Cat Olver
Lee-on-the-Solent,Hampshire
Summary
Having spent the last 15 years working in the primary school sector, I am now looking for a new challenge where I can use my knowledge and expertise in a new area. I am an extremely motivated, dedicated and reflective individual who strives to be the best I can be in any role I take on.
My passion is education, whether this be with children or adults, and I am keen to continue working in this sector but in a new context.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6008
6008
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Headteacher
Hampshire County Council
East Meon, Hampshire
01.2024 - Current
- Created school improvement plans and ensured these were implemented effectively to raise standards, improve behaviour and develop teaching and learning.
- Led the school through a recent OFSTED inspection (February 2025), achieving 'good' in all areas.
- Developed curriculum overviews with sequential, progressive planning in all National Curriculum subjects.
- Covered lessons in all classes across the primary school to release teachers for PPA and leadership time.
- In the role of SENCo, supported pupils with a range of needs, working with class teachers, 1:1 staff and external agencies to ensure lessons were inclusive.
- Worked collaboratively with a range of stakeholders: governors, parents, external agencies and the wider village community.
Deputy Headteacher
Hampshire County Council
Upham, Hampshire
09.2014 - 12.2023
- Full time class teacher in a mixed Year 5/6 class responsible for planning, teaching and assessing pupils.
- English subject leader across the primary school. As part of this role, introduced new phonics scheme (Little Wandle) and ensured its effective embedding across EYFS and KS1.
- External moderator for Hampshire County Council, moderating Year 6 writing across the county and led training sessions for cluster schools around moderation.
- Responsible for writing, implementing and monitoring the school's Pupil Premium Strategy document and tracking progress of Pupil Premium children.
- School governor.
Swimming Teacher
University of Southampton
Southampton, Hampshire
01.2008 - 12.2020
- Part time swimming teacher and lifeguard.
- Responsible for planning, teaching and assessing children and adults of all ages and abilities.
- Regular training, including lifesaving and First Aid.
Year 1 Class Teacher
Southampton City Council
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2011 - 08.2014
- Year 1 class teacher for 2 years, then promoted to Year 1 leader for the third year.
- Responsible for overseeing planning, teaching and learning and assessment across the Year 1 base.
- PE subject leader across the school, responsible for increasing active minutes and quality of teaching and learning in this subject.
- Supporting EAL learners to develop their vocabulary, understanding and fluency in English.
Lifeguard
Lux Park Leisure Centre
Liskeard, Cornwall
09.2005 - 08.2007
- Ensured safety around the poolside, reminding customers of rules and performing lifesaving and First Aid when needed.
- Regular cleaning of the leisure centre site.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - National Professional Qualification for SENCo
Best Practice
UK 10.2024 -
Master of Science - Education Management and Leadership
University of Southampton
Southampton 09.2012 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Music and Management Sciences
University of Southampton
Southampton 10.2007 - 06.2010
Certificate of Higher Education - Postgraduate Certificate in Education Primary
University of Southampton
Southampton 09.2010 - 06.2011
GCSEs - Science: Double Award Grade A*A*, D&T: Resistant Materials Technology Grade A
Plymouth High School for Girls
PlymouthGCSEs - English Literature Grade A, French Grade A, German Grade A, Music Grade A, English Language Grade B
Plymouth High School for Girls
PlymouthGCSEs - Mathematics Grade A*, Geography Grade A
Plymouth High School for Girls
PlymouthA-Levels - Psychology Grade A, English Literature Grade B, Music Grade C, Critical Thinking Grade C
Plymouth High School for Girls
PlymouthA-Levels - Mathematics Grade C
Pembrokeshire College (Distance Learning)
Pembrokeshire 09.2016 - 06.2017
Certificate of Higher Education - National Professional Qualification for Headteachers
Best Practice
UK 02.2023 - 10.2024
Skills
- Strong communicator - able to work positively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Inspirational leader - able to effectively lead a team, ensuring ongoing improvements and developments with a clear vision
- Secure knowledge and understanding of National Curriculum - able to write, implement and deliver effective curriculums across subjects which are engaging, progressive and sequential
- Awareness of SEN - able to support colleagues with providing appropriate support and work collaboratively with external agencies
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding - able to ensure an organisation carries out its safeguarding duties to a high standard in order to keep children and staff safe
- Resilient and motivated - continually engaging in further research and learning to develop practice and understanding
Affiliations
- Running, cycling and swimming
- Reading and playing the piano
- Travelling
Timeline
Certificate of Higher Education - National Professional Qualification for SENCo
Best Practice
10.2024 -
Headteacher
Hampshire County Council
01.2024 - Current
Certificate of Higher Education - National Professional Qualification for Headteachers
Best Practice
02.2023 - 10.2024
A-Levels - Mathematics Grade C
Pembrokeshire College (Distance Learning)
09.2016 - 06.2017
Deputy Headteacher
Hampshire County Council
09.2014 - 12.2023
Master of Science - Education Management and Leadership
University of Southampton
09.2012 - 06.2015
Year 1 Class Teacher
Southampton City Council
09.2011 - 08.2014
Certificate of Higher Education - Postgraduate Certificate in Education Primary
University of Southampton
09.2010 - 06.2011
Swimming Teacher
University of Southampton
01.2008 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Music and Management Sciences
University of Southampton
10.2007 - 06.2010
Lifeguard
Lux Park Leisure Centre
09.2005 - 08.2007
GCSEs - Science: Double Award Grade A*A*, D&T: Resistant Materials Technology Grade A
Plymouth High School for Girls
GCSEs - English Literature Grade A, French Grade A, German Grade A, Music Grade A, English Language Grade B
Plymouth High School for Girls
GCSEs - Mathematics Grade A*, Geography Grade A
Plymouth High School for Girls
A-Levels - Psychology Grade A, English Literature Grade B, Music Grade C, Critical Thinking Grade C
Plymouth High School for Girls