New headteacher admits she has big shoes to fill

Sep 25 2008 By Greg Burns, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

Farnham Common Junior School has appointed its new headteacher, who has vowed to keep the school performing at its trademark high standard.

Helen Jones, 49, is taking over the position at the school in Sherbourne Walk, from headteacher of 26 years Malcolm Paice. Previously she has worked in schools in Windsor and Maidenhead.

She originally qualified in medical biological chemistry and worked in that field for eight years before having her children, now 23, 22, and twins of 18.

It was when she was contemplating a return to work that Mrs Jones decided on the path to teaching and set out to get the necessary qualifications.

She helped pull Dedworth Middle School in Windsor out of special measures before moving on to Larchfield school, in Maidenhead, where she held the post of deputy headteacher.

Mrs Jones now fills a headteacher's shoes - very big shoes to fill.

She said: "It was quite daunting taking over from Malcolm but he has been fantastic in helping me settle in and is always on hand to give me any advice.

"The children have been very accepting and their response makes me feel like I have always been here and also the staff have been magnificent to me."

She says she is excited by the new challenge and has big ideas about how the school can progress even further.

She said: "My expertise is in Key Stage 2, so the system in Bucks really suits me well. I am focused on achievements and the 11+ system is something which makes people excel.

"This is an outstanding school and the challenges I have are not so much about the academic side of things but more looking into worldwide issues.

"To develop us into an eco-school, it will be important to help the children understand how they make the planet a better place, using vegetable gardens and outdoor classrooms, and introducing them to world issues.

"You must have a love of children to be in this job and I certainly have that.

"They make the job so lovely and makes coming into work each day a real joy."