Staff

Meet our wonderful team of staff

MRS FRANCE - Headteacher

I am the Headteacher of Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School. I provide strategic leadership across the school with a strong focus on curriculum quality, inclusion and safeguarding, and I teach regularly to remain closely connected to classroom practice. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead and provide strategic oversight of SEND, RE, Collective Worship and PSHE. I also lead our wonderful School Council.

Beyond the school, I chair the Thame Partnership, working collaboratively with leaders from 13 primary schools and one secondary school to support school improvement, curriculum development and shared professional learning. I have also worked closely with the Diocese to co‑rewrite the new RE curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, coherent and underpinned by the school’s Christian vision.

I am a member of the Garsington Opera Adult Company and have developed strong links between the school and Garsington Opera, enabling pupils to participate in music workshops and subsequently attend live opera performances. These experiences enrich the curriculum and broaden pupils’ cultural understanding and aspirations. I am committed to providing an engaging and inclusive curriculum that supports pupils’ academic, personal, social and spiritual development, including learning beyond the classroom.

MRS FRENCH - School Bursar

I have worked at Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School since November 2022. As School Bursar, I work closely with the Headteacher and Governors to ensure that the school’s finances are managed carefully, transparently and responsibly. Through effective budgeting, planning and monitoring, I help ensure that resources are directed where they make the greatest difference to pupils’ learning, wellbeing and experiences. My work supports the smooth day‑to‑day running of the school and contributes to its continued growth and improvement. My normal working days are Thursday and Friday.

MRS KING - Office Administrator

I joined Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School in September 2023, having already been part of the school community since 2019 when my eldest son started Reception. With both of my boys now in Years 6 and 4, I value being part of a close‑knit school where families are known and supported. As Office Administrator, I play a key role in the daily life of the school, supporting pupils, families and staff and helping ensure that communication and organisation run smoothly. I am always happy to help and aim to provide a welcoming first point of contact for anyone visiting or contacting the school. I work 3.5 days a week (Monday, Tuesday morning, Wednesday and Friday). 

MRS HALL - Reception (Hedgehog Class) Teacher

Reception Teacher (Hedgehog Class) & Early Years Lead

I am the Class Teacher in Hedgehog Class and lead Early Years across the school. I support the delivery of a well‑sequenced Early Years curriculum that develops children’s communication, early reading, numbers and independence. I also lead Music and have secured Music Mark status for the school, supporting high‑quality music provision across all phases and I lead the school choir. I work closely with the SENCO and Teaching Assistant team to adapt teaching and support consistent, inclusive practice, including dedicating one day each week to supporting SEND provision and communication between staff. This helps to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access learning and develop curiosity, awe and confidence.

MRS OLSEN - Reception (Hedgehog Class) Teacher

Reception Teacher (Hedgehog Class) & Mathematics Lead

I am the Class Teacher in Hedgehog Class and am joint lead for Mathematics, as well as Art and Design. I work with colleagues to support clear curriculum sequencing and consistent teaching approaches across the school. I oversee assessment in my areas of responsibility and work closely with the Headteacher and Governors to provide regular updates, including contributions to the termly Teaching and Learning meetings. I adapt teaching to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can engage successfully with learning. I run an Art Enrichment club which has Art Ambassadors for each class. I am also the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and work closely with Mrs France to support the school’s strong safeguarding culture.

MRS BIGGIN - Year 1/2 (Squirrel Class) Teacher

Class Teacher – Year 1/2 (Squirrel Class) & Humanities and Eco Lead

I am the Class Teacher in Squirrel Class and the Humanities Subject Leader. I support the delivery and development of a well‑sequenced history and geography curriculum, ensuring pupils build knowledge over time. I am also the school’s Eco Lead and have worked closely with pupils to achieve Eco‑Schools and Green Tree Schools status, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility across the school. In addition, I work closely with the Early Years team to ensure continuity and a smooth transition for pupils as they move into Key Stage 1. In my classroom, I maintain high expectations and adapt teaching so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and succeed within the curriculum.

MRS HEALY - Year 3/4 (Fox Class) Teacher

Class Teacher – Year 3/4 (Fox Class) & English, MFL and PE Lead

I am the Class Teacher in Fox Class and lead English, Modern Foreign Languages and PE across the school. I work closely with colleagues to support consistent curriculum delivery and strong outcomes. In English, I plan and lead a range of enrichment activities, including World Book Day, author visits, reading and writing competitions and the school poetry slam, to promote a love of reading and writing across the school. I also run the Times Tables Rock Stars Maths Club and organise inter‑house and inter‑school sports competitions, supporting pupils’ confidence, teamwork and well‑being. In my classroom, I focus on clear explanations, strong reading and writing development, and high expectations for all pupils. I adapt teaching to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, are fully included and make progress.

