Deb is a graduate of Oxford University, Culham College of Education, and took up her first teaching appointment, in Art, at The Warriner School, and then, in Drama and Dance, at Banbury School, Oxfordshire.

This began her journey in Arts’ Education and ensuing collaborations which shared creative pedagogy throughout the schools, businesses and communities she has worked with since.

It has always been Deb's firm belief that the Arts develop individuals who are creative, confident and of the community.

She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in America and was appointed Theatre and Arts’ in Education Consultant for Michigan State, working in Middle, Junior High and High Schools in Northville, Novi and Livonia, Michigan.

She was invited to Mereway Upper School to introduce Drama, at all levels, and soon became Head of Drama after building a strong and successful department.

She was consequently appointed Head of Expressive Arts, leading a Faculty of subjects including Drama, Art, Textiles, Photography, Music and, eventually Dance. This soon became a high achieving faculty, and after a successful application and designation of the school to become a Specialist College in the Arts, Deb was appointed Director of the Arts College and Assistant Headteacher,

This role focussed on raising aspirations, confidences, progress and attainment in, not only, students and young people, but the staff, senior management teams, parents, governors and partner schools and community groups, through a shared vision and use of Creative means and transferable skills inherent in all the Arts’.

Deborah has extensive experience and is trained in many aspects of the Arts, including Forum Theatre, Conflict resolution, Drama, Dance, Art, Backstage Set Design and Management, and Costume/Make-up.

She studied at Oxford University and is a fully qualified teacher of the Performing and Visual Arts.

Deborah was a Theatre Consultant in Michigan, USA and is a Fulbright Scholar.

As the Director of a Visual and Performing Arts' College she shared and developed a creative pedagogy throughout the curriculum and management. She also runs conferences, as a Primary and Secondary School lead, in Change Management and Creative learning.

Deb has knowledge and experience of the Butterfly Model and the work of Undiscovered Country. It is with this understanding and vision that she is a Secondary School Lead Associate of Undiscovered Country. She has particular strengths and experience in supporting and enhancing transitional stages in schools and business,

She has a building named after her, The Thompson Theatre, and the testimonial mentions;

‘Deb's dedication and commitment to the Arts Education and experiences of countless young people, their parents and families, will continue to inspire future generations.’