Our School Team
Headteacher
Miss Nicole Chapman- BA (Hons) QTS
Headteacher
Hadlow Primary School is a very special place to work and I am so proud to be able to call myself a leader within this wonderful school. After several years of being a Deputy Headteacher, stepping up to Head of School in 2019 was an easy decision for me; the children, families, staff and wider community make coming to school a blessing and a privilege. Our children fly through the school gate every morning, happy and eager to learn, which is testament to the world-class team that are on site. The staff go above and beyond to ensure that every child in their care is safe, happy and valued, which in turn, leads to great progress and success for all. Every day is new and exciting and I could not see myself working anywhere else.
SENCO
Mrs Sharon Vanns - BSc (Hons) PGCE, National Award for SEN Coordination
SLT
After graduating from Plymouth with an honours degree in Geography I came to live in Kent and worked for 6 years at Hadlow College. In 1992 I completed my PGCE at the University of Greenwich and came to Hadlow Primary School the following year. I have taught in both Key Stages and now use this experience to coordinate additional support for any pupil that needs a little extra help or a different approach in their learning.
FLO
Mrs Sam Wright 
Since leaving University, I have worked primarily with children and young people starting as a Teaching Assistant in a secondary school and most recently working in Early Help in the Maidstone Children’s Centres. I have always been passionate about supporting families and children and I love the relationships I have built with the school community at Hadlow. My job is so rewarding and I love working here.
Apple Learning Team - EYFS/ Reception
Mrs Rebecca Lissenden- BSC QTS
Class Teacher
After spending a year volunteering in schools in rural East Africa in 2010, I decided to train to become a Primary School teacher. My degree in Early Childhood Studies and Psychology led me onto the path of Early Years Education. I have been teaching in Early Years now for twelve years, eight of these at Hadlow Primary School and I absolutely adore it! The progress children make during this special year is amazing and it is wonderful to be able to play a part in this. In my spare time I love to immerse myself in the great outdoors; cycling, running and walking as well as gardening and practising yoga. My weekends are normally spent with family and friends and I love hunting for bargains in charity shops and jumble sales for resources for our school. My other passion is fundraising; I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro twice and cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats, collectively raising over £150,000 for charities such as The National Autistic Society and Skill- a charity for disabled students.
Mrs Emma Chantler - BA in Media
Teaching Assistant 
I completed my degree in 2003 at Chichester University, with a BA in Media. For the past 15 years I have been working in marketing, however, having always had a passion for teaching and through experiences of bringing up my own 3 children, I decided to crossover into education. I am also a trained dancer and enjoy all things creative. I am really looking forward to adding my creative flare to every child’s learning journey.
Miss Felicity Walder
1:1 Teaching Assistant
My first role in childcare was as a nursery nurse at Barnies day nursery when I was 17, where I qualified and gained a cache level 3 diploma in childcare. I have since had 21 years experience ranging from being a crèche manager, kids activities coordinator, and a nanny. I then took a short break to have my daughter who now attends Hadlow Primary School. After volunteering in Apple class in September 2022, I was successful in becoming a 1:1 teaching assistant, and I couldn’t be happier! Being able to support children and see their progress is so rewarding, I really do love my job. Hadlow Primary School truly feels like a family.
Plum Learning Team - Year 1
Mrs Hattie McGonagle - BA (Hons) QTS
SLT/KS1 Leader / Class Teacher
I graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University in January 2013 having studied Primary Education with Modern Foreign Languages. Prior to graduating, I worked in a Special Needs Secondary school as a Teaching assistant and Teacher working with a range of children aged between 10 and 19, teaching English and Maths . I am passionate about making learning creative and fun and my main areas of interest are Maths and Computing . I have worked in many year groups at Hadlow Primary School, including Year 3, 4 and 5 and I have now been in Year 1 for a few years! I am thrilled to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team and KS1 leader as I get to work with the wonderful children and staff here at Hadlow.
Mrs Nicola Mulley
Teaching Assistant
After volunteering as a parent helper at my children’s school in Tonbridge, I progressed to working as a Teaching Assistant over 18 years ago and have 13 years experience of supporting teachers in Year 1.
I love helping children to reach their full potential in all areas of the curriculum (especially phonics and reading), providing a safe and happy place for them to thrive and the fact that every day is different within a school.
Cherry Learning Team - Year 2
Mrs Stephanie Reid- PGCE
Class Teacher
Having initially worked as a Financial Adviser, I then decided to retrain as a teacher and gained a PGCE from Goldsmith's College in 1995. As well as teaching in East London and Cage Green Primary School, I also taught in Aberdeenshire for 14 years before returning to my childhood stomping ground of Tonbridge. I love teaching because every day is different and the children never cease to amaze me and make me laugh.
