Welcome from the Head teacher

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you all and let you know a little bit about me as Headteacher of St. Nicholas Chantry Church of England Primary School. 

My name is Rosanna, but everyone (yourselves included, I hope) calls me Ro. I live in Somerset with my partner Paul and my thirteen-year-old son William, who is the light of my life! He is now in Year 8 and I have loved watching him learn and grow. I have lived in the south west all my life, growing up in a small village on the beautiful Somerset Levels. I studied teaching at the University of Wolverhampton, achieving an Honours degree in Primary Education with Art & Music in 1999. I then worked as a teacher at St. Mary’s C of E Primary in Bridgwater for eight years, followed by Deputy Headship at Cannington C of E Primary, where I gained my National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2012.

For five years I was the Head of Nether Stowey Church of England Primary School, a village school on the edge of the Quantock Hills. Following this I  spent the past four years as the Head of Willowdown Primary and Nursery in Bridgwater, as well as working as a Primary Evidence Leader in Education for the Education Endowment Fund.  This year is my fourth year as Head of St. Nick's.

Our school school family has strong Christian values at its heart. Staff and pupils are friendly, approachable and kind. Behaviour around the school shows that pupils have a good moral compass and enjoy their learning. My core values and interests align well with those of the school. I love to paint and draw and intend to ensure creativity, as well as honesty, charitability and aspiration, form the basis of all we do as a school. I aim to bring the very best out of every single child by nurturing their character, confidence and sense of self to ensure they become successful, happy citizens of the future. 

We are very proud to have achieved academic outcomes above National in all year groups for the past three years. We are also incredibly proud to have become an OPAL Gold standard school in recognition of high quality play provision for children of all ages. We have a very strong Pupil Leadership team and ensure they play an active role in the leadership of the school. Both OFSTEd and SIAMS gave high praise at our most recent inspections, which particularly praised the Early years and Personal Development, as well as the deep care staff had for our children.

It is evident the staff here care deeply for your children as well as for one another. This is the type of school I want to lead because I make the mental health and wellbeing of all pupils, staff and families a priority in order to ensure our school is successful and thrives.  I will work with all of you and the church and local community to ensure St. Nick's continues to enjoy ongoing success in the future.

Sincerely,

Ro O’Reilly