Sarah-Jane Lewis,

Deputy Headteacher, Hagbourne CofE Primary School and Lead Mentor for the RET SCITT

Sarah-Jane joined Hagbourne in 2006 and has progressed from Newly Qualified Teacher to Deputy Headteacher during this time. She currently holds additional leadership roles, including Designated Safeguarding Lead, Maths Lead, Pupil Premium Lead, and Attendance Lead.

Since joining the school, I have gained experience teaching across all year groups and have undertaken a wide range of subject and leadership responsibilities. I have completed specialist training as a Teaching for Mastery Specialist with the BBO Maths Hub, including achieving School Development Lead and Professional Development Lead accreditations, and currently serve as Lead Mentor for the Trust SCITT programme. I have benefitted from a broad range of high‑quality professional development, which has supported my work at Hagbourne, across the trust, and in collaboration with schools throughout the region as part of my Maths Hub role.

Leadership really is part of the DNA of the trust. I have learnt that effective leadership is rooted in strong relationships, clear values, and collaboration. It involves listening carefully, being visible and consistent, and making thoughtful decisions that keep children’s best interests at the centre of everything we do. Working across the trust has reinforced the importance of shared accountability, learning from others, and balancing autonomy with consistent expectations, whilst also recognising that sustainable leadership depends on developing and empowering others. Overall, my experience has shaped my understanding of leadership as a moral and collective endeavour focused on long‑term improvement, inclusion, and impact.

I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference to children’s lives every day and to be part of a team that genuinely cares about learning, wellbeing, and personal growth. What I enjoy most about working at Hagbourne CofE Primary School is the strong sense of community, where children, staff, and families work together in a supportive and nurturing environment, and where children are truly known and valued as individuals to ‘be the best they can be’.  I would describe the culture at the school as caring, inclusive, and reflective, with high expectations balanced by kindness, collaboration, and a clear commitment to our Christian values of care, courage, respect and responsibility. I am most proud of the progress our pupils make, both academically and personally, and the way the school team works together to support every child to thrive.

 

Holly Mundy  

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.