Who we are
Teaching Staff
Headteacher Mrs Katie Butler
I have been teaching for 20+ years, and I am proud to be part of a profession that develops children's learning, skills, confidence and lives. I taught in a number of schools prior to taking up headship, this included a number of leadership roles, the last being as a Deputy at a school in Ipswich with over 370 pupils. I became the Headteacher of Bawdsey CEVCP School in 2016 and the Executive Headteacher of Bawdsey and Orford CEVAP School in 2020. I have an Early Years specialism in education and a creative background before this with my degree being a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), which I have latterly extended with a Master of Arts (Hons) in education and an NPQEL qualification (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership).
I am lucky enough to have an extremely supportive family and my husband and I have two sons which keep us on our toes, 3 slightly mad black cats and a corn snake called 'Fluffy'. Living locally myself, I understand the uniqueness and beauty of our location, and I am in a privileged position to be Headteacher to both of these amazing schools.
I love the family feel of Bawdsey and Orford schools and how we can help children and their families. I am lucky enough to now lead two family and community orientated schools in Suffolk.
Mr Jacob Hogben
Starfish Class- Class 1, Years Nursery, Reception and Year 1
Mrs Helen Rankin, Vice Senior Teacher
Seahorse Class - Class 2, Years 2 & 3/ Eco School and Forest School leader
I have been working at Bawdsey School since 2005, taking the role of year 3/4 teacher in 2014. I try to create an atmosphere of care and nurturing, where every child feels valued.
My particular interest is in PE. Being active has obvious health benefits but also helps with concentration and confidence. I therefore try to deliver opportunity for activity throughout the curriculum.
I have 4 children, all of whom have attended Bawdsey School and have now moved on to high school and university. I feel that they have received a fantastic education within a caring setting during their time here, and I am proud to be part of this tradition.
Mrs Kerry Simoes
Seahorse Class - Class 2, Years 2 & 3
I have been teaching since 2000, after graduating from Homerton College, Cambridge University. I always knew I wanted to teach, and spent my first years teaching in primary and first schools in Suffolk. I then developed an interest in special needs and taught in a special secondary school. I also taught functional skills to special needs students in an inclusive 6th form college.
After my third child, I missed teaching in primary and early years and began searching for a job. I was over the moon when a post came up at Bawdsey as all of my children have flourished here. I am enjoying giving something back to Bawdsey School, after the amazing years we have spent here as a family.
Miss Emily Mee, Senior Teacher
Turtle Class - Class 3, Years 4, 5 & 6
I have been a KS2 teacher at Bawdsey Primary for five years after completing a degree in Education and Special Educational Needs and Inclusion at Bishop Grosseteste University. I relocated to Suffolk from Lincolnshire and have been warmly welcomed into the Bawdsey community. I am keen to ensure that the sense of community I feel at Bawdsey is continued into the classroom and that Class 3 is a safe, positive and caring environment for all.
For the last two years, I have been the subject lead of mathematics at Bawdsey, and I am passionate about promoting a high-quality curriculum with a mastery focus. I am also the subject lead of PSHE and RSE and believe that it is vital that we provide children with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves happy, healthy and safe, as well as to prepare them for life and work.
Mrs Jayne Head
Dolphin Class - Years 4, with selected year 5 and 6 pupils/ Music & French lead
My own love of music started at primary school and has always been my motivation for becoming a teacher as I believe every child should benefit from the creativity, imagination, and self-confidence that music can develop. I graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a music degree, before completing a PGCE in primary education with a music specialism. I returned to my home county of Suffolk to start my teaching career and have enjoyed working in middle, secondary and primary schools across the county. My favourite instrument is the flute, but I also play a bit of piano, saxophone and I love to sing! I love teaching a full range of subjects, but I particularly enjoy sharing a love of languages and the arts. I feel very proud to work for a school that is so committed to developing such a varied and exciting curriculum.
Mrs Sally Goddard
Starfish Class - Class 1, Years Nursery, Reception & 1/ Beach school leader
Having completed my PGCE specialising in Early Years, I began my teaching career at Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School in Framlingham. Since then, I have worked in a range of schools; Clifford Road, Sidegate Lane and Orwell Park Independent School. I have 3 children, 18, 15 and 12. I live in Hollesley and enjoy sports and the outdoors.
Mrs Nancy Darke
Sendco, Thrive Practitioner and teacher in Dolphins Class- Years 4 and with selected year 5 and 6 pupils.
Support Staff
Miss Natasha Lee
Bawdsey Office Manager
Mrs Kelly Backhouse
Early Years Practitioner - NNEB Nursery Nurse
After qualifying in 1996 I worked as a full time Nanny for an amazing family working with children from birth to the age of nine years. Following on from there I worked as a Teaching Assistant with children from Nursery up to Year 2.
I took a break while I cared for my two girls and returned to work in 2017 working in a small Nursery. I joined Bawdsey School in 2018 where I feel very at home. I live in Sutton but have always had close contact with family living in Bawdsey.
Mrs Becci Collins
Early Years Practitioner- Academic Mentor
My love of working with children is what brought me to working at Bawdsey Primary School. I have 12 years of experience working in various settings with children of all ages. After having a break from childcare when I had my children, I just knew that education and putting my all into helping children was where my heart was. There is no greater feeling than seeing the children I work with develop in confidence.
Outside of work I love nothing more than spending quality family time with my husband, two lovely boys and crazy chocolate lab, whether it’s days out or chilled days at home.
Mrs Hayley Berkel
Teaching Assistant.
Miss Tash Felgate
Teaching Assistant.
Mrs Diane Lincoln
Higher level Teaching Assistant and After School Club Supervisor.
Mrs Helen Cave
Teaching Assistant and Academic Mentor.
Catering
Vertas Catering
Peripatetic
Suffolk Swimming- Suffolk Schools swimming teacher
Premier Sport- Mr Lord
Woodwind Tuition
Mr Kershaw from the county music team
Premises
Vertas