Holly Mundy  

Acting Assistant Head Teacher, Year 6 Class Teacher, Hagbourne Primary School  

Holly joined Hagbourne CofE Primary school in 2018 and has progressed from being a NQT to leading the school’s writing curriculum and being part of the wider SLT since this time. She is also the PE lead and ECT mentor at the school.  

My connection to the school began long before my teaching career. From the age of 16, I volunteered at Hagbourne and quickly recognised it as a welcoming and inspiring environment. After completing my teacher training, I was fortunate to secure a role at the school - something I still think of as fate. Since joining, I have benefited from strong networking opportunities and support from colleagues across the wider Ridgeway Education Trust. This collaboration has enabled me to develop the writing curriculum and refine approaches that best suit the needs of our pupils. 

Through my experience within the trust, I have developed a clear understanding of effective leadership. I have learned that communication is key, that it’s important to ensure decisions are purposeful and understood, and that we must remain adaptable in an ever-changing educational landscape. Leadership, to me, is embedded in the trust’s ethos.   

What I value most about working at Hagbourne CofE Primary School is its unwavering focus on children. Every decision we make is centred on what is best for them. I also value our staff team - we achieve what we do because of each other. The school’s culture is warm, welcoming, and full of community spirit, making it a place that is truly hard to leave. 

 

Caroline Dendy 

Reception teacher at Hagbourne CofE Primary School  

As well as being Reception teacher, Caroline is EYFS and Reading and Phonics Lead at Hagbourne CofE Primary School.  

I hoped that one of the benefits of Hagbourne CofE Primary School joining Ridgeway Education Trust would be the opportunity to get involved in more high quality CPD opportunities - and I was correct!  As a small primary school, my new role as EYFS and Reading lead was quite challenging. Once the Primary Director was appointed, networks were quickly established for all leaders and suddenly, I had connected with other professionals of varied and rich experiences. Such meetings continue half-termly, boosting not only my skills but my confidence knowing I am ‘doing the right things’. Leadership really is part of the DNA of the trust. What I have learnt about leadership during my time working in RET is that everyone is a leader in some form, and that good leaders are supportive and help you grow within your role so that, over time, it feels natural to take on additional responsibility.  

I love my job because of the children and my colleagues. Additionally, I like making a difference and having a positive impact on my pupils and their families. Since joining RET our school family has expanded, creating additional opportunities to visit and learn from other trust schools - including DGS where both of my daughters attend which is a lovely feeling. Every day is different and no matter what, I know I have the support of my own school as well as those in the trust. I am not alone and truly grateful.