The Key People
The School Governors
The Governing Body consists of fifteen governors and a number of other associates. The governing body is made up of parents, school staff and community members, who support, challenge and scrutinise the school leadership team. They also agree the school policies, many of which can be found in this booklet.
The Chair of Governors is Sue Mason and the Vice Chairs are Isabel Handyside and David Hitchcock. If you wish to contact the governing body please do so via Julia Souter via email on jsouter@tonbridgefederation.co.uk or by telephone on 01732 353544 Ext. 279.
My Child’s Advisor & Teachers
Your child will see their Advisor every day. Advisors are responsible for supporting your child at the school and monitoring their readiness, responsibility and respectfulness. They should be your first line of communication if you have any general concerns or questions.
My Child’s Teachers
You will find these listed on their timetable and on the MyEd App. Please contact the subject teachers if you have specific questions or concerns about those lessons.
Our preferred method of contact is via email.
Key Telephone Extensions
Call the main school number (01732 353544) and then dial the extension number when prompted:
288: Penny Basson (Student Support /Lighthouse)
286: Casey Miller (Head of Year 7)
273: Natalie Nicholson (Head of Year 8)
239: Michelle Harding (Head of Year 9)
224: Claire Hickmott (Head of Year 10)
272: Cindy O'Hare (Head of Year 11)
248: Kelly Midwinter (Lead Head of Year)
227: Laura Allen (Head of Years 12 & 13)
266: English Department
231: Maths Department
263: Science Department
254: Art & Photography Department
265: PE Department
285: REAL Department
258: Humanities & Languages Department
256: Technology & Business Department
270: Performing Arts Department
235: Jeanette Ingram (Director of Safeguarding)
244: Kelly McCarthy (Attendance Manager)
230: Charlotte Martin (Parent Support)
228: Learning Support Department
240: Admin & Admissions Department
241: Finance Department
232: IT Support
275: Sarah Stewart (Business Manager / Transport)
279: Julia Souter (Examinations & Cover Manager)
280: Medical Room
Heads of Year
Every Year Group has a member of support staff who is trained to support the team of Advisors and work with individual children. They may be called upon to support students with improving achievement, attendance and conduct. Please click on the name of the HOY below to obtain their email address.
The Heads of Year are:
Year 7 - Casey Miller
Year 8 - Natalie Nicholson
Year 9 - Michelle Harding
Year 10 - Kelly Midwinter / Claire Hickmott
Year 11 - Cindy O’Hare
Sixth Form - Laura Allen
Kelly Midwinter is the Lead Head of Year.
Heads of House
Each House has a Community Leader and they are:
Angelou - Alison Hawley
Attenborough - Kristie Connor
Coe - Becky Wells
The Senior Leadership Team
Jon Barker
The Executive Principal who has strategic oversight of Hugh Christie School and Long Mead Community Primary School. His responsibilities cover both schools in areas such as Student Leadership, Gifted and Talented provision, Children’s Services, staff appointments, training and development, finance and community partnerships.
Mark Fenn
The Head of School at Hugh Christie who is in charge of the day-to-day operation of Hugh Christie including oversight of the curriculum, teaching, learning, attendance, examinations, ICT infrastructure, health & safety and conduct.
Palak Shah
The Senior Deputy Principal with overall responsibility for improving teaching, learning, assessment and the curriculum. He is also the designated Data Protection Officer (DPO). He is supported by Aimee Acton, Assistant Principal for Raising Standards and Matthew Harris, Assistant Principal for Quality of Education (QofE).
Paul Bargery
The Deputy Principal and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). He is responsible for children with additional educational needs. He is assisted by Jane Davies as SEND Core Standards Lead, Rosamund Maxwell as the Head of the Skills Centre and Jeanette Ingram, Laura Allen and Theresa Clement who are the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL's).
Justin Sheppard
The Deputy Principal for Wellbeing and the Sixth Form. He has responsibility for all aspects of pastoral care and student support. He also leads Geography and the REAL Curriculum.
Heather Swinnerton
The Deputy Principal for Years 7 to 10 and the House System. She also leads English and is responsible for improving Literacy skills across the school.
Sarah Stewart
The Federation Business Manager who has responsibility for the school budget, staff payroll and infrastructure.