Our Staff
Our Staff
Leadership
Miss Pearson – Interim Executive Headteacher
Miss Pearson is an experienced teacher, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and school leader. Miss Pearson has taught in a number of different school settings, including rural and village schools, and she also taught in Enfield, London, for a number of years. Over the years she has taught a variety of age ranges and led on a number of different subjects, including maths, English and ICT. Miss Pearson enjoys working with people from all areas of the school community to provide the best possible education and experiences for the pupils and is passionate for the Mortimer Schools to be the best they can be. She has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education with English Specialism from the University of Exeter.
Mrs Rook – Head of School
Mrs Rook has developed her teaching career at Mortimer St. John’s for over fifteen years, starting off as a Newly Qualified Teacher. Mrs Rook’s passion for the arts is reflected in the external rewards the school has achieved in this area. Mrs Rook is the lead for Special Educational Needs and has developed a wealth of knowledge in this area. Mrs Rook has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Art and a Post Graduate Degree in Education.
Miss Wood-Griffiths – Class Teacher
Miss Wood-Griffiths has been a class teacher at Mortimer St Mary’s since 2016. She graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Psychology from the University of Portsmouth. After completing the degree, Miss Wood-Griffiths worked as a Teaching Assistant at a primary school in Reading. She has a Post Graduate Degree in Education from the University of Reading. In 2013, Sara spent three months working at an American summer camp teaching children horse riding. This experience led Miss Wood-Griffiths to pursue a career in education.
Mrs Hutchings – Class Teacher
Mrs Hutchings has been a class teacher at Mortimer St John’s since 2011. She has a BA Hons degree from the University of Anglia and University of Redlands, California. Mrs Hutchings obtained her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Exeter, specialising in Early Years. Mrs Hutchings has taught Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and has been a subject leader for English, music, geography, history and science, over the years. With a background in music and dance, she is passionate about nurturing creativity in children and learning through play.
Mrs Sims – Class Teacher
Mrs Sims has an Education Honours Degree specialising in English from Plymouth University. Over the past 14 years, she has taught across Key Stages 1 and 2. Mrs Sims joined Mortimer St Mary’s in 2017 and is a member of the senior leadership team. As one of the English Leads across the federation, Mrs Sims is committed to fostering a love for reading and writing. She is passionate about teaching and learning and is always very eager to inspire children’s love of learning through a creative and hands-on approach. Mrs Sims is currently teaching in Y3 but is also committed to school improvement and supports students and schools in West Berkshire in her role as an ITTCo and SLE.
Teaching Staff
Mrs Rook – Head of School
Mrs Rook has developed her teaching career at Mortimer St. John’s for over fifteen years, starting off as a Newly Qualified Teacher. Mrs Rook’s passion for the arts is reflected in the external rewards the school has achieved in this area. Mrs Rook is the lead for Special Educational Needs and has developed a wealth of knowledge in this area. Mrs Rook has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Art and a Post Graduate Degree in Education.
Mrs Hutchings – Class Teacher
Mrs Hutchings has been a class teacher at Mortimer St John’s since 2011. She has a BA Hons degree from the University of Anglia and University of Redlands, California. Mrs Hutchings obtained her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Exeter, specialising in Early Years. Mrs Hutchings has taught Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and has been a subject leader for English, music, geography, history and science, over the years. With a background in music and dance, she is passionate about nurturing creativity in children and learning through play.
Mrs Pounder – Class Teacher
Mrs Pounder has a Bachelor of Science (with Hons) degree in Mathematics from Bangor University and an MSc in Medical Statistics from Southampton University. She began working in schools over 8 years ago, undertaking a range of training. Mrs Pounder successfully obtained a Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification and most recently achieved Qualified Teacher Status. Mrs Pounder’s passion for mathematics supports the children in each step of their learning. This is counteracted with her love for Arts and Crafts.
Mr Fletcher – Class Teacher
Mrs Bailey – Class Teacher
Mrs Bailey has been working with children since 2014 and has recently completed her degree in Children’s Development and Learning. She has worked in another West Berkshire primary school prior to starting at Mortimer St. John’s and as of September, will be a trainee teacher at the school. She is very much looking forward to this exciting new journey and sharing her enthusiasm for learning.
Miss Coburn – Class Teacher
Miss Coburn completed her BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Surrey. She went on to work with children under 5 in the NHS before starting work at Mortimer St. John’s as a trainee teacher. Miss Coburn has obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through the University of Reading and has developed a passion for the Early Years.
