the community and I see everyone engaging fully in this relaxed and happy place of learning, but with purpose and vision.
What is a lesson you have learned as a leader that has shaped your approach to education?
Over the years, I have recognised that leadership is not about having all the ideas and exhausting myself by having to personally implement each one. It is about being steadfast in your vision and expectations but letting others lead and stepping back to enable that. Working collaboratively empowers everybody, and I love to see the talent in the staff team grow. I try to be open to new ideas because this is where growth happens, but it’s a balancing act - ensuring there is also clarity and we are not overwhelmed as a school with too many projects and initiatives!
What are the key priorities for the School over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
We aim to launch a fully immersive, creative curriculum from Nursery to Year 6, ensuring the curriculum and approach to teaching and learning are in line with research. We will establish ourselves as a global school, supporting the development of internationally minded individuals. Our third aim will be to support the linguistic development of each child, embracing the native language alongside the acquisition/refinement of English, Thai and Mandarin. The senior team and I will collaborate with stakeholders to establish our values. So much is already being done in these areas - we are excited to get into our new space!
What was your favourite subject when you were in school?
I loved Drama and English Literature. Drama allowed me to be expressive and creative in the way I interpret text or ideas. English Literature represents the emotional side of history. It deals with the history in a way that helps us understand the emotional impact of history on people and society.
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
I love to read for pleasure. I find that reading for pleasure opens my mind to new learning and builds my understanding and empathy in relation to different events and situations. I helps me to be outward looking which supports others and my own wellbeing. I also love writing poetry and songs, mostly for children but also for myself. Spending time with my family is my greatest source of joy, but my career is a close second!
