WELCOME TO LINSLADE SCHOOL

Those children on the SEN register will have an Individual Education Plan put in place for them. Children who already have an EHCP will have support hours allocated to them and our SENCo will work with them to make sure we have everything we can in place to meet their needs.  You may have additional calls or meetings about this before term begins.

Care plans will be written for children with medical needs, which may be a standard form we send home, or the First Aid Coordinator may call you to put together a full care plan. Children with medical needs and educational needs are highlighted to all staff so wherever they are in the school the staff member will be aware of what they need.  Asthmatic children are encouraged to carry their own named inhaler and self administer, please also send a spare to the office if possible. For safety, all other medicines should be kept in the medical room. We provide medical passes for those who may need to go to the toilet frequently and early lunch passes for those who need it – for example timing medicines with meals.

Details can be found here.

Please put your child’s name on everything!

Children are allowed to bring mobile phones to school, however, they must be switched off and placed in their bag before entering the school site.  If a mobile phone is used at school, it will be confiscated and a parent will be asked to collect this from the school office.

All items of clothing and equipment must be clearly marked with your child’s name.  If they are not, tracing losses becomes almost impossible.  We recommend the use of woven name tapes for clothing and indelible marking on other items. Please ensure these are placed in an obvious place. When found, lost property is handed in at the main school office. This should be your child’s first port of call, after having retraced their steps in an attempt to locate a lost item. Where possible, property is returned to the rightful owner. We also advise that no valuables, expensive items or large sums of money are brought to school.

All pupils must have a strong bag in which to carry their equipment to and from school.  This must be named.  School bags should be of a size that will accommodate A4 books and files.

Every pupil must have certain basic items of equipment in order to work effectively within school.  We recommend one pencil case including:

• Writing pen (blue/black)

• Pencil

• Pencil sharpener

• Rubber

• Coloured pencils

• Purple pen

• 30cm transparent ruler (marked in mm and cm and not flexible)

• Protractor

• Solid glue stick

• Non-scientific calculator clearly marked with the pupil’s name.

• WOWO pen for use on mini white boards.

• Set of highlighter pens to include pink, green, yellow and orange

• • Scissors are provided by the school.

  • Knives, including penknives, must not, on any account, be brought into school.

  • Chewing gum is not permitted.

  • Please name everything!

Children can bring a packed lunch or buy a school dinner. Our newly refurbished dining hall makes children’s dining experience bright and bold, with exciting menus and various food themes throughout the term.

We believe homework plays a vital part in reinforcing the work done in class and is one of the best ways in which pupils can learn how to become more independent learners.  Homework will always be meaningful and we expect it to be completed properly.  This requires a quiet space, a table or desk to work at and freedom from the competition of other distractions. 

Developing regular homework habits is a key area where parents/carers can make an essential contribution to their child’s progress. We will work closely with families whose child shows evidence of struggling in this area. Please contact your son/daughter’s form tutor in the first instance if you have any questions or concerns regarding homework. 

Website: https://www.linslademiddle.beds.sch.uk/

 Email: contact@linsladeac.co.uk

 Twitter: @LinsladeSchool  Facebook: Linslade School

School Policies: https://www.linslademiddle.beds.sch.uk/Policies/

Brief Profile

Mark has been involved in a variety of teaching and learning roles since leaving school, qualifying as a professional Drama teacher 18 years ago. A fantastic teacher and leader (not his words) has allowed him to support and guide pupils to reach their goals and potential; he is passionate about improving the life opportunities of  students in his care. Having worked in a variety of educational establishments in several subjects, he has developed his leadership skills alongside teaching and learning techniques. A keen interest in pastoral and safeguarding aspects have allowed him to extend his knowledge and understanding, subsequently becoming an area of interest and expertise; as a result he has been involved in a number of very complex cases. He has worked and supported a number of schools with pastoral, behavioural and attendance issues; he is thoroughly enjoying working at Linslade and Cedars for the Chiltern Learning Trust.

A very keen sportsman, a linguist, nature lover and supporter of the arts, he has 2 children also heavily involved in sports and therefore you will regularly see him and his wife on the side of a pitch/court/boundary. 

