Philippa Ratcliffe
Bury St Edmunds,Suffolk
Summary
Class Teacher with 16 years of experience delivering high-quality education and support for KS1 and KS2 pupils. Proven ability to foster a safe and engaging learning environment. Strong communication skills and effective team collaboration. Committed to ensuring educational excellence for all students.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
25
25
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Class teacher
Wickhambrook Primary Academy
Wickhambrook, Newmarket, Suffolk
06.2020 - 08.2025
- Throughout my time at the school, I delivered engaging and inclusive lessons across Years 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, including successfully job sharing a Year 3, 5 and 6 class.
- As the subject leader for both Art and Maths, I developed and implemented curriculum plans that inspired creativity and deepened understanding across the school.
- I also led a range of whole-school initiatives, including art festivals, clubs, assemblies, parent workshops, and educational trips, fostering a strong sense of community and enrichment.
- As an ECT mentor, I supported early-career teachers with guidance and practical strategies. My role involved collaborative planning, preparing, teaching, and assessing lessons tailored to individual needs, with a focus on scaffolding tasks to both support and challenge learners.
- I also directed Teaching Assistants to effectively support pupils with additional needs, helping to create an inclusive and purposeful learning environment.
Assistant headteacher
Houldsworth Valley Primary Academy
Newmarket, Suffolk
09.2012 - 08.2021
- During my time at the school, I embraced a wide range of responsibilities that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I led Maths, PE, and Music across the school, developing engaging and inclusive curriculums in each area.
- Assisted in organising school trips, providing pupils with enriching experiences outside the classroom.
- As a committed NQT mentor, I supported early-career teachers with care and guidance, helping them establish strong foundations in their teaching practice.
- My classroom experience spanned Years 1 to 5, giving me a broad and deep understanding of the primary curriculum and the developmental needs of children at different stages.
- I spent four years as Key Stage 1 Leader, during which I led a dedicated team with a focus on high standards and collaborative working. This leadership experience led to my promotion to Assistant Headteacher, where I continued to contribute to whole-school improvement and strategic planning.
Class Teacher
St Margaret's C of E Primary School
Crawley, West Sussex
09.2009 - 08.2012
- As a Year 4 teacher, I worked closely with colleagues to plan and deliver creative, engaging lessons that supported pupils' progress and enthusiasm for learning.
- In addition to my classroom role, I co-led Music and PE across the school, contributing to a vibrant and well-rounded curriculum.
- I also took an active role in enrichment activities, including leading the school choir and gymnastics club, and supporting the organisation of trips and residentials. These experiences allowed me to help create a dynamic, inclusive school environment where children could thrive both academically and personally.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Plymouth
Plymouth 09.2005 - 06.2009
A-Levels - Psychology
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead 09.2003 - 08.2005
A-Levels - English Language
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2003 - 08.2005
A-Levels - Sports Studies
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2003 - 08.2005
GCSEs - Maths
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - English Language
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - English Literature
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Science Double Award
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Textiles
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Religious Education (Full course)
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Religious Education (Short course)
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - French
Sackville Community College
East Grinstead, West Sussex 09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Music
Sackville Community College
East GrinsteadSkills
- Teaching Years 1-6
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Positive behaviour strategies
- Team collaboration
- Time management
Affiliations
- Yoga
- Baking
- Gardening
- Long walks
- Travelling
- Sewing
- Music
- Spending time with family and friends
Timeline
Class teacher
Wickhambrook Primary Academy
06.2020 - 08.2025
Assistant headteacher
Houldsworth Valley Primary Academy
09.2012 - 08.2021
Class Teacher
St Margaret's C of E Primary School
09.2009 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Education - Primary Education
University of Plymouth
09.2005 - 06.2009
A-Levels - Psychology
Sackville Community College
09.2003 - 08.2005
A-Levels - English Language
Sackville Community College
09.2003 - 08.2005
A-Levels - Sports Studies
Sackville Community College
09.2003 - 08.2005
GCSEs - Maths
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - English Language
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - English Literature
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Science Double Award
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Textiles
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Religious Education (Full course)
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Religious Education (Short course)
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - French
Sackville Community College
09.2001 - 08.2003
GCSEs - Music
Sackville Community College
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