Staff Journeys

From the very beginning, Sam knew that a traditional office job wasn’t for him. While studying Mathematics at Loughborough University – including a year in industry at a private equity firm in the City of London, he quickly realised that his real passion lay elsewhere. “I wanted to use my maths skills to inspire others,” Sam explains. “I didn’t want to be behind a desk all day. I wanted to be active, to work with people, and to make a difference.”

That desire led him to complete his PGCE at St Mary’s University in 2016, followed by teaching roles at Christ’s School in Richmond and Raynes Park High School. It was there that his enthusiasm for teaching truly flourished.

When the opportunity arose to join Hampton Court House (HCH), Sam was immediately drawn to the school’s unique setting. Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most beautiful Royal Parks, surrounded by lakes, ponds, and green space, the school’s natural environment offered something special. “It’s an inspiring place to work,” he says. “The setting encourages learning beyond the classroom – it’s the perfect place to bring subjects like maths to life and to get involved in outdoor education through the Duke of Edinburgh Award.”

After visiting the school, Sam was struck by the atmosphere. “I could see straight away the strong relationships between staff and students, the small class sizes, and the sense of calm and community. It felt like a place where both students and teachers could thrive.” Conversations with existing staff confirmed his impressions, everyone he spoke to said HCH was a truly rewarding place to work.

Since joining as a Lower School Maths Teacher, Sam has taken on increasing levels of responsibility, including Year 11 Form Tutor and Duke of Edinburgh Manager. He credits the Senior Leadership Team and the Principal in particular for fostering a culture of support and professional growth.

“The leadership here really recognises and rewards ambition,” Sam says. “The open-door policy means you always feel heard and valued. I’ve been given so many opportunities to develop: from in-house CPD to Dukes Education conferences, which bring together experts and colleagues from across the network to collaborate and share best practice.”

These experiences have not only strengthened Sam’s teaching practice but also deepened his connection to the school community.

HCH’s culture of support and celebration extends to both students and staff. “Small class sizes mean you can really get to know every student,” Sam explains. “You can tailor lessons to individual needs, see their progress up close, and celebrate every success. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

The staff community benefits from a wide range of perks, including free lunches and parking, excellent transport links, and opportunities for travel on local, national, and international school trips. Regular staff socials and a friendly, informal culture – where everyone is on a first-name basis – create a genuine sense of belonging.

“The environment here is purposefully relaxed but professional. It builds trust and allows positive relationships to flourish. You can focus on what really matters, teaching, learning, and helping students become the best version of themselves.”

For Sam, the greatest joy comes from the relationships built with students. “They’re kind, motivated, and a pleasure to teach. We eat lunch together, share stories, and celebrate achievements. Seeing them grow from children into young adults, and then hearing from them years later about how their time at HCH shaped their journey, that’s what it’s all about.”

His career highlights include leading unforgettable trips – from watching the Northern Lights in Finland to walking along the Seine in Paris. “At HCH, it’s not just the students who gain new experiences. Teachers are always learning too, developing cultural literacy and enjoying opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.”

Sam hopes to continue progressing in his career at HCH while remaining in the classroom,  where his passion lies. “I want to keep inspiring students to enjoy maths, to challenge themselves, and to love learning. I’d like to take on further responsibility, but my goal will always be to stay connected to teaching – that’s where the magic happens.”

He believes Hampton Court House is a place where everyone, students and staff alike, can flourish. “It’s a school where people are celebrated as individuals, where passion and creativity are encouraged, and where every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow.” When asked what drives him, Sam’s answer is simple: “It’s those little moments, when a student finally understands something they’ve struggled with or exceeds their own expectations. Those moments are why I love what I do.”

For anyone considering a career at Hampton Court House, Sam’s advice is clear: “You won’t find another school quite like it. The setting, the community, the support, and the students make it truly special. It’s a place where you can hone your craft, be inspired every day, and make a real difference.”

For Eve, teaching has never been a career choice so much as a constant thread running through her life. “I have always taught,” she says simply. From facilitating mural projects for adults with acquired brain injuries while still at school, to leading creative workshops for organisations as varied as the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the National Museum of Scotland and HM Prison Saughton, Eve’s instinct to educate through creativity has always been there.

“When I had children and was looking for a change of career, teaching was the one constant I had an enormous yearning to get back to.” Living locally, Eve had heard about Hampton Court House as an “amazing, creative school, right on my doorstep” and began to imagine a role that might allow her to balance family life with her passion for education. A missed application deadline could have ended the story there, but a hopeful email to the then Head of Art proved decisive. “It felt like fate,” Eve recalls. “Miraculously, it worked – and suddenly I was in.”

Eve’s own school experience mirrors much of what she values at HCH today. Educated at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, a ‘right-through’ school like Hampton Court House, she credits an inspirational Head of Art with shaping her future. “He was such an important influence on my life that I named my son Gil partly in tribute to him.” She went on to study Illustration with Animation at Edinburgh College of Art, completing a postgraduate diploma in Animation before building a successful portfolio career delivering workshops alongside part-time roles, including work at the Royal Blind School supporting physically disabled blind children. “That was an enormously rewarding job,” she says, “and one that taught me so much about empathy and adaptability in the classroom.”