Qualifications and Experience

• NPQH 

• Masters in Education (Distinction) Bedfordshire University

• Bedfordshire SCITT award 

• BA Hons 2:1 Theatre Acting University of Leeds

• Numerous safeguarding certificates

2020 - Present: Headteacher at Cedars Upper and Linslade School

2019 - 2020: Joint Head of school - Linslade School

2009 - 2019: Associate Principal Behaviour and standards, Safeguarding Lead, Head of Year, Drama, History, PE and English teacher

2009 - 2011: Drama and English teacher Robert Bloomfield Middle school

2004 - 2007: Drama teacher and sports coach Bedford school 

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Pupil Achievement

• School improvement

• School development

• Financial management

• Governance and compliance

• School Ethos and values

• Behaviour Standards

• Policies and compliance

Hobbies and Interests

• Cooking

• Playing and watching Sport.

• Reading my favourite book is ‘to Kill a Mockingbird’ and reading sports autobiographies

• Travelling

Brief Profile

Melanie is a highly experienced educator with over twenty years of dedicated service in secondary and upper schools. Her career is marked by a consistent record of outstanding teaching and leadership, driving significant improvements in student outcomes, particularly in science and mathematics from Key Stage 3 to 5. She has a proven ability to achieve excellent results, fostering a love of learning and maximising student potential. Melanie's leadership experience spans a range of key areas, including Sixth Form leadership, enhancing teaching and learning practices, curriculum development, professional development of staff, and financial management. Most recently, she has played a vital role in overseeing the Quality of Education across Linslade and Cedars, demonstrating her commitment to school-wide improvement.  

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead

• NPQH

• PGCE in Secondary Science, University of Bedfordshire

• BSc Hons (2:1) Animal Science, Imperial College

• 22- Present: Quality of Education Lead - Cedars Upper School and Linslade School

• 2020 - 22 Deputy Headteacher, Cedars Upper School

• 2014-2020 Assistant Headteacher, Cedars Upper School

• 2009 - 2014 Assistant Headteacher, Barnfield West Academy

• 2008-2009 Animal Care Lecturer

• 2006-2008 Enrichment leader and Teacher of Science, Cardinal Newman School

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Teaching and Learning

• Provisional Development

• Standards

• Sixth Form Leadership

• Staffing and personnel

• Recruitment and retention of staff

Hobbies and Interests

Melanie cherishes spending time with her young family, enjoying holidays both at home and abroad. Active and energetic, she's a keen runner and horse rider. Whenever she finds a moment, she escapes into the world of books, with a love of reading across a range of genres.

Brief Profile

Paul has been teaching for over 20 years and has worked in 6 Middle schools in Bedfordshire, holding leadership roles in 5 of them.  Starting as PE teacher he has now taught as well as PE, Maths, English, History, Geography, Religious Education, Sociology and PSHE.  At Linslade Paul is currently working on improving the attainment and standards that are achieved by our pupils as well as increasing the opportunity for children and removing barriers that they may have to their learning.

Qualifications and Experience

• NPQH

• PGCE (Secondary),  DeMontfort University Bedford

• BA - Sports Studies with History, Sociology and Politics, DeMontfort University Bedford

2018 - Present: Assistant Headteacher, Linslade School 

2010 - 2018: Head of Year, Robert Bloomfield Academy 

2009 - 2010: Headteacher Woodside Middle School  

2006 - 2009: Deputy Headteacher Mill Vale Middle School  

2000 - 2006: Head of year, Head of PE Holywell Middle School

1997 - 2000: Robert Bruce Middle School - PE and English 

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Assessment and Standards

• Disadvantaged Children 

• Day to Day running of the school

Hobbies and Interests

• Reading books - currently working through the Bernard Cornwell Historical fiction novels and real life espionage stories from World war 2 

• Sport - Watching rugby at both Harlequins and Bedford Rugby Clubs

• Visiting castles and historic buildings

Brief Profile

Becky is a passionate and experienced educator with a background in teaching English and History across secondary and middle school settings. Her leadership experience is deeply rooted in Teaching and Learning and Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Becky is particularly focused on ensuring pupils receive the best experiences and opportunities at school through Quality First Teaching within the classroom. 

