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Senior Management Team

Mr Hickey

 I am Matt Hickey, Headteacher here at Highwood. I am originally from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire but I have lived in Reading ever since graduating from the Bulmershe Campus of Reading University. I never imagined that 20 years later I would be Headteacher at the closest Primary School to where it all began – it’s a small world!

I have worked in three schools prior to Highwood. Two were in Bracknell Forest - Owlsmoor and Meadow Vale Primary School and the other was in Wokingham - Whiteknights Primary School. The experience I gained at these has enabled me to have a great understanding of how to help Highwood continue to improve. My spare time is filled with playing 5 a-side football, supporting Scunthorpe United and as a father of four gorgeous girls, I seem to spend a lot of time at gymnastics, ballet and swimming. I am also on the Bulmershe Gymnastics Committee, as a way of positively contributing to the community in which I live and now work. 
 

 

Mrs Welsh 

My name is Mrs Welsh and I am one of the Deputy Headteachers                                                      at Highwood. I joined the school after working as an assistant headteacher at a school in Oxford. I have had the opportunity to work in schools in London and Dorset, as a Lead Practitioner and the Head of Key Stage 2. Health, happiness and well-being is important to me and part of my role will be supporting children, families and staff to feel the best they possibly can. I have a passion for children's literature so if you would ever like a book recommendation, please ask me! In my spare time, I enjoy running, being in the outdoors and painting for relaxation. I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone in the school community so do come and say hello, when you see me!

Mrs Parker 

I am Mrs. Parker and I am Assistant Head at Highwood and am responsible for overseeing the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. I am also a teacher in the Foundation Stage. I am passionate about providing our very youngest children with the best start to their time at Highwood. My career in education has been varied and I have been able to teach in every year group at primary level. This has given me a thorough understanding of how children progress before they make the transition to secondary school. I have also had leadership experience at another school in Wokingham where I led lower Key Stage 2.

 

Mrs Edwards 

My name is Mrs Edwards and I’m the School Business Manager at Highwood.                               I’ve worked here since 2009.   My role means I have responsibility for the school's Finances, Human Resources, Facilities and Health and Safety and Data Protection. It’s a really interesting role with lots of variety. I have a friendly and helpful team - Mrs Westall and Miss Mann at the main school office, and Mrs Andrews and Mrs Elder who support finance, senior leadership and admin across the school. We also have a very efficient and knowledgeable Site team headed by Mr Green, along with assistant caretakers Mr Windisch and Mr Rowley, who all look after our building and grounds.

I really enjoy my job, and love working at Highwood.

Mrs Garner 

Hello, I am Mrs Garner. I have been a part of the Highwood Community for a number of years as a parent, HLTA, teacher and now Acting Assistant Head for Key Stage One. I have been a qualified teacher since 2004 and love the variety that comes with meeting and working with new children and their families. Music has always been a real interest and passion of mine and I enjoy being able to run the Key Stage Two Choir. Outside of school you'll find me out walking in the fresh air and spending time wiht my family. The beach is my favourite place to be! 

 Mr Williams

Hi! I am Mr Williams and am Assistant Head at Highwood overseeing KS2 (Years 3-6). I am delighted to be joining the leadership and teaching team and look forward to meeting everyone over the course of the year.

I have many years of experience teaching across KS2 and this is my fourth year teaching in year 4. I have previous experience of leading lower key stage 2 and being the maths curriculum leader. One of my favourite parts of teaching is being able to provide the children with the tools they need to succeed as individuals and then see them grow throughout the year. Outside of teaching and the classroom I love spending time with my family. We often spend our time on the beach or just out and about getting some fresh air! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing golf and playing/watching football – although watching isn’t always enjoyable as the team I support (Leeds) aren’t that good! I also enjoy watching films. My favourite is the Pirates of the Caribbean!