After returning to study for an MSc in Electronic Imaging – graduating with a BAFTA-nominated film shown internationally – Eve moved to London and joined the BBC, eventually working her way up to editor. Yet even then, education kept calling. “The children’s department was always my favourite. I guess that urge to educate was surfacing again.”

Joining Hampton Court House as Art Technician proved to be a turning point. “HCH felt like a lifeline to a new way of working,” Eve explains. “I was encouraged to consider building a career here and was made to feel like a valued member of the HCH family from the very beginning.” Within two years she was promoted to Head of Art. “It did feel like being dropped in at the deep end,” she admits, “but it was the most incredible opportunity.”

What stands out for Eve is the trust and professional generosity she has experienced at HCH. “It has always felt like a supportive environment – a safe space without judgement where I have thrived and found my teaching voice.” She speaks warmly of colleagues who are “incredibly generous with their time and knowledge” and of a culture where learning is continuous. “It’s fundamental to job satisfaction, particularly as a teacher, to feel like you are constantly learning and pushing yourself.”

Creative freedom is another defining benefit. “The best thing about working at HCH is the ability to be genuinely creative in my teaching. I try to approach the curriculum in a new way each time I teach it.” The school’s first-name culture also plays a powerful role. “It creates a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where open discussion is encouraged and students’ contributions feel integral to the learning.”

Eve has fully embraced the professional development opportunities on offer, particularly through Duke’s Learning Hub. “I really enjoyed Teach Like a Champion and the LAMS course,” she says. “A career at HCH offers you the chance to develop your teaching practice in exciting ways, alongside inspiring teachers from a wide range of backgrounds.”

And then there is the setting. “I am incredibly fortunate to have the best commute in London,” Eve smiles. Each day she walks across Bushy Park, often spotting heron and wild deer on her way to school. “It’s a moment of calm before the day begins.”

At the heart of Eve’s work is a simple aim: “Like any teacher, I want to instil a lifelong love of my subject.” Whether students go on to practise art or simply appreciate it, she believes its value endures. “If it carries on enriching their lives, I’ll be happy.” Nothing confirms this more than seeing former pupils return. “It’s so lovely to reconnect with them and listen proudly to all they’ve achieved.”

Looking across the department she has helped shape, Eve reflects with pride. “I genuinely believe that HCH is a unique educational experience, personal to each student.” The portfolios produced by her students, she says, are “completely idiosyncratic – they speak to each student’s passion and individuality.” For Eve, that individuality, nurtured within a supportive and creative community, is exactly what makes Hampton Court House such a special place to work.

Janak’s professional journey is rooted in a deep personal commitment to wellbeing, balance, and long-term personal development. After losing his father in 2000, he devoted himself to understanding health and resilience, spending eight years in the fitness and wellbeing sector supporting individuals in demanding environments including HM Treasury and the Royal Courts of Justice. Alongside this, he pursued his passion for creativity, completing a Fine Art: Sculpture degree at Chelsea College of Art and Design and exhibiting his work across London.

His work with professionals navigating high-pressure careers led to a crucial realisation: positive habits and strong personal foundations must begin early. Motivated by this, Janak transitioned into education, driven by a desire to give young people the tools, support, and environment they need to thrive.

Joining Hampton Court House

Janak joined Hampton Court House (HCH) as a sports teaching assistant, drawn to the school’s welcoming ethos, its emphasis on mutual respect, and its commitment to nurturing students as individuals. From his first interactions with the Principal and senior team, he felt trusted and encouraged. That early confidence in his potential helped shape his belief that HCH was a place where both staff and students could flourish.

A Culture of Genuine Support

During his time at HCH, Janak has been consistently supported by senior leaders, colleagues and the school’s HR team. Regular meetings with the Principal helped him develop his vision for sport across the school, reflect on his practice, and prepare for leadership roles. The open-door culture ensured he always felt respected and listened to, while HR provided thoughtful support during both professional and personal challenges.

HCH has also invested significantly in his professional development, supporting his PGCE, the Dukes ECT programme, and the Leadership & Management Skills Programme (LAMS). A placement at Radnor House further expanded his leadership experience and broadened his understanding of whole-school systems across the Dukes Education family.

Career Progression and Leadership

Janak’s trajectory is a strong example of the trust, opportunity and progression available at HCH. From teaching assistant, he has grown through several roles:

• Teacher of Sport
• Head of Boys’ Sport
• Director of Sport
• Head of Senior (Upper School: Years 10–11)

Each step reflects both his dedication and the school’s willingness to invest in staff who show initiative, curiosity and care.

Why HCH Is an Exceptional Place to Work

For Janak, the value of HCH lies in its culture: small class sizes that enable meaningful connections, a staff body who collaborate deeply, and a leadership team who trust their teachers to innovate and grow. Students benefit from the same ethos — they are known as individuals, celebrated for their strengths, and supported to develop into confident, compassionate young adults.