Prior to her secondment to Linslade in Easter 2025, she was the part of the Chiltern Learning Trust Central School Improvement team for two years, where she supported teaching and learning across various trust schools and provided high-quality CPD for teachers through the teaching school.  

Qualifications and Experience

• NPQSL

• Currently undertaking NPQH

• PGCE (Secondary), University of Exeter

• BA - Ancient History, University of Exeter

• Easter 2025 - present: Assistant Headteacher, Linslade School

• 2023-2025: Secondary Lead Practitioner, School Improvement Team, CLT

• 2019- 2023: Whole School Lead for Reading and English, Leighton Middle School

• 2016-2019: Head of Department, Abbeyfield School, Northampton

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Teaching and Learning

• CPD

• Outcomes

Hobbies and Interests

Outside of her professional life, Becky is a keen runner and also enjoys bouldering. 

She also enjoys reading and visiting National Trust properties with her family.  

Brief Profile

Jeremy has worked at a number of schools in a variety of leadership roles with his main focus on pastoral care. Jeremy has worked in 2 secondary schools, including Cedars Upper School in Linslade. Jeremy's previous roles include Head of Year, Head of House, School Sports Coordinator, and a safeguarding team member.

Jeremy joined Linslade Middle School in 2023. He has always been passionate about delivering high quality pastoral care and is incredibly enthusiastic about his role at the school. Jeremy's ethos is concerned with ensuring that students are recognised for their achievements and are in the best possible position to be able to learn. 

Qualifications and Experience

PGCE Secondary - Bedfordshire University BSc Hons Sports Studies - Southampton University

2023 - Present: Behaviour and Attendance- Linslade School

2022-2023: Head of Year - Cedars Upper School

2015-2022: Head of Year/Head of House - Mandeville School

2012 - 2022: School Sports Coordinator- Mandeville School

2008 - 2022: PE Teacher

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Promoting Positive Behaviour - culture and ethos

• Attendance 

• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Hobbies and Interests

• Sport - in particular football and golf

• Going to the the gym

• Spending time with family and friends

• Watching Tottenham Hotspur

Brief Profile

Cat has worked in a wide range of educational settings in a variety of leadership roles that focussed on curriculum development and pastoral care. Prior to joining Linslade Cat was Head of Sixth Form at a large secondary school in Buckinghamshire where she was instrumental in raising aspirations and expectations of pupils at Post 16.

Cat joined Linslade in 2017 as Head of Humanities when her son joined reception at  local lower school. Cat has always had an interest in SEND  and she became our SENDCo in March on the day before ‘Lockdown One’.  

Cat loves her new role and is working hard to ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to develop and succeed.

Qualifications and Experience

• PGCE Secondary - Leeds University

• BSc Hons Geography and Sports Science- Loughborough University

2020 - Present: SENDCo - Linslade School 

2017 - 2020: Head of Humanities - Linslade School 

2014 - 2017: Head of Sixth Form - Mandeville School

2012 - 2014: Head of House- Mandeville School

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• SEND provision

• Humanities faculty

Hobbies and Interests

• Running (Cat is running two marathons in 2021)

• Dressage

• Exploring the countryside

• French wine and cuisine

Brief Profile

An outstanding and creative teacher who will motivate and inspire colleagues in all aspects of teaching and learning. Emma joined Linslade School in 2010 as her second career, after ten years of working in the hospitality industry in various leadership roles. 

Emma is committed to raising standards of achievement and behaviour for every child and providing children with enriched opportunities. With a strong commitment to teamwork and the pursuit of excellence and challenge for all, she and the Key Stage 2 Team have worked hard to create an environment for children where they feel safe and happy so that their individual, group and whole class learning journeys are challenging but effective, productive and progressive. Ultimately, progress and success develops at a faster pace from motivated children who are enjoying their learning.

Alongside the Head of KS2 role, Emma now leads English for Years 5 and 6 and looks forward to creating an ethos of high expectations and achievement for all.

