C Simmonds
Worcester,Worcestershire
Summary
I am an innovative teacher and leader with talent for developing educational programmes and fostering collaborative learning environments. I am proficient in curriculum design and project management, coupled with strong communication and emotional intelligence. As a former disadvantaged student, I am professionally and personally committed to driving academic excellence and inspiring growth for all regardless of their background. I am strong, resilient and will never be scared to make changes, be challenged or to challenge where appropriate. I am energetic and hard working, striving for all that work with (and for) me to thrive too. Education was my 'way out' and so I use this thirst for change in all I do. Teach First wants to have great teachers, brilliant leaders and thriving schools and I am going to be a part of this ethos in the future.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Associate Senior Leader (Pupil Premium Lead and Vocational Curriculum Lead) / Head of Social Science
Bewdley School
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Responsible for leading and implementing the pupil premium strategy across the school to raise attainment and close achievement gaps.
- Oversee the development, delivery and quality assurance of the vocational curriculum in line with regulatory requirements and best practice.
- Line manage and support staff within the Social Science department
- Lead curriculum planning and delivery for Social Science subjects, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
- Monitor student progress and use data to inform interventions and drive improvement.
Head of Social Science
Bewdley School
01.2022 - 08.2025
- Led the Social Science department, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning across all subject areas.
- Managed and supported departmental staff through performance management, coaching and curriculum planning.
- Used data to monitor student outcomes and implement strategies to drive improvement and raise attainment.
- Social Science includes Sociology A-level and GCSE, Psychology A-level and GCSE, Criminology A-level, Health and Social Care (GCSE and historically BTEC Level 3) and RE Key Stage 3 and 4.
Assistant Quality Lead/ Second for Social Science
Solihull 6th Form
01.2014 - 12.2021
- Lead for all ECFs, working with external and internal partners and ensuring all ECFs were appropriately supported in AQL role
- Chaired exam analysis meetings in AQL role
- Led whole staff training and CPD in AQL role
- Mentored staff that required additional support in their teaching, learning and assessment in AQL role
- Lead for criminology (400 students)- this included all typical Head of Department responsibilities
- Second for social science (sociology, politics and economics) that has 1000 students. Typical tasks included, lesson observations, data analysis for performance management and student progression etc.
Teacher of Sociology and H&SC
Broadway Academy
04.2013 - 12.2013
- Developing the health and social care and sociology curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students (for many English was their 2nd/3rd language)
- Utilised ICT tools, enhanced interactive learning experience in classrooms.
- Created inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Developed engaging lesson plans by applying knowledge of educational theories and methods.
Shop Manager
Acorns
03.2010 - 07.2012
- Oversaw daily shop operations, ensuring smooth running of business activities.
- Liaise/ manage volunteers.
- Boosted overall sales through the implementation of effective merchandising strategies in store.
- Coordinated promotional events, creating greater charity awareness within the local community.
Education
GCSEs -
Tudor Grange School
09.1999 - 05.2004
A Level -
Solihull 6th Form College
09.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Arts -
Birmingham City University
09.2006 - 05.2009
Master of Arts - Education
Birmingham City University
09.2019 - 06.2022
Skills
- Extensive education experience 12 years in the classroom, 6 years (curriculum) middle management and 1 year senior leadership This results in a knowledge base that will enable Teach First's vision to be fully hit in the design and implementation of programmes
- Co-ordinator of NQT (before ECF) on whole school level and have been a ECF mentor multiple times, most recently last academic year ('24-'25) resulting in a multiangled understanding of the ECF purpose
- Genuine understanding of disadvantage in education I am pupil premium lead and a sociologist, which would translate easily to Teach First's vision and programmes (MA thesis focused on disadvantaged aspirations which obtained a high merit, 67%) Additionally, I was a disadvantaged student, resulting in both academic and personal experience
- Experience of creating, designing and implementing multiple courses from the ground up (key stage 4, 5 and a CSI enrichment course) Skills from this directly translate to this role at Teach First
- Experience in critical macro and micro analysis by utilising lesson observation, data, feedback and other sources This results in a pragmatic and realistic evaluation to enable positive progression and feeding forward
- High emotional intelligence This alongside the professional experience will enable effective ECTPs to be designed and implemented
- Ofsted experience- leading on deep dives into social science and pupil premium
References
- Reference 1:
Mr Dave Hadley Pryce- Headteacher. DHP@bewdley.worcs.sch.uk 01299 403277. Bewdley School, Stourport Rd, Bewdley, DY12 1BL.
- Reference 2:
Mrs Catherine, McDougal- Deputy Headteacher. CMC@bewdley.worcs.sch.uk 01299 403277. Bewdley School, Stourport Rd, Bewdley, DY12 1BL.
Teaching Qualifications
- Birmingham City University (2012–2013)
- - PGCE (PCET Level 7) – Pass
Certification
Alongside considerable internal training since 2013, I have undertaken and completed the following courses outside and in addition to mandatory training.
- Masters in Education (Merit) 2022.
- Association of school and college leaders (ASCL)- senior leadership course. Obtained 2019.
- Difficult conversation training. Obtained 2019.
- Level 2 LSCB Safeguard training. Obtained 2015
Affiliations
I am a great believer in self improvement as such I am a ballet dancer (intermediate only!!), a keen yogi and a walker. I also want to pursue my PhD in the sociology of education as learning is integral to my mental wellbeing.
Timeline
Associate Senior Leader (Pupil Premium Lead and Vocational Curriculum Lead) / Head of Social Science
Bewdley School
01.2024 - 08.2025
Head of Social Science
Bewdley School
01.2022 - 08.2025
Master of Arts - Education
Birmingham City University
09.2019 - 06.2022
Assistant Quality Lead/ Second for Social Science
Solihull 6th Form
01.2014 - 12.2021
Teacher of Sociology and H&SC
Broadway Academy
04.2013 - 12.2013
Shop Manager
Acorns
03.2010 - 07.2012
Bachelor of Arts -
Birmingham City University
09.2006 - 05.2009
A Level -
Solihull 6th Form College
09.2004 - 05.2006
GCSEs -
Tudor Grange School
09.1999 - 05.2004
Similar Profiles
Jayne MooreJayne Moore
Lead teacher of Food and Nutrition at St Augustines Catholic High SchoolLead teacher of Food and Nutrition at St Augustines Catholic High School
Shannon BowlesShannon Bowles
CRT Teacher, Physical Education and Classroom at Tucker Road Primary School, Ormond Primary School, Valkstone Primary SchoolCRT Teacher, Physical Education and Classroom at Tucker Road Primary School, Ormond Primary School, Valkstone Primary School
NEHA GUPTANEHA GUPTA
Teacher at Bal Bharati Public School, Delhi World School, Salvation Tree SchoolTeacher at Bal Bharati Public School, Delhi World School, Salvation Tree School
Nick BakerNick Baker
Sales Account Manager at TIP GroupSales Account Manager at TIP Group
Marian CojocarMarian Cojocar
Production shift manager at Koito Europe LtdProduction shift manager at Koito Europe Ltd