Leadership Team
Head of School (Mondays – Thursdays) – Mr Andy Wright
Senior Teacher/Head of School (Fridays) – Mrs Sarah Vail
Executive Headteacher – Mr Matt Barge
Mr Andy Wright
Mr Wright
I joined the school in January 2025 and feel very fortunate to have joined the team at Shillingstone. The staff and community are very warm and welcoming, and it is clear to see that this ethos has helped the children flourish. This is my first Head of School post; however, I have 15 years of experience in teaching and working in Primary schools. I started my career in Bath before moving to Scotland due to my wife’s work as a doctor. We stayed for 8 years, living both in inner city Edinburgh and the rural Highlands. We have now settled in Dorchester (close to my native Devon) where we live with our two young children. During my time as a teacher, I’ve worked in a variety of settings, from very large, inner-city schools to a tiny one room school on the shores of Loch Ness. In my experience, children (wherever they live) are very similar. With kindness, care and understanding, they will grow in confidence and ability. In any spare time, I enjoy cycling and walking and if I’m very lucky, snowboarding. I currently play hockey for Weymouth hockey club.
Class Teachers
Desert Class – Mrs Sarah Vail
Mrs Vail
I joined Shillingstone Primary in September 2008 and thoroughly enjoy my job. I joined the Governors in Spring 2010 and I have been part of the Senior Leadership team since September 2010. I am currently teaching Year 6, in Desert Class. In school, I am also responsible for leading Numeracy, co-ordinating Educational Visits, Deputy Safeguarding Officer and E-Safety leader. Our school building and grounds are fantastic; I feel very lucky to work in such a lovely place! I live in Wimborne with my husband, Matt and my two sons, Joseph and Thomas. We have two Golden Retrievers and a cat called Marble. When I am not at school, I like to spend time with my family and be outdoors as much as possible. I really enjoy running and our favourite family activities are camping, walking our dogs, skiing and paddle boarding.
Woodland Class – Mr Johnathan Harris
Mr Harris
I joined the school in September 2022 and I am currently teaching the Year 1 and 2 children in Woodland Class. 2022-23 was my first year into the wonderful world of teaching after successfully completing my teacher training at Poole SCITT. I feel extremely privileged to work at this amazing school and look forward to the learning journey the children and I will go through together. Currently, I live in Sturminster Newton. In my spare time, I enjoy going on long walks, cycling, reading and volunteer at a scout troop on Fridays.
SENDCo & Jungle, Woodland and Desert Class – Mrs Nicky Bray
Mrs Bray
I teach in Jungle Class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and in Woodland and Desert Class on Fridays. I love Shillingstone so much that I have been working here for over 20 years. It is a very special school and I feel lucky to have been a part of the “Shillingstone family” for so long. I am the schools SEN Co-ordinator and am responsible for leading RE, Geography and History and I am a Deputy Safeguarding Lead. I live in North Dorset with my husband, our three gorgeous boys (who are now taller than me!) and our 2 dogs. In my spare time I manage a youth rugby team and help my husband at lambing time.
Jungle and Woodland Class – Mrs Victoria Panther
I started at the school in September 2016. I have been a teacher since 2007 and have spent most of my career in Cornwall, moving back to Dorset in 2015. I teach in Jungle Class on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I live with my husband Chris, a detective in the police force; my seven-year old son, Archie; Rose, my five-year old daughter; our two dogs, Peanut and Mr Charlie; and cat, Rocket. I love to read scary books and run as often as I can. I did my first triathlon last summer and hope to do more this year.
Desert and Ocean Class – Mrs Maria Higgs
I have spent over 30 years teaching across the primary age range and previously taught at St Mary’s in Marnhull as the Year 5 / 6 Teacher for 6 years. I currently work in Ocean Class on Mondays and Desert Class on Thursdays. Luckily, I am now able to spend more time at home with my youngest child, Alexis, who is now at Secondary School, and to help out with my husband’s Timber and Joinery business. We have a small holding with 8 dexter cows, sheep, chickens and a cat called Bixie. In my spare time I love walking, swimming, skiing, playing tennis, reading, running our holiday let and spending time with my family. I also love music and spending time playing the piano and guitar. I am looking forward to leading hymn practices and co-ordinating school productions at school.