Mr Anderson – Class Teacher
Mr Anderson graduated from the University of Reading with a BA (Hons) degree, specialising in Physical Education. He joined the Mortimer team with a wealth of teaching experience gained across four previous schools, including significant experience supporting children with autism and additional behavioural needs.
Before becoming a teacher, Mr Anderson worked as both an athletics coach and a dental nurse, bringing a broad range of experiences and skills to his role in education.
Outside school, Mr Anderson enjoys running and is passionate about outdoor education. He is also a keen musician and regularly performs as a keyboard player in several musical bands.
Mrs Webb – Class Teacher
Mrs Webb has a BA Honours Degree in Primary Education with QTS from Birmingham City University. After graduating in 2010 she spent a year as a supply teacher in the Reading area and has since taught in two more schools in Reading and Wokingham. She has been a class teacher at Mortimer St Mary’s since 2016 and is currently responsible for leading PE.
Mrs Wright – Class Teacher
Mrs Wright has always had a passion for working with children and has volunteered and worked with various ages from Foundation to Year 6 over the last few years. She has a Bachelor of Science (with Hons) degree in Psychology with Sociology from the University of Leicester and completed her Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) at the University of Reading. From her studies, she developed a keen interest in child development and how best to foster children’s learning. She is very much looking forward to continuing her educational career as a teacher at Mortimer St Mary’s and, as an avid reader herself, she is also excited to share her love for this with the children at the school.
Mrs Bassford – Class Teacher
Mrs Bassford has a Geography degree from Royal Holloway University of London and also a Postgraduate Certificate of Education. Mrs Bassford has always wanted to be a teacher and whilst studying at university she enjoyed assisting in children’s parties in her spare time as well as babysitting, nannying and volunteering at Battersea Dogs Home. She has enjoyed working in year 2, 3 and 4 classrooms in various different schools and is passionate about ensuring all children have the opportunities to be the best that they can be.
Miss Read – Class Teacher
Miss Read worked as a Teaching Assistant at Mortimer St Mary’s from September 2018, until undertaking an apprenticeship as a trainee teacher in 2023. Miss Read is now qualified as a teacher and is the first year of the ECT programme. She has started this next step in teaching in year 1 at Mortimer St John’s. Miss Read is looking forward to this exciting journey ahead. Miss Read has a passion for reading and drawing and hopes that she can share this passion with the children at Mortimer St Mary’s.
Mrs Roumignac – Class Teacher
Mrs Roumignac has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology from Northampton University and gained a Post Graduate Degree in Education from Oxford Brookes University in 2002. Since then, she has worked in various schools within West Berkshire across Foundation, Key Stage 1 and 2. Mrs Roumignac has been working at St Mary’s Junior School since September 2014. Over the course of her teaching, she has been responsible for leading a wide range of subjects including art, RE, history and PSHE. Currently, she is in charge of geography and the Peer Mediators.
Miss Wood-Griffiths – Class Teacher
Miss Wood-Griffiths has been a class teacher at Mortimer St Mary’s since 2016. She graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Psychology from the University of Portsmouth. After completing the degree, Miss Wood-Griffiths worked as a Teaching Assistant at a primary school in Reading. She has a Post Graduate Degree in Education from the University of Reading. In 2013, Sara spent three months working at an American summer camp teaching children horse riding. This experience led Miss Wood-Griffiths to pursue a career in education.
Mrs Chapman – Class Teacher
Mrs Chapman has been an active member of Mortimer St John’s for 12 years. She has enjoyed working across all the year groups and loves to see the children flourish and grow. Her own 3 children attended and loved both schools too.
Mrs Chapman has a BEd degree in English and History.
Outside of school Mrs Chapman enjoys reading, walking, spending time with family, and seeing live comedy.
Mrs Sims – Class Teacher
Mrs Sims has an Education Honours Degree specialising in English from Plymouth University. Over the past 14 years, she has taught across Key Stages 1 and 2. Mrs Sims joined Mortimer St Mary’s in 2017 and is a member of the senior leadership team. As one of the English Leads across the federation, Mrs Sims is committed to fostering a love for reading and writing. She is passionate about teaching and learning and is always very eager to inspire children’s love of learning through a creative and hands-on approach. Mrs Sims is currently teaching in Y3 but is also committed to school improvement and supports students and schools in West Berkshire in her role as an ITTCo and SLE.