Mrs Angela Worsell- BA (Hons)
Teaching Assistant
After gaining a degree in Business Studies, I initially began my career within the field of Human resources, particularly enjoying my time within the NHS. Once I'd started a family I then decided to transfer my skills to working with children. I have enjoyed being part of the team at Hadlow since 2011, covering both key stages. I am very passionate about reading and helping every child reach their full potential.
Mrs Kaitlin Regier- BScN, BEd
Class Teacher
After initially finishing a degree in Nursing, I went on to earn a Bachelor of Education. I worked as a nurse for a year, as rewarding as this was, I missed working with the wonderful, energetic and always exciting young children. I relocated from Canada to the United Kingdom to teach. I spent several years teaching, then had children of my own. After taking some time off work to spend time with my children, I was delighted to go back to education at Hadlow Primary School as a Teacher! I teach in Year 1, 2 and 6!
Oak Learning Team - Year 3
Mr Thomas Gilder BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Class Teacher
Much like Ben Solo, I was inspired to finally turn my back on the dark side: insurance (which is absolutely as dull as it sounds), for a far more enjoyable and rewarding vocation. Formerly a Chartered Insurer, I developed a real passion for supporting young people after working in the Partnerships teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and Teach First.
Mrs Debi Austin
Teaching Assistant
I have been working in KS2 (both assisting and covering classes in each year group) at Hadlow Primary School in excess of 10 years. Although my background is in administration, I have completed the NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistant course. I have a distinction in A-Level Art and am delighted that a real emphasis is placed on a creative working environment for the children. In addition to teaching French on a weekly basis in KS2 , I am particularly keen to ensure that children develop a love both of learning in general and of the rich history that is at our fingertips in Kent. I am proud to say my son attended the school.
Mrs Louise Bennett
1:1 Teaching Assistant 
I have lived in Hadlow all my life and even went to Hadlow Primary School. I have always enjoyed working with children and gained a CACHE Diploma in childcare. I then had a slight change of career into Customer Services and Travel Insurance. Once I had my two children, the passion to work with children came back. I started as a Midday Meal Supervisor in 2020 and volunteered in EYFS before becoming a 1:1 TA. I really enjoy working with Year 3 and seeing the progress the children make.
Miss Kersten Young
1:1 Teaching Assistant
One of my first roles with children was in Learning and Care Support for a young child with SEN. I went on to gain a Diploma in Child Studies and worked in a variety of different childcare settings.
A side-step in career direction, saw me qualify and work in the health and wellness industry for many years, including 12 years as a Trainer and Education Manager for a global skincare brand. I enjoyed opportunities to teach in many different locations, including as part of the HM Prisons rehabilitation programme.
After becoming a Mum of two, I decided I wanted to merge my previous careers, by working with children in an education environment. I thoroughly enjoy being part of the Hadlow School family.
Chestnut Learning Team - Year 4
Mrs Bryony O’Neill BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
I studied Education at Greenwich University, graduating in 2016. I then went to work in a school as a teaching assistant. I learnt a huge amount while I was there and fell in love with teaching. I worked in a variety of classes including reception, year 1 and year 3. I then went onto become a fully qualified teacher by completing my PGCE in 2018. I specialised in supporting special education needs within the classroom. I feel very passionately about making lessons exciting and engaging for all the children. My main areas of interest are DT, art, literacy and History. I am thrilled to be working in year 4.
Mrs Claire Rolls BA (Hons)
Teaching Assistant
I have been working as a Teaching Assistant at Hadlow since 2020, initially supporting children 1:1 and now as a class TA in year 4. I love the fact no two days are the same and there is never a dull moment working in a school! It may be a cliche, but I really am passionate about helping children be the best they can be. Literacy and supporting children to overcome barriers to learning are my main areas of interest, and I also love teaching the children French. As a mum of three, spare time can be a bit elusive, but I have recently completed my studies for the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, and I enjoy baking, reading and spending lots of time outdoors.
Mrs Rachana Chimmalagi
1:1 Teaching Assistant
I was born and raised in India and hold a Bachelor's degree in Business and Economics. I am a proud parent of two children, one of whom is a former student while the other is currently studying at Hadlow Primary School. My family and I are contentedly settled in Hadlow. During my free time, I like reading, knitting, crocheting and sketching. After several years of experience in tutoring, I decided to pursue my passion for teaching. I began volunteering, and this ultimately led me to my current career path as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant. The young innocent minds and their big ideas never fail to amaze me. It gives me immense pleasure to be part of their learning journey.
Miss Josie Cummings
1:1 Teaching Assistant
Before working at Hadlow primary school I worked in a variety of different settings but I’ve always loved working with children the most. I was working in a pharmacy before I decided to make a change and began running the after school club, Rainbows! Soon after that, I started breakfast club and then finally, I was offered a role working in Year 3 and that was when I really knew I was in the right place and I loved every second of it. I’m currently doing breakfast club, working within the school during the day and Rainbows in the evening, some may think I never go home! I love being able to engage with children of all age groups and see them grow into amazing little humans. l really enjoy my job and couldn’t be happier.