Qualifications and Experience

• BA Hons Primary Education, Art and Design with Qualified Teacher Status

September 2020 - Present: Head of English (KS2)  

2017 - Present: Head of KS2

2015 - 2016: Acting Head of The Arts 

2013 - 2014: NQT mentor

2010 - 2012: Teacher

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Strategic and operational leadership of KS2 Team

• English curriculum, KS2

Hobbies and Interests

• I have a busy family life with two children and a husband. When I do get any spare time I enjoy meeting up with extended family and friends.

• To ‘de-stress’ and relax I really enjoy going spinning, box fit and the gym. 

• Reading

• Theatre

• Baking

Brief Profile

Beatrix is an outstanding maths teacher and leader with a drive to achieve excellence.  She gained her teaching qualifications from studying at universities in Hungary before arriving in the UK in 2003 where she pursued her teaching career further. She has 17 years of experience as a teacher and leader in mathematics of all key stages through working in Secondary, Primary and now Middle School.  

She has an outstanding record of supporting pupils in obtaining their targeted or exceeded results in GCSE and SATs. Past experience has seen her responsible for leading teaching and learning in the maths department for several years and Leading Numeracy across the curriculum in a Secondary School. As a Lead Practitioner, part of the role was to coach teachers to deliver outstanding lessons and improve pupils’ outcome. She has been the Head of the Maths department at Linslade School for the past 5 years, an achievement she is extremely proud of. Her ethos is to lead by example.

Qualifications and Experience

• BA - Teacher of Singing and Music - Karoly Eszterhazy Teacher Training College

• BA - Teacher of Religion - Karoly Eszterhazy Teacher Training and Theological College

• Teacher of Mathematic - University of Miskolc

• Piano Musical Instrument certificate- Grade 7 

• Qualified Teacher Status - 2005 by the Chair of the General Teaching Council for England

• Outstanding Teacher Programme - OLEVI International UK

January 2015 - Present: Head of Maths - Linslade School

2013 - 2015: Leading Practitioner - Belmore Primary Academy

2010 - 2013: Numeracy Coordinator - Barnhill Community High

2005 - 2010: Member of the School Improvement Group/ Leading teaching and learning within the maths department- Barnhill Community High 

2001 - 2003: Music and Maths teacher - Hungary 

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Maths curriculum, KS2, KS3

• Outcome of pupils in Mathematics

• Numeracy across the curriculum

Hobbies and Interests

• Spending quality time with family and friends

• Enjoying country walks with my husband and our lovely dog, Ziggy

• Combat aerobic workout 

• Reading

• Fine dining and nice wine

• Listening to classical music 

• Concerts 

• City breaks

Brief Profile 

Jess has vast range of experience in safeguarding working within both social care and educational settings, which has enabled Jess to develop and build great community links with external agencies to support students and families. Jess brings a holistic view on what is best for our students to support then to reach there best outcomes both in their learning but socially and emotionally. Jess has 12 years of experience in Safeguarding, Children’s Mental health, Pastoral and Welfare and is currently our Prevent and Senior Mental Health lead for the school. Jess will continue to work with students, staff and parents to build and develop a strong culture of safeguarding within Linslade.

Qualifications and Experience

• Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Level 3 Counselling for non-counsellors

• Protective behaviours

• Triple P, Nurture programme and Supporting Families parent group facilitator

• Mental Health first aider

• Prevent

 2021 - Present: Designated Safeguarding Lead, Student support manager Linslade School

2019 - 2021: Family Centre Head, Designated safeguarding lead, Daisychain Family Centre

2015 - 2019: Senior Family support worker, Deputy designated safeguarding lead, Water Hall Primary School.

2011 - 2015: Family support worker, Early help intervention outreach officer, Central Bedfordshire Council and Children’s Centres

Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Safeguarding

• Senior Mental health Lead

• Prevent Lead

• Student Support

Hobbies and Interests

• Jess enjoys spending time with her son exploring new places when not supporting his sporting hobbies.

• Jess enjoys swimming, she swam 22miles for charity last academic year

• Jess enjoys reading and her favourite author is Colleen Hoover.

• Jess love to watch a theatre show, Lion King and Moulin Rouge are her top 2.