Rachel O'Rourke
Guildford
Summary
Driven and ambitious secondary school teacher and Head of Year with experience in leading teams, improving performance through data-led and relationship-building strategies, and supporting the academic progress and wellbeing of young people. Recognised for strong communication, interpersonal leadership, and problem-solving skills, alongside the ability to motivate colleagues and students alike. Seeking new opportunities to apply leadership expertise, people management, and coaching skills in forward-thinking organisations both within and beyond education.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Year
Guildford County School
09.2024 - Current
- Built strong partnerships with parents and colleagues to ensure effective safeguarding and support for 185 students
- Led and supported a team of form tutors, providing guidance, training, and oversight to deliver a consistent pastoral experience across the year group
- Improved behaviour across the year group through regular monitoring, restorative approaches, and collaboration with staff and families
- Organised and delivered a successful GCSE Options process, liaising with Leadership and Heads of Departments
Teacher of English and Law
Guildford County School
09.2023 - Current
- Teacher of English, 2023-current
- Teacher of Law, 2025-current
- Managed classroom behaviour effectively by establishing clear expectations and modelling appropriate conduct to 11-18 year old students
- Recognised by Leadership for delivery of excellent English and Law lessons
- Developed strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment
- Designed and developed curriculum resources for both English and Law departments
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully
Trainee Teacher of English
Rosebery School
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Delivered high-quality English lessons to students aged 11-16
- Developed teaching practice through collaboration with colleagues and mentors
- Implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Volunteered in extra-curricular activities such as Debate Club and residential trips
English Intervention Tutor and SEN Support
Rosebery School
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Led small group instruction sessions focused on specific skill development or content reinforcement as needed by individual learners
- Monitored 30 students' progress and adjusted intervention strategies accordingly, ensuring continuous growth and development
- Served as a resource for classroom teachers seeking support or advice regarding instructional best practices for students with additional needs
- Facilitated goal-setting exercises with students, helping them establish clear, measurable objectives for their academic progress
Sales, Marketing and Operations Manager
FITNESStheory
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through swift resolution of member concerns and consistent communication with clients
- Generated leads through sales promotions and word-of-mouth
- Expanded clientele base with targeted marketing strategies such as social media campaigns and local partnerships
- Trained 3 employees on general procedures, gym rules and duties
Managerial Assistant
GreenThumb
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Enhanced supervisory and leadership abilities by working closely with manager
- Streamlined office and chemical treatment supply inventory management, reducing costs while maintaining adequate stock levels for operational efficiency
- Responded to customer requests for products and services, delivering on-site quotes to prospective clients
Style Guide Assistant
Kingfisher Plc
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Developed and produced accessible documents outlining company information
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail and time management to meet deadlines
- Collaborated with team members to ensure consistency of quality
Paralegal
Hybrid Legal
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Edited and proofread legal documents to verify accuracy
- Contributed to firm-client relationship building through professional interactions with clients during meetings or phone calls
- Assisted colleagues in professional knowledge through conducting thorough research
Education
LLB - Law
University of Southampton
Southampton, Hampshire, UK07-2018
- A Level
Rosebery Sixth Form
Epsom, Surrey, UK07-2015
- GCSE
Rosebery School
Epsom, Surrey, UK07-2013
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Strategic Planning and Organisation
- Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
- Communication and Presentation
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Time Management
- Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Head of Year
Guildford County School
09.2024 - Current
Teacher of English and Law
Guildford County School
09.2023 - Current
Trainee Teacher of English
Rosebery School
09.2022 - 08.2023
English Intervention Tutor and SEN Support
Rosebery School
12.2021 - 08.2022
Sales, Marketing and Operations Manager
FITNESStheory
04.2021 - 10.2021
Managerial Assistant
GreenThumb
07.2019 - 04.2021
Style Guide Assistant
Kingfisher Plc
09.2018 - 12.2018
Paralegal
Hybrid Legal
07.2018 - 08.2018
LLB - Law
University of Southampton
- A Level
Rosebery Sixth Form
- GCSE
Rosebery School
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