Maple Learning Team - Year 5
Mr Colin Culbreth - MAEd from the USA, E.S.O.L Teaching Endorsement, QTS
Class Teacher
Born and raised in the United States, I received a Masters degree from the University of Oregon. I taught English in South Korea for 3.5 years, and Poland for 1 before entering the UK. Since 2015, I've been teaching at Hadlow Primary School. Currently, my leadership role is to coordinate Geography in the school. Don't let the 'resting grump face' fool you; I'm very approachable and will always do whatever I can to ensure your child is safe, happy and looked after. You might be wondering how I've survived since 2012 on a vegan diet, but the answer is as simple as it is mystic... I'm secretly a wizard, filled with mighty tofu strength.
Mrs Amy Hood
Class TA/Personnel manager
I started at Hadlow Primary November 2017 as an admin assistant, in September 2018 became a 1:1 Teaching Assistant in year 2 and am now excited to be Class TA in Maple Class. I love crafts and design and studied Theatrical Media Make-up and Costume Design at Worcester. I have a keen interest in the way children learn and have studied Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) for adults and children, helping me to understand the different way in which we learn and in turn thinking of different fun ways of learning. I have a Level 3 award in Early years and Childcare and a Teaching assistant level 3 QCF AWARD. I have studied British sign language level 1, as it’s a language I have always wanted to learn.
Mrs Rachel Doyle 
1:1 Teaching Assistant
My name is Mrs Doyle and I am a 1-1 TA in year 5, I enjoy my job because I love how the children are full of passion and drive. I love to see them fill with self-accomplishment and pride when they achieve something great. I enjoy playing golf and watching films. I am a mum to a gorgeous little boy who keeps me very busy. I am obsessed with sharks and they have been my favourite fish since I was very young. I enjoy learning and I am a big kid at heart. Being a TA at Hadlow Primary is the best job I have ever had.
Rowan Learning Team - Year 6
Miss Rebecca Hooper - BMus (Hons) PGCE
SLT/ KS2 Leader / Class Teacher
I initially studied Music Performance (Opera/Vocal Studies) at the Royal Scottish Academy; as part of my musical training I became heavily involved in a number of community music projects and I also worked in a Speech Therapy unit for a number of years. It was the valuable experience of working with children, and seeing how the creative arts can develop many vital life skills, that further encouraged me to train as a teacher. I completed my PGCE (with MFL) at Canterbury Christ Church, where I qualified in 2012.
Hadlow Primary School is a unique and special place to teach, learn and grow. Having been the Year 6 teacher for many years, it is a true privilege to guide, nurture and inspire our oldest children before they head off to secondary school as confident individuals.
Mrs Michelle Hardcastle
Teaching Assistant
I have lived in the village all my life, both myself all three of my children attended the school. I started volunteering and then progressed to qualify as a NVQ level 2 Teaching Assistant in 2007. I have taken on the responsibility of improving the children's lunchtime experience. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my job and seeing the children progress throughout the years.
Mrs Collette Tomlinson
1:1 Teaching assistant
My name is Mrs. Tomlinson and I work as a 1:1. I enjoy my job as the children make me laugh with their outlook on life every day! I love how they are full of wonderful ideas and view the world in such an exciting manner. I have lots of experience with children as I am a mother to four boys myself (and I've not even turned grey yet!). My favourite animal is a hedgehog, I have hedgehog-themed everything, even cups, and plates. I have not always worked in education; I was previously a hotel manager for 10 years, but I fancied a change in life. I am very happy and excited about my new role and have had a blast so far. If you see me around try and tell me a hedgehog fact I don't already know.
Office Team
Mrs Lisa Roberts- Office Manager
I was a pupil at Hadlow Primary school a very long time ago and have worked in school admin for the past 8 years in both Primary and Secondary schools. I started at Hadlow at the beginning of 2019. I enjoy the challenge of not knowing what to expect each day and hope to make a useful addition to the Admin team in this outstanding school.
Mrs Louise Ng- Office Manager
I joined the School Office in September 2023, having worked in a secondary school Sixth Form with much bigger children! Previous to that and before my two daughters were born, I worked in London for an international hotels company and then in investment banking.
I really enjoy the variety of the school day, providing a friendly and helpful welcome and of course sharing the office with Mrs Roberts!
Mrs Cherry Headon- Finance Officer
School Caretaker
Mr Jake McHugh
Play Leaders
Mrs Kerry Hughes
Cleaning Team
Mrs Kerry Hughes
Mrs Jane Barnett
Kitchen Team
Contract Dining Company
Anita Gibson
Jemma Johnson
There are no employees at this school who earn in excess of £100k