Leadership Team & Key Contacts
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| HeadteacherMr C Prosser I joined the school in January 2008 as Deputy Headteacher for Learning and teacher of Geography. I became Headteacher of The Downs School and Executive Headteacher of Compton CofE Primary School in January 2014, Beedeon CofE Primary School in 2016 and more recently was appointed Executive Headteacher of Basildon CofE Primary School which together now make up the Downland Federation.
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| Deputy Headteacher, Curriculum, Achievement and InnovationMr T Mannion I joined The Downs School in September 2023 as Deputy Headteacher. This followed nine years as a senior leader, overseeing the curriculum, in a high-performing girls’ school in Gloucester. Effective use of technology within education is a key driver for me and I have led nationally recognised EdTech initiatives across several schools. As Deputy Headteacher at The Downs School, I have responsibility for the Curriculum with a focus on curriculum development, teaching and learning and raising standards. I line manage the Associate Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning and Associate Assistant Headteacher for Timetabling and our Exams Officers. I am the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for The Downs School. |
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| Deputy Headteacher, Ethos & AchievementMr P Wilson I first joined The Downs School in 2003, initially as an English teacher. I then became a Head of Year, which I did for a number of years before becoming a Head of House in an 11-16 comprehensive in Oxfordshire. In 2012 I returned to The Downs School, first as an Assistant Headteacher and then as Deputy Headteacher. I am responsible for the pastoral system within The Downs, including behaviour, attendance and safeguarding, and line manage the Assistant Headteacher (Key Stage Three), the Assistant Headteacher (Key Stage Four), the Assistant Headteacher (Sixth Form) and the SENCO. I also line manage the English and Media and Maths and Computing faculties. |
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| Assistant Headteacher, Ethos and Achievement at Key Stage 3Mr T Sutherland I joined the school in 2023 as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for KS3 Ethos and Achievement. I am also Deputy Safeguarding Lead. I have previously worked in a West Berkshire school for 7 years with a year as Achievement and Progress leader and 5 years as Head of House. Before this I was a Head of Humanities for 2 years in a school in Hampshire. I currently oversee the progress, attitude, attendance and behaviour of key stage 3 working with the Heads of Year and Student Manager. I teach History for KS3, GCSE and A Level. |
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| Assistant Headteacher – Ethos & Achievement at Key Stage 4Miss J Duthie I joined The Downs School in 2015 as a Drama teacher as part of the Performing Arts faculty. In 2016, I became the Student Voice Leader and led the School Council for four years, within that time I led the team in the creation of the Ilsley house, naming Walcott Hall and also the implementation of a House and School Council. I have directed three school musicals since being at The Downs School: Billy Elliot, Les Miserables and The Addams Family. I have supported the Duke of Edinburgh awards for 6 years for both Bronze and Silver and have led on trips to New York and an expedition to South India. I am always leading an expedition to Borneo in July 2024. In 2020, I became Head of Year 7 and continued to lead the year group through KS3 before being appointed Assistant Headteacher, Ethos & Achievement of KS4. I am responsible for the personal development and support including attendance and behaviour across KS4. |
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| Assistant Headteacher, Wellbeing and Professional DevelopmentMrs K McDowell I joined the school in 2019 having previously worked in West Berkshire for 14 years. I have always been passionate about teacher training having mentored some outstanding teachers for over 20 years. I am responsible for the Downland Alliance Teaching school which involves Initial teacher training, School to school support and CPD and I also teach Mathematics. |
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| Head of Sixth FormMrs P Jackson I joined the school in 2011 as a teacher and from there moved on to Head of Faculty and now Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for KS3. I am Deputy Safeguarding Lead and oversee the progress, attitude, attendance and behaviour of key stage 3 working with the Heads of Year and Student Manager. I teach Economics and Business Studies at GCSE and A Level. |
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| Associate Assistant Headteacher, Teaching and Learning, CPDMiss G Winfield I joined The Downs as the Assistant Head of Maths in 2017 in charge of Key Stage 4. A few years later I took on the role of leading the Personal Development Programme (PDP) alongside my responsibilities in Maths. I then moved to leading the Mathematics and Computing Faculty before joining the Senior Leadership Team in charge of Teaching and Learning and CPD. I am responsible for the professional development of staff and help improve the quality of learning by supporting teachers in their lessons. |
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| Associate Assistant Headteacher, TimetablerMrs H Pankania I joined The Downs School in 2017 as KS4 English Coordinator after 10 years teaching in Surrey. In 2020 I was appointed the Head of the English and Media Faculty. In 2021 I shadowed the timetabling team and in 2022 I became an associate member of the school leadership team with a focus on curriculum and options. In 2023 I became an associate assistant headteacher (timetabling) and remain the Head of the English and Media Faculty. I am responsible for designing an effective timetable with a broad and balanced curriculum offer whilst supporting the HOF team. |
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| Business ManagerMiss R Brophy I joined the Downs team in December 2020, following my role as Operations Manager at a large primary school in Newbury. I support the finance, facilities, central admin, IT, cleaning and catering teams, as well as being responsible for Health and Safety across the school.
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