Meet the Head

Families Education Meet the Headteacher - Ms. Christine Cook, Chandlings Prep School

Ms Christine Cook started as Headteacher at Chandlings Prep School in January 2018 having worked at the school for 12 years previously when it first opened in 1996 and described her return as ‘like coming home’.

Born in Shropshire, Ms Cook has spent parts of her life in Jamaica, Portugal and has also spent time teaching English and coaching hockey in Australia at a boys’ independent senior school.

Her first experience of working at Chandlings School came in 1996 when she began work as a class teacher and worked her way up to become director of studies. After 12 years Ms Cook left Chandlings to move to Cokethorpe School near Witney as Head of the Junior School. In January 2018 she was invited back to take the headship at Chandlings Prep and observed that whilst the facilities have grown in her time away, the school’s academic success and warm atmosphere has always remained constant.

Ms Cook kindly took time out of her busy day to answer Families Oxfordshire Magazine’s questions.

1. What and/or who inspired you to become a teacher and later a headteacher?

My mother was a primary school headteacher and my aunt was a teacher. Although I vowed to do something completely different such as being a vet or a physiotherapist, teaching must have been in my blood because I was drawn towards it and have never looked back!

2. What does being a headteacher of a school mean to you?

The real joy of being a headteacher lies in the everyday conversations and interactions with the children and staff which is great fun. No two days are ever the same. Not only do I see how the children develop from Nursery to Year 6, but I am also responsible for the direction that the school takes which is really exciting.

3. How do you think a headteacher of a school can make a real difference to an individual student?

I want to ensure that talented and caring staff provide excellent teaching and the finest opportunities for the children. This means that every child will find something that inspires them. It is also important to recognise that each child is an individual with their own interests and abilities, and take the time to get to know them.

4. What advice would you give to parents looking at private education for the first time?

Do attend Open Days but also have a personal visit which will give a slightly different perspective and you will see how staff interact with both you and your children. Ask about pastoral care and wellbeing as well as how the children are challenged and supported. Extracurricular activities are vital too so look at the breadth and range. Here at Chandlings Prep we offer over 60 clubs and activities each week ranging from horse riding to yoga to Music Technology. There is something for everyone!

5. How affected do you feel pupils have been by the COVID pandemic?

They missed their friends and online meet-ups were just not the same. Our online provision was comprehensive and they had kept up with all their subjects so academically they were in a really good place. However, we could see that some had lost confidence by not being in school and we ensured that our wellbeing programme and pastoral care addressed this. In the end the children’s wellbeing is paramount to them achieving success in other areas of school life. The positive impact of our wellbeing programme helped contribute to the recent excellent Year 6 results in the senior school entrance examinations.

6. You returned to Chandlings Prep School as Headteacher in January 2018 having previously taught here for 12 years from 1994 to 2006. What are the biggest changes that you have seen in your time away?

The development of the outdoor learning provision has really improved and is now a core component of our Strategic Plan. For the school’s 10th Anniversary we planted an avenue of trees and it was lovely to come back and see them maturing. We have also had a real focus on the creative arts with ensembles and performances now across all age groups.

7. Chandlings Prep School occupies an enviable position within 60 acres of stunning grounds just 5 miles from Oxford. Of the many outdoor activities that are on offer here (including a low ropes course in Bluebell woods!), which one is your favourite?

Our extensive grounds are amazing and within two minutes children can be in woodlands, having lessons by the lakes or enjoying class picnics under their year group trees. Gardening Club in the Market Garden is incredibly popular but the Low Ropes are always mentioned. My personal favourite is Goat Club with the children walking Fred and Frank our school pygmy goats!

8. What is your real-life superpower?

I always recognise when one of the children has had a haircut which invariably takes them by surprise!

9. Relaxing holiday or active holiday?

My perfect holiday would be three days relaxing in the sun by a pool and then doing something active. I was lucky enough to kayak in the Norwegian Fjords and would go back in a flash.

Please join us at our Open Morning on Friday 20th May to see Chandlings Prep in action and find out what makes it such a special place. Please book at www.chandlingspst.org/open-mornings