Director of Studies and Head of Mathematics

Meet Harriet Western-Kaye

BSC (Hons) University of York; PGCE Canterbury Christ Church University; QTS

Director of Studies and Head of Mathematics

From a young age, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career working with children. I graduated from the University of York with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Social Science, specialising in children and young people. Following this, I studied for a PGCE in Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, gaining QTS and master’s credits.

My first teaching post was at St. James’ Junior School in Tunbridge Wells where I was a Year 4 Class Teacher and Lower Key Stage 2 Maths Coordinator. In 2015, I made the exciting move to London and joined the teaching team at Thomas’s, Clapham. Over six valuable years, I taught in Year 3, 4 and 5 and took on various roles including Head of Year 3 and Middle School Maths Lead.

In 2021, I eagerly accepted a position on the Senior Leadership Team as Head of Maths and Data Analysis at Ripley Court. I was eager to pass on my passion for Mathematics to the pupils through exploring mathematical concepts in the real world. During my first year at Ripley Court, I worked closely with the Director of Studies recording pupil data and undertaking analyses to encourage all groups of children to reach their potential. Further to this, I was a Year 5 Form Tutor and supported with various additional roles on the Senior Leadership Team.

In 2022, I was thrilled to be appointed as the Director of Studies. As part of the role, I monitor and evaluate the teaching, learning and assessment across the school. I thoroughly enjoy supporting pupils with their 11+ process and senior school applications and coordinating a fun and stimulating Enrichment programme for Year 3 to 6. I am responsible for organising Parents’ Evenings and Pupil Reports to ensure parents are well-informed on how their child is progressing. A strong teacher-parent relationship is essential for a positive educational journey.

I believe that children should experience a varied curriculum where they can have fun, collaborate with others, and aspire to be the best they can be. When pupils leave Ripley Court, at the end of Year 6, I hope to see kind, confident and curious children excited to move on to the next stage of their education. What I love about Ripley is seeing how many past pupils come back to help out at Open Days and catch up with old friends and teachers at the Christmas Fairs and Summer Festivals. Ripley Court really does feel like one big family!