Miss Pearson – Interim Executive Headteacher
Miss Pearson is an experienced teacher, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and school leader. Miss Pearson has taught in a number of different school settings, including rural and village schools, and she also taught in Enfield, London, for a number of years. Over the years she has taught a variety of age ranges and led on a number of different subjects, including maths, English and ICT. Miss Pearson enjoys working with people from all areas of the school community to provide the best possible education and experiences for the pupils and is passionate for the Mortimer Schools to be the best they can be. She has a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English Literature and a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education with English Specialism from the University of Exeter.
Mrs Hopkins – Class Teacher
Mr Hannawin – Class Teacher
Mrs Roberts – Class Teacher
Mrs Roberts has a BSc Hons degree from the University of Lancaster. She has undertaken a Teaching Assistant role, before completing her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Coventry. She is now a Class Teacher at Mortimer St. John’s in Key Stage 1.
Miss Brown – Class Teacher
Miss Brown graduated from the University of Reading with a BA (Hons) with QTS in Primary Education in 2025. She completed her final teaching placement at Mortimer St Marys Juniors and is delighted to be continuing her journey here as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
Teaching Support Staff
Mrs Wallbanks – Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Mrs Bloxham – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
For the past 5 years Mrs Bloxham has been volunteering at a charity specialising in horticultural therapy for vulnerable young adults. Two of of her three children went to Mortimer St. John’s and then onto Mortimer St. Mary’s so she is very much invested in both schools. Mrs Bloxham started work at Mortimer St .John’s in September 2020 as a lunch time carer and Teaching Assistant and is really enjoying getting to know the children and working alongside staff to help make the school a happy, safe, learning environment for all.
Miss Twist – Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Miss Twist has a BA (Hons) in English and Education from Liverpool John Moores University and holds a Post Graduate Higher-level diploma in Child Psychology. She joined the team at Mortimer St. John’s in 2013 and qualified as a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) in 2016. During her time at St. John’s Miss Twist has worked across all year groups. She has a passion in supporting pupils with special educational needs including those with English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Outside of school Miss Twist enjoys running and swimming, she is also a fully qualified swim coach.
Mrs Baker-Gabb – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Baker-Gabb is delighted to have moved from the office to classroom and joined Mortimer St. John’s in September 2020. She has a background in Girlguiding and is a Brownies Leader in the village. She enjoys creating a fun learning environment where every child can develop their self-confidence and reach their full potential. Mrs Baker-Gabb has also been a firm supporter the Parents and Friends of St John’s and St Mary’s and can be found volunteering at most of the events.
Mrs Whitehouse – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Looker – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Looker has worked in the communications and oil and gas industries across a number of different roles within customer services , credit control and finance mainly for large corporate firms. While working she completed qualifications in counselling skills and theory between 2000 – 2002. In 2016 Mrs Looker was made redundant and choose to take time out to raise her children both of whom attend the local schools. On deciding to return to work she felt that an office role was no longer what she wanted. Mrs Looker is happy to be back in work to be making the move from office based roles.
Mrs Cousens – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Cousens joins Mortimer St. Mary’s in her first role working in a school. After graduating with BSc Hons in Computer Aided Product Design, Mrs Cousens worked within the engineering industry. After time out of the workplace to have her family she worked within an office administration. Following three years of being a local Cub Scout leader Mrs Cousens wanted to further her passion of educating and supporting children. MrsCousens particularly enjoys mathematics, construction and the great outdoors.
Mrs Lane – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Lane has extensive knowledge, skills and experience. Having joined Mortimer St. John’s in 2005, she continued to develop her in-depth understanding and professional knowledge when she continued in her role at Mortimer St. Mary’s in September 2008. She gained her Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification in July 2014. Mrs Lane has worked across all year groups maintaining her passion to support pupils with special educational needs and supporting them to be the best they can be.
Mrs Russell – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Miss Carter – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Miss Carter has a background in customer service, however, since becoming a mum of two boys and attending and supporting local toddler groups, as well as volunteering at her sons school she realised becoming a Teaching Assistant was the role for her! Miss Carter enjoys supporting the members of staff to create a safe happy fun place to support the children and their learning!
Miss Showering Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Miss Showering has always wanted to work in a school and has previous experience being a manager of a breakfast club and an after school club. She is delighted to be working in for The Mortimer Federation supporting the children and expanding her knowledge. In her free time Miss Showering enjoys spending time with her family.
Mrs Monahan – Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Carer
Miss Imber – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Imber joins Mortimer St. Mary’s in her first role working in a school. After a change in career, and volunteering as a parent helper at her children’s schools, she is looking forward to supporting, as well as learning alongside, the children.
Mrs Stevenson – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Miller – Teaching Assistant
Mrs Miller has been volunteering since 2015 at Mortimer St. Johns. Mrs Miller started working regularly with small groups of children at both Mortimer St. John’s and Mortimer St. Mary’s. She also ran after school book clubs for both schools. Mrs Miller is delighted to make the move from volunteer to staff.
Mrs Mullins – Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Harriss – Teaching Assistant
Mrs Harriss joins Mortimer St, Mary’s with a wealth of special needs experience and a passion for helping young people achieve their full potential. Having worked as a maternity nurse for the last 5 years she is now looking forward to supporting our children across all subjects.
Mrs Vincent – Teaching Assistant
Mrs Sidwell – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Sidwell joined in October 2020 as a Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer. She has spent time volunteering and helping at her children’s schools, where she was an active member on the PTFA. Following a move to Burghfield Common she has been looking for a change and is currently loving working within school.
Outside of school she is a keen runner and enjoys spending time with her family and cockapoo, Floss.
Mrs Clemison – Teaching Assistant & Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Bone – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Bone has a background in childcare , qualifying as a Nursery Nurse in 1995 . She worked as nanny for over 20 years with children of all ages.
After volunteering at Mortimer St. Johns during 2021 Mrs Bone joined the team as a Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer to bring her experience with children to the classroom.
Mrs Bone has two children who have attended Mortimer schools.
Mrs Kerr – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Kerr has always wanted to work with children and previously worked in a nursery setting. After having children, it made her feel more passionate about pursuing her career and working with children. In her spare time Mrs Kerr enjoys taking walks with her children, completing arts and crafts activities and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs Crawford- Teaching Assistant
Mrs Cooper – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Marks – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs McConnell – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Miss Churchill – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Miss Churchill has always wanted to work with children and decided to make a change after working to support adults for a year. Miss Chuchill is currently studying for a psychology degree and is looking forward to gaining valuable experience whilst working at Mortimer St. Mary’s. In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her son.
Pastoral Support Team
Mrs Cooper- Pastoral Lead
Mrs Cooper studied music at the University of Manchester before completing her PGCE at Reading University. She worked as a teacher in a Wokingham school for 11 years before starting her work here as the pastoral lead. She is passionate about enabling children to achieve their full potential and is looking forward to supporting children and families to help this become a reality for everyone. She has two young children who keep her very busy and she also enjoys playing the violin.
Mrs Wallbanks – ELSA(Emotional Literacy Support Assistant)
Mrs Wallbanks has a wealth of skills and experience having worked at Mortimer St. John’s since 2002. Dawn reflects the growth mindset of the staff at Mortimer St. John’s by her continued love in developing her skills and professional knowledge. In 2008 Mrs Wallbanks qualified as an HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant). Mrs Wallbanks has maintained an interest in supporting our more vulnerable children and in 2013 she gained her Certificate in the Theory and Practice in Nurture. More recently Mrs Wallbanks became a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and regularly supports our children through challenging and tricky times.
Lunchtime Support Team
Mrs Butler – Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Marks – Teaching Assistant and Lunchtime Carer
Mrs Liu – School Cook
Business
Mrs Read – School Business Manager
Mrs Read has been employed at Mortimer St. John’s since 2007, prior to this she worked in the commercial property sector. Whilst working at Mortimer St. John’s Mrs Read gained the Institute of Administrative Management Diploma in School Business Management, awarded by the National College of School Leadership. Mrs Read has a wealth of experience in business planning, finance, personnel and premises management within the school environment.
Mrs Peters – Office Manager
Mrs Peters began her career in the banking sector. Mrs Peters has developed the role of Office Manager, reflecting the increasing demands of school administration. Amongst her responsibilities she has developed the school website and has a well-deserved reputation for being friendly, approachable and always professional. Mrs Peters has been an integral part of the Mortimer St. John’s team for over eighteen years.
Mrs Mallen – Senior Administrative Officer, St Mary’s
Mrs Mallen joins Mortimer St. Mary’s with an administration background and this is her first time working within a school. Mrs Mallen has recently taken some time out from work to raise her young family in the local area. In her spare time, Mrs Mallen enjoys camping in the family campervan, making personalised crafts, walking the pet dog and socialising.
Mrs Richardson – Office Administrator
