Our School Team
Executive Head Teacher- Bourne Partnership
Mr Richard Rule
I have, over the past twenty years, been involved at various levels in school leadership as a Deputy, Head or Consultant Leader- roles that have enabled me to work in schools locally, nationally and internationally. I feel very honoured and privileged to be the Executive Head Teacher of Hadlow Primary School and am very excited about what we, as a school community, can achieve over the next few years. I believe that there are no limits to learning and am passionate about ensuring that we provide the very best opportunities for the children in our care.
Head of School
Miss Nicole Chapman- BA (Hons) QTS
Head of School / Class Teacher (Y2) 
Hadlow Primary School is a very special place to work and I am so proud to be able to lead the school within my role. Becoming 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. In addition to my leadership responsibility, I maintain a teaching role so that I am able to build and sustain great relationships with every child and family during their time at Hadlow Primary. 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 in 2006, 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 building those relationships and am so excited to start my journey with Hadlow; thank you for welcoming me so warmly.
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 nine years 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
Plum Learning Team - Year 1
Miss Hattie Hawkins - 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, Maths and Spanish. I am passionate about making learning creative and fun and my main areas of interest are Maths, Computing and Art. I have worked in many year groups at Hadlow Primary School including Year 3, 4 and 5 and I have now transitioned to Year 1. I am thrilled to be KS1 leader and work with the wonderful KS1 staff.
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 10 years ago and have 7 years of experience of supporting teachers in Year 1.
I love helping children to reach their full potential in all areas of the curriculum, providing a safe and happy place for them to thrive and the fact that every day is different within a school. I look forward to being part of the team at Hadlow Primary 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 1 and seeing the progress the children make.
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- BA
1:1 Teaching Assistant
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 Teaching Assistant!
Mr Thomas Gilder BA (Hons)
Trainee 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. I am currently completing my QTS & PGCE with the University of Sussex.
Oak Learning Team - Year 3
Ms Tamsin Leigh - BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
After completing a history, politics & philosophy degree at Durham University, I spent 20 years in marketing and heritage visitor management. I then trained as a primary teacher and completed my PGCE at Masters level in 2018 at St Mary’s University, Twickenham. I was, many, many years ago, a pupil at Hadlow infants and Shipbourne juniors and now live back in Hadlow. I am passionate about empowering children in the local community to enjoy learning and to fulfil their potential. My main areas of interest are history, English, music and learning outside the classroom.
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.
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
Teaching Assistant
I graduated in 2003 with a BA(Hons) degree in Communication and Cultural Studies then spent nine years working for and then managing a small business.
When my three children were younger, I spent time volunteering in the community and decided to explore further my long-held interest in a career supporting young people. I enjoyed working as a midday supervisor at my children’s school alongside other support roles. I am excited now to be starting my career as a teaching assistant at Hadlow.
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.
Maple Learning Team - Year 5
Mr Colin Culbreth - MAEd from the USA, E.S.O.L Teaching Endorsement, QTS
Class Teacher
I’m from the United States; born, raised and trained. However, don’t hold that against me; I’ve travelled to 14 different countries and have lived in 4 of them. That’s impressive considering about 60% of Americans do not have a passport! I speak a little Spanish and have taught primary students in the US and South Korea. I have a Master’s degree in primary education and received my degree from the University of Oregon in the US.
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 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.
Rowan Learning Team - Year 6
Miss Rebecca Hooper - BMus (Hons) PGCE
SLT/ KS2 Leader / Class Teacher
Having studied Music Performance (Opera/Vocal Studies) at the Royal Scottish Academy; I then trained as a teacher at Canterbury Christ Church, where I qualified in 2012. Consequently Hadlow Primary School is my first teaching post. Due to my performance-based background, I am passionate about making learning as fun and creative as possible.
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 Rachel Doyle 
1:1 Teaching Assistant
My name is Mrs Doyle and I am a 1-1 TA in year 6, 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.
Office Team
Mrs Lisa Roberts- Assistant Administrator
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 Kay Palmer- Assistant Administrator
Mrs Cherry Headon- Finance Officer
Play Leaders
Mrs Kerry Hughes
Mrs Karen Osborne
Cleaning Team
Ambience Cleaning Company
Kitchen Team
Contract Dining Company
Anita Gibson
Jemma Johnson
There are no employees at this school who earn in excess of £100k