Our next Head in our Meet the Head series is Mrs Wendy Barrett!
Mrs Barrett is Head of Cobham Hall. Take a look below to read more about Mrs Barrett's insights, challenges, and the moments that shaped her journey in education.
What inspired you to become a headteacher, and what do you find most fulfilling about the role?
School leadership brought together all the things I valued in a career. To me, there isn’t a more rewarding sector to work in than education because what we do as teachers shapes young people’s growth, character and potential. Schools are vibrant communities, and while the work is not always easy, it is always meaningful. Watching the confidence of a Cobham Hall student grow and flourish, to see them develop and be inspired, and to have the courage to take part is a constant reminder of why I love this role.
What was your first year of teaching like, and what was one of the biggest lessons you learned from that experience?
My decision to become a teacher after a career in industry was driven by a desire to make a difference and inspire students, particularly in Mathematics and Science. Like most new teachers the first year of teaching was challenging, filled with lesson planning, managing classes, and adapting to school life. Early on, I learned to always be prepared for classes, to over-plan so that there are plenty of resources available, while also accepting that not every lesson will go as planned. I learned that building positive and supportive relationships with students is key to fostering good behaviour and engagement.
How do you ensure the School’s values and vision are reflected in daily activities and interactions?
As educators, we know that a large percentage of pupils’ learning comes from observing the behaviours of those around them, making it essential for staff to model our values and embrace our vision. Children are like sponges, soaking up their environment, shaping how they think, act and behave. Embedding our School values into everyday life helps reinforce this, with visible reminders displayed around the School and on each classroom door. Activities that focus on character development, both inside and outside of the classroom, help instil these values as an underpinning part of pupils’ lives.
What is a lesson you have learned as a leader that has shaped your approach to education?
To lead successfully in education, it is crucial to create a culture that values community and models kindness and togetherness at every level. Staff should support pupils with compassion and understanding and equally support one another. Schools should be a place where laughter is part of the work and during tougher times, there are people to encourage and inspire. A shared sense of purpose is vital. In any role within a school, having a shared vision simplifies the day-to-day. At Cobham Hall the guiding question for every decision is ‘what will benefit our students’.
What are the key priorities for the School over the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
We have two main priorities, the first is our move to become a fully co-educational School by September 2025. This is an exciting change, and we are working to ensure that our facilities, activities, pastoral systems, and curriculum are accessible and aspirational for both boys and girls. Secondly, we launched Bligh House, our SEND Centre of Excellence for students aged 11 to 16. This is a partnership with Chiltern Way Acadamy Trust and the Mill Hill Education Group to provide exceptional learning and support for students with SEND. We are working with Local Authorities to secure the first cohort of students.
What was your favourite subject when you were in school?
Geography was my favourite subject as the teacher made it come alive. The classroom was right at the top of the School and had large windows which filled the space with light, making it feel less like a typical classroom. With maps covering the walls and the subject covered so many areas of the world that fascinated me. I always looked forward to the classes and still remember some of the best lessons.
Do you have any personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy after a busy school day?
Making time for yourself and the activities you love doing is very important to ensure balance in a hectic work life. It isn’t always possible to do this during the week but with good planning it can be achieved at weekends. I have two wonderful grandchildren that I spend time with every weekend and they always provide much laughter and enjoyment. My husband and I also enjoy walking and often stride out on a Sunday in our local area. We are so lucky that we can simply walk out of the Cobham site and stroll through parkland in any direction.
