Here some of our teachers explain why they love teaching at Westbourne House and why being part of this incredible community means so much.
English and Drama Teacher Richard Tyrell joined Westbourne in September 2016. He said: “I look forward to coming into school every day and seeing my colleagues and the children.
“The atmosphere is friendly and supportive. There is a great sense of teamwork and togetherness across the whole staff. It is a job that emphasises the development of the whole child, not just academic and artistic achievement; and that is something that is very important to me.
“We work hard, but I like the challenges of the job, which is stimulating. There is always room to improve. I like the variety of different responsibilities each day. Then of course there is the beautiful setting of the school and the wonderful grounds. It really is a special place.”
Head of Westbourne House Pre-Prep, Caroline Oglethorpe, said: “I have been at Westbourne House for 10 years and Head of Pre-Prep for the last three years.
“Westbourne is a great place to be as a teacher, a parent and pupil - I know my son would agree too. He started in nursery and he is now in Year 8! I quickly felt part of a super team and a wonderful community when I joined as a Year 1 teacher.
“The school has also provided me with opportunity for advancement and during my tenure I have been the ICT Co-ordinator for the Pre-Prep, the Year 1 lead, as well as the Director of Studies and Deputy Head of Pre-Prep. With the right attitude and dedication, all things are possible.
“Being Head of the Pre-Prep is an incredibly rewarding experience. My team and I are devoted to providing all the children in our Nursery and Pre-Prep with an outstanding start to their school life. As a parent, I understand trying to choose the right setting for your child is a really crucial decision.
“What I love about the school is the creativity, energy and commitment from all staff - this all makes it a really special place to work,” she added.
Head of Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Education, Mr Tim Pitman, said: “Having arrived at Westbourne newly-married, full of energy and ready for new challenges, I find myself 16 years later, still married, happily ensconced in the boarding community, and still full of energy for new challenges. For me this is the essence of Westbourne House.
“I love the mix of traditional customs and values and the possibility of moving forward. This can only happen with super children, a cohesive team of colleagues and supportive parents. The biggest thrill I get is meeting Old Westbournians and sharing precious memories with them.”
Admissions Officer Aline Pilcher started working at Westbourne House in 2017. She said: “What I love about working here, apart from the happy and positive atmosphere, is meeting new parents and introducing the school to them and their children. It is very gratifying to hear what a great impression the school and people in it make on our visitors. They particularly love chatting to pupils and they are always impressed by their articulacy and confidence.”
Science Teacher and Head of Year 7, Dan Brown, joined Westbourne as a teacher in 2014. He said: “Westbourne House School has had a profound impact on my career. My time as a gapper here in 1992/93 opened my eyes to teaching. And although I went into the city for 13 years, I always harboured a dream to teach one day.
“I feel extremely privileged to teach here now and I cannot believe how lucky my kids are to be educated and inspired by such an amazing team and in such incredible surroundings.”
Sports Teacher, Brandon Hanley, joined the school in 2006. He said: “As an ex-pupil, Westbourne has been a pretty major part of my life and it’s been lovely to come back and experience life ‘on the other side’.
“When I first joined the teaching staff about 14 years ago, there were staff here who had previously been my teachers and now having been a part of Westbourne life, it is easy to understand why someone could stay for such a length of time.
“In my latter years of education, I had no intention of becoming a teacher. I very much fell into it post university and now, wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s a very rewarding job but made more complete by the community at Westbourne House: the staff room, the pupils and the parent body all make for a great place to work.”
French Teacher, Fabinenne Bennison, joined the school in 2008. She said: “I love driving up to school every morning, simply to admire the beauty of the place.
“Working with children is the best job in the world, their spontaneity and sense of fun make every day varied and so entertaining. Ours are keen to learn and kind.
“Last but not least, my colleagues - team work is essential to me, and we are lucky to