Supporting Your Learning

We create an environment in which all students are provided with the care and support they need to flourish.

Our Head of Sixth Form, supported by a Deputy Head of Sixth Form, leads a team of tutors who are responsible for the day-to-day welfare and academic progress of their students.

Our tutors work extremely closely with their students, providing them with the guidance and feedback they need to achieve their full potential. 

Please click here to read our Study Period and Super Curriculum Activities Booklet.

 

Meet the Team

Ms. Anderson, Head of Sixth Form

Ms. Anderson joined The Downs School in 2024 as Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form. She oversees the progress, attitude, and attendance of Key Stage 5 students, as well as their preparation for life beyond Sixth Form. Previously, she served as Acting Assistant Headteacher, Head of Year, and Director of Music in an East Berkshire school. She teaches Music and serves as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

Miss N Jaqaar, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Miss Jaaqar plays a key role in supporting students through their final years, providing academic guidance, career and university advice, and pastoral care while also overseeing enrichment activities and student well-being.  She graduated from the University of Bath with a Sociology degree, but before stepping into education, she built a successful career in advertising as an Account Manager, working with global technology giants like Microsoft and Google. Miss Jaaqar returned to education and now inspires students as a Sociology teacher, joining the Sixth Form team in 2020. Beyond the classroom, she has a passion for discovering new music and enjoys live gigs.

Mrs H Corderoy, Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Corderoy joined The Downs School in 2022 as a Teacher of Design Technology and later became Assistant head of Sixth form in 2023. She oversees the School Council and House Council teams as part of the student voice within the school community and works along the sixth form team supporting our sixth form students. 

She particularly enjoys working with inspirational staff and students within sixth form who give their time, care and support to building our school community.  She studied at Arts University Plymouth, studying Fine Art, which lead onto training to become a teacher in Post-16 education at the same university.

Mrs Corderoy enjoys baking anything sweet, planning her next family holiday and also participating in monthly charity challenge events raising money for charities close to her heart. 

Mrs J Quinn, Sixth Form Administrator

Mrs. Quinn is the Sixth Form Administrator, overseeing admissions, student and parent communications, organizing Sixth Form events, and managing general office operations to ensure everything runs smoothly for over 400 students. She is also a key member of the school events team, supporting fundraising efforts throughout the year. Prior to relocating to the UK from South Africa in 2021, Mrs. Quinn worked with a provincial climbing sports team, combining her passion for people, organisation, and sports. She also brings nearly 10 years of corporate experience, having worked as a personal assistant and project coordinator for a large South African healthcare provider.

Outside of work, Mrs. Quinn enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and embarking on weekend adventures across the UK.

Mrs S Waller, UCAS Manager

Originally from Seattle, Mrs Waller came to the UK on a one-year teaching contract in Mathematics after completing their degree. Many years later, they remain based in the UK. Prior to joining The Downs School, she spent 15 years working in the NHS, including five years as IT Support Manager for Oxford University Hospitals. She now coordinates and supports students through their university application process, providing guidance on choices, deadlines, and submissions to ensure successful progression to higher education, apprenticeships or work.

All three of their children attended The Downs School before progressing to university. Outside of work, Mrs Waller is an avid cyclist who enjoys mountain biking on trails as well as spinning sessions.

Mrs P Jarrett, Student Support Manager

Mrs Jarrett joined The Downs School in 2023 as Student Support Manager and also Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Sixth Form. She helps support students with their mental health and well being  and also helps support with careers guidance. Prior to working at The Downs, she was working in North London doing interventions across many secondary schools and has a wealth of experience when dealing with vulnerable, disadvantaged and students with additional needs. Mrs Jarrett lives locally with her family and enjoys walking the Ridgeway with her boys and dog.



10Pastoral Care

We know that some of our young people may need additional pastoral care, and therefore have a full time Sixth Form Student Manager (SSM) to provide more intensive support to help students overcome particular challenges.
All members of the Sixth Form Team work closely with the SENDCO to ensure that students with special educational needs and disabilities are given the support they need to excel in their chosen courses.

Downs Promo Banner (6)Academic Support

Subjects are taught by specialist teachers who are passionate about their subjects. Our teachers challenge their students to think deeply and learn with growing confidence. 

 

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