Senior Leadership Team
Head Teacher
Mr Jonathan Dennett
I am delighted to return to Larkmead, having been Deputy Headteacher here from 2005 to 2011 before becoming Headteacher at Fitzharrys.
I am drawn to working in and leading our local schools because of the importance of education in shaping and nurturing individual lives, enriching communities and creating bright futures.
As a parent and someone who has worked in and with Larkmead since 2005 I know the values of our happy and successful school, and the value we bring to students, staff and our community.
ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER - ATTENDANCE, BEHAVIOUR AND PASTORAL CULTURE
Mrs Tamzin Beedles-Clark
I have recently joined the Senior Leadership Team at Larkmead following 15 successful years at Fitzharrys. My focus is attendance, behaviour and pastoral culture. I am excited to help nurture and shape our Larkmead community and encourage them to embrace the opportunities that await them throughout their journey here.
I have a strong passion for Physical Education, believing that all young people benefit from the physical, mental and social aspects to enhance their wellbeing. I teach PE and have done for nearly 20 years.
I am passionate about football and in particular am a huge follower of Plymouth Argyle Football Club. I also love skiing and snowboarding and the adventures of camping with my family.
I love working within the Abingdon community and look forward to watching our young people flourish and achieve their dreams.
Assistant Head Teacher Achievement and Learning
Mr Ed Carlin
I manage the reporting, tracking and data processes in the school. I am also responsible for the induction and training of new staff and have an overview of the timetable and student options, made at the end of Year 8. I joined Larkmead School in 2014, and teach Mathematics as well as being on the Leadership Team. I love the outdoors and do a lot with the Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award group here. I am keen to take students walking, mountain biking, climbing and fire lighting whenever I get the chance
Assistant Headteacher – CPD, monitoring and partnerships
Mrs Natalie Cave
I have been Head of English at Larkmead since 2009 and love working here.
This year, I am new in post as Assistant Headteacher. I am leading on continued professional development and learning for staff to ensure our practice best meets students needs and supports their progress. I am also leading on partnerships, looking at ways working with other bodies can support Larkmead students. Monitoring the quality of teaching and learning is a key part of my role - visiting lessons and talking to students about their learning experiences - so we as teachers can learn and develop our practice.
I teach English and I am leading on reading, looking at ways we support students with their access to texts across the curriculum and encouraging a love of reading.
Assistant Head teaching and learning
Mr Richard Evans
I am responsible for Teaching and Learning in the classroom and for the training of teaching staff both in teaching and assessment. I am also responsible for aspects of curriculum design and delivery.
I teach business, computer science and economics. I joined Larkmead in 2014. I have a passion for learning and understand the importance of education, having spent 17 years in industry, before becoming a teacher. I am proud that we are able to offer a range of academic mentoring opportunities to students as part of our relationship with other schools in Abingdon, and I offer student share club as an extra-curricular activity. I really enjoy teaching want to share this passion with pupils, making Larkmead a strong learning community and helping them shape their future.
Assistant Head Teacher Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator
Ms Liz Watkins
I am responsible for the overall pastoral care and achievement of students in Key Stage 3- Years 7-9. I am also line manage the English Department and the SEND team and play a large role in ensuring that students who transition to Larkmead from primary school feel secure and valued when they begin their journey with us in Y7. I teach English and Media Studies, as well as being one of the designated safeguarding leads at school. I love working with young adults and being able to help and support them as they grow and flourish during their time at secondary school. In my spare time I enjoy walking my two dogs out in the countryside and getting stuck into a good book!