Kerry Cottrell
Wantage,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in strategic planning and development, effective communication, and parental engagement. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, coupled with extensive curriculum, Early Years and SEND knowledge. Committed to fostering educational excellence and driving impactful initiatives within the academic sector.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4027
4027
years of post-secondary education
Work history
PRIMARY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Cambrian Learning Trust
Wantage, UK
04.2017 - 08.2025
- Appointed as the founding Head of a newly established primary school, which opened in September 2023 as part of an all-through (2-16) provision.
- Led on all aspects of the school's launch, including recruitment, team building, operational setup, curriculum design, and establishing a values-led school culture.
- Developed and implemented a research-informed EYFS approach for children aged 2-5 (Nursery and Reception), ensuring alignment with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and the Trust's educational vision.
- Recruited, trained, and managed a new team of early years and key stage 1 practitioners, fostering a high-performing, collaborative staff culture.
- Designed and delivered early years-specific CPD and coaching focused on high-quality interactions, child development, assessment, and safeguarding.
- Led curriculum strategy across six primary schools within the Trust, supporting subject leads in curriculum design, implementation, and assessment moderation.
- Oversaw quality assurance procedures, including learning walks, lesson observations, planning scrutiny, and pupil progress tracking.
- Managed external relationships with stakeholders, including the Local Authority, Trust leadership, parents, and inspectors, to ensure the smooth running and continuous improvement of the school.
- Prepared the school for its first year of operation, ensuring compliance with statutory safeguarding and curriculum expectations while embedding a child-centred, inclusive ethos.
- Advised clients on admission processes and strategies to enhance application success.
- Researched and maintained up-to-date knowledge of local educational institutions and curricula.
- Collaborated with families to develop tailored educational plans based on individual needs.
- Coordinated communication between schools and families to ensure smooth transitions for students.
- Guided families through the placement process, addressing concerns and providing support.
SENCO/EYFS CLASS TEACHER
Harwell Primary School
Harwell, UK
05.2015 - 04.2017
- Implemented new pupil progress trackers and support plans.
- Improved regular communication with key stakeholders.
- Increased pupil outcomes for SEND children across the school.
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER/ SENCO/ CLASS TEACHER
Stockham Primary School
Wantage, UK
09.2010 - 07.2015
- Monitored, evaluated and improved quality of teaching in from EYFS- Year 6.
- Planned, implemented and monitored a new system for SEND support.
- Lead a team of Teaching Assistants to improve outcomes for SEND children across the school.
CLASS TEACHER
St Mary's C of E Primary School
Leith, UK
09.2009 - 07.2010
- Planned, implemented and assessed according to the Curriculum of Excellence.
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshop.
Education
Masters of Educational Leadership and Management -
National College of Education
United KingdomNational Award for Special Educational Needs - undefined
Oxford Brookes University
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - undefined
Edinburgh University
BA Hons - Sociology and Early Childhood Studies
The University of the West of England
A-Levels - English, Science, Maths, Art, Geography, Design Technology, History, French, Religious Education
Bath College
Bath, Bath and North East SomersetGCSE - English, Science, Maths, Art, Geography, Design Technology, History, Religious Education
Norton Hill Secondary School
Midsomer Norton, BathSkills
- Strategic planning and development
- Effective communicator
- Parental engagement and involvement
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Curriculum knowledge
Timeline
PRIMARY HEAD OF SCHOOL
Cambrian Learning Trust
04.2017 - 08.2025
SENCO/EYFS CLASS TEACHER
Harwell Primary School
05.2015 - 04.2017
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER/ SENCO/ CLASS TEACHER
Stockham Primary School
09.2010 - 07.2015
CLASS TEACHER
St Mary's C of E Primary School
09.2009 - 07.2010
National Award for Special Educational Needs - undefined
Oxford Brookes University
Post Graduate Certificate of Education - undefined
Edinburgh University
BA Hons - Sociology and Early Childhood Studies
The University of the West of England
A-Levels - English, Science, Maths, Art, Geography, Design Technology, History, French, Religious Education
Bath College
Masters of Educational Leadership and Management -
National College of Education
GCSE - English, Science, Maths, Art, Geography, Design Technology, History, Religious Education
Norton Hill Secondary School
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