“What makes Hampton Court House so special is its people. As a member of staff, you are supported, trusted, and encouraged to grow — not just in your role, but as a person. Senior leaders genuinely listen, colleagues collaborate openly, and the school invests in professional development at every stage. And for students, it is a truly exceptional place to learn: small classes, a nurturing environment, strong pastoral care, and a culture that celebrates individuality mean they feel known, valued and inspired to aim high. HCH is a community where both staff and pupils can discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and become the best version of themselves.”

Ellie was inspired to pursue a career in education by exceptional Performing Arts teachers who nurtured creativity and opened doors to a wide range of opportunities. After gaining experience as a professional performer, Ellie was motivated to become the kind of teacher who identifies and cultivates students’ talents, guiding them towards meaningful and ambitious goals.

Following A Levels, Ellie trained in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College, earning a Diploma before joining the original cast of Jackie the Musical for its premiere run in Scotland. Subsequent professional engagements further developed Ellie’s understanding of the performing arts industry, experience that now informs their approach to teaching and mentoring young performers. Seeking to combine practical expertise with academic rigour, Ellie completed a PGCE with QTS at the Royal Academy of Dance, specialising in Secondary Dance Education.

In a previous role at a Surrey secondary school, Ellie taught KS3 Performing Arts, GCSE and A Level Dance, Drama, and Music. During the pandemic, inspired by the work of Place2Be, Ellie undertook an MSc in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health, leading to additional responsibilities as Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead and Head of PSHE. After nine fulfilling years, Ellie joined Hampton Court House as Director of Performing Arts, eager to bring fresh creative energy and a holistic approach to arts education.

“From my first day at Hampton Court House, I was struck by the warmth and professionalism of both staff and students. The sense of community was immediately evident, and I felt supported and valued from the outset. That collegial atmosphere has allowed me to settle quickly and focus on contributing to the school’s rich and vibrant Performing Arts provision. Even the small details — such as sharing lunch with colleagues and students each day — reflect the school’s commitment to wellbeing and community.”

The distinctive environment of Hampton Court House – where academic ambition meets artistic innovation – provides an inspiring setting for developing new teaching methods and creative projects. The students’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to engage deeply with their studies make the school a dynamic place to teach and learn.

As Director of Performing Arts, Ellie is dedicated to expanding the department’s breadth and visibility, ensuring that every student has access to exceptional opportunities to perform, collaborate, and grow. With a focus on excellence, creativity, and wellbeing, Ellie aims to see Hampton Court House recognised as a leading centre for the performing arts, known for producing confident, expressive, and accomplished young artists.

“It is a privilege to teach in an environment where students are so genuinely invested in their education,” Ellie reflects. “Their passion and commitment make every day deeply rewarding.”

Tom joined Hampton Court House in 2015 and has been an integral part of the history and politics department ever since. With a career that spans teaching in schools across Wales, London, Spain, and South Korea, Tom brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to his role.

Tom was drawn to teaching because he believes in the power of education to shape not just knowledge, but confidence, character, and opportunity. “I’m motivated by working with young people at a formative stage in their lives and helping them develop the skills, curiosity and self-belief they need to succeed both academically and personally,” he explains. For Tom, teaching combines intellectual challenge with human connection, allowing him to make ideas accessible, encourage critical thinking, and support students as individuals—especially when something finally clicks for them. His own passion for history and politics also fits perfectly with his role in the classroom.

After completing A-levels in politics, history, and sociology at Kingston College, Tom studied history at Swansea University. He then taught English and history in Spain and South Korea before spending some time in the media industry. His commitment to education brought him back to teaching, completing a PGCE and gaining experience in secondary schools in Wales and London. In 2015, he joined HCH, drawn to its intimate environment and ethos of placing the child at the centre of everything. The school’s balance of academic ambition with warmth, creativity, and respect resonated deeply with him.

From the start, Tom received strong support from his line manager, helping him settle into the school community. HCH has also provided him with numerous professional development opportunities, including funding his MA in history through the University of Birkbeck and supporting participation in external training events. He is currently completing the Dukes LAMS programme, which is enhancing his leadership skills and expanding his professional network. With this support, Tom progressed from teacher to Head of Department, and more recently to Head of Faculty.

One of his career highlights at HCH was organising the GCSE and A-level history trip to Berlin. Seeing students engage with historical sites and the difference it made to their understanding and enthusiasm for the subject was an unforgettable experience. He values the relationships he has built with both colleagues and students, describing HCH as a friendly and supportive environment where staff are trusted, encouraged, and empowered to contribute ideas and develop their practice.

Tom recommends HCH to teachers who want to make a meaningful impact. The school fosters a collaborative, reflective culture that balances high academic expectations with care, creativity, and wellbeing. Students feel safe, respected, and inspired, and teachers are able to do their best work while feeling valued. Tom is happy in his current role but remains open to future professional development, confident that his role will continue to evolve as he continues to support students and contribute to the school community.