MR MANNING - Year 5/6 (Owl Class) Teacher

Class Teacher – Year 5/6 (Owl Class) & Science and Design & Technology Lead

I am the Class Teacher in Owl Class and the Science and Design and Technology Subject Leader. I support the delivery of an ambitious, knowledge‑rich curriculum that prepares pupils well for secondary education and future learning. I work with colleagues to ensure learning builds securely over time. I have supported the school in achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark (PQSM) Gilt Award and lead a Science Enrichment Club, providing opportunities for pupils to deepen their curiosity, apply scientific knowledge and develop practical skills beyond the classroom. In my teaching, I maintain high expectations and adapt learning so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum and develop confidence as independent learners.

MRS HARPER - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo)

I am the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) at Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School. I am an experienced SENDCo and work part-time at Aston Rowant, alongside my SENDCo role at another local school. I work closely with the Headteacher, teaching staff and teaching assistants to ensure that pupils with SEND are identified early and supported effectively to access the curriculum and achieve their potential. I provide guidance and support to staff, coordinate provision for pupils with additional needs, and work in partnership with parents, external agencies and other professionals to promote positive outcomes for pupils.

MRS SURMAN - Teaching Assistant (Hedgehog Class)

I work full time as a Teaching Assistant in Hedgehog Class, supporting pupils’ learning throughout the school day. I provide classroom‑based support, small‑group and individual assistance to help pupils access the Early Years curriculum and develop independence and confidence. I am Paediatric First Aid trained and play a key role in supporting pupils’ safety and well‑being. I also run the school Breakfast Club each morning and the After‑School Club from Tuesday to Thursday, contributing to consistent care and a positive start and end to the school day.

MRS PILLEY - Teaching Assistant (Fox Class)

I work as a Teaching Assistant in Fox Class, supporting pupils’ learning within the classroom. I work closely with teachers to provide small‑group and individual support and to help ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum and make progress. I support pupils in developing confidence, independence and readiness to learn.

MRS ANSELL - Teaching Assistant (Fox Class)

I work as a part-time Teaching Assistant in Fox Class, supporting pupils during lessons and across the school day. I provide targeted classroom support alongside the class teacher to help pupils engage positively with learning and develop confidence as learners.

MISS BERGMEIER - Teaching Assistant (Whole School)

I work as a Teaching Assistant across the school, supporting pupils in different classes as needed. I provide flexible classroom support, including small‑group work and individual assistance, helping pupils settle confidently and access learning in a variety of settings. I hold a degree in Music from Sydney, Australia, and enjoy supporting music learning and enrichment across the school under the direction of teaching staff. I also support the school’s Breakfast Club each morning and the After‑School Club from Tuesday to Thursday, contributing to pupils’ well‑being and consistency of care across the school day.

MRS BODDY - Teaching Assistant (Squirrel Class)

I work part-time as a Teaching Assistant in Squirrel Class, supporting pupils’ learning within the classroom and during structured activities. I work alongside the class teacher to help pupils access the curriculum, develop independence and feel confident and secure at school.

I am a qualified swimming instructor and teach swimming across a number of schools within the Thame Partnership, including Aston Rowant. I also lead the school’s Wellbeing provision and run a Wellbeing Club on Wednesdays, supporting pupils’ emotional health, confidence and resilience as part of the school’s wider personal development offer.

MRS WYNDHAM-SMITH - Teaching Assistant (Owl Class)

I work as a Teaching Assistant in Owl Class, supporting pupils in Years 5 and 6 throughout the school week. I am a qualified teacher and use my experience to support high‑quality classroom practice under the direction of the class teacher. I provide classroom and small‑group support to help pupils access learning, develop independence and prepare confidently for the transition to secondary education. I also run the school Gardening Club, supporting pupils’ understanding of sustainability, teamwork and responsibility through practical, hands‑on learning.

MRS DAWN HAYES – Play Therapist

I am a trained Play Therapist and a former teacher, working at Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School on Wednesday mornings. I provide one‑to‑one and small‑group play‑based support for pupils, helping them to develop emotional understanding, resilience and strategies to support their well‑being. I work closely with the Headteacher, SENDCo and school staff to ensure my work complements the school’s pastoral and inclusion provision and supports pupils’ engagement with learning within a safe and nurturing environment.