Experts

Expert online advice for parents from the MyDaughter panel of experts.

Jill Cochrane

Position: Deputy Head and Head of Pre-Prep

School: St Catherine’s, Bramley

Qualifications: BEd (ord), Leicester University, CertEd, Leicester University, PGCPSE, Open University

Experience: My degree in Education was completed at Nene College in Northampton and I began my teaching career as a Reception Teacher in Nottingham. My next job took me to the heart of Cairo to the British International School for two years. After taking a career break to have my family, I taught Year One boys and girls at Barrow Hills School in Witley, Surrey where I took up the post as Head of Pre-Prep and oversaw the considerable expansion of the Pre-Prep department. I moved to a similar position at St Catherine’s, Bramley in 2001 and managed the move to a two form entry department and the building of a purpose built facility for 100 girls, Trinity Court. I was promoted as Deputy Head of the Prep School in 2009 and continue to enjoy my roles in the classroom teaching Reception, leading the Pre-Prep and contributing to the Senior Team.

Summary

Having had a poor academic start in life, I understand and am committed to children that find learning a challenge. I was fortunate enough to go to a girls’ school for my secondary education that recognised my potential and enabled me to become a rounded person. This supported my confidence to move on to be academically successful. My overriding ambition is for girls starting school in my care to enjoy coming to school, to feel safe and to have an enormous amount of fun. I aim to give each girl and her family an extraordinary start to their school career and for them to see all kinds of learning as a part of life.
I have lived in many different countries and have tackled moving hearth and home from Egypt, Indonesia, Texas, Alaska and Abu Dhabi with my husband and two sons. I often find myself supporting those families considering living and working abroad and all the challenges that can present. Still young enough to have great fun in the classroom, my considerable experience teaching children in the early years enables me to empathise with families facing the enormous challenges modern life presents.

Case studies

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