Ocean Class – Mrs Kelly McCall
I joined the school in January 2026 and am teaching year 4 and 5 in Ocean class on Tuesdays to Fridays. I have been a teacher since 2011 and have worked with all year groups during this time, from Reception to year 6. I am English lead and am passionate about everything to do with reading and writing. I am originally from South London, where I grew up, but moved to Dorset in 2009 and absolutely love it! I now live in Gillingham with my husband James (who makes cheese) and my three boys: Leo, Max and Noa – not forgetting Orla our bouncy springer spaniel cross! In my spare time I enjoy writing; I have published two poetry books and am working on several other projects including picture books and longer novels. I also enjoy walking and exploring, particularly near the coast.
Teaching Assistants
Mrs Hannah Greenland
Mrs Greenland
Previously I was working at Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School in the school office. From September 2022, I joined the team at Shillingstone, working as a teaching assistant. My daughter previously attended the school and we both agree that it is a fantastic place to be: it’s in a great location and the vision and values of the school are important to both me and my child’s education. Outside of school, I love sport and am a particular fan of the Olympics/Paralympics. I also love going on holiday and spending time with my family.
Miss Gemma Ryan
I joined the school in February 2017. Before joining the team at Shillingstone, I worked in a SEN school in various roles for nearly six years. I am part of a large extended family. I do not currently have any children but would like to have some in the future. I have many hobbies outside of school: I really enjoy baking yummy treats; reading pretty much anything; going to the cinema; taking photos as reminders of amazing days out; listening to music; and going on road trips to music festivals.
Mrs Kim Suter
Mrs Suter
I moved to Shillingstone with my family in 2010 and joined the school in March 2011. I work as a teaching assistant and I am a member of the PTA. I have trained as an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and support children across the school. My youngest daughter attended the school many years ago. Shillingstone Primary is a fabulous place to be, especially with the wonderful views we have here! I like anything arty! Outside of school, I enjoy baking and decorating cakes, cycling, walking my dog with my family and doing cross-stitch.
Ms Pasquale Frewer
Mrs Frewer
I joined the school in September 2023. Prior to joining the team at Shillingstone, I worked as a TA and a one-to-one in a local primary school for three years. Before that I was a Baby and Pre School swimming Teacher. My son attended the school and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I am excited to be part of the team. Outside of school, I like to keep active by having an allotment plot as well as cycling and walking with my dog. When I am not doing that I can usually be found listening to music or curled up with a book.
Mrs Victoria Bell
Mrs Bell
I joined the school in September 2023 and prior to this I have been working in early years settings for 18 years. My youngest child attends the school and my eldest child attended before leaving for high school. We all love the schools vision and values and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Shillingstone team. Outside of school, I love spending my time walking and exploring the Dorset coastline with our family dog, Baxter!
Support Staff
School Administrator – Mrs Teresa Adams
Mrs Adams
I started working in the school office in Autumn Term 2 2022. I previously have worked in social care and human resources previously. Both my children have attended the school and have loved their time here. The community feel and support for all students is like no other school. Outside of school I enjoy gardening, jigsaws and beach days.
Caretaker – Mr Tony Fowler
I joined the staff at Shillingstone Primary as Caretaker/Handyperson in September 2014. I have two sons who used to attend the school. In my spare time, I am a whitewater kayaker and coach and can be found at the Stour Valley Canoe Club most Saturday mornings.
Therapy Dog – Riley
Riley comes into school on Friday mornings with Janet. He welcomes the children with a wagging tail and enjoys listening to readers during the morning. Janet has worked at the school previously for many years as a teaching assistant so is great at talking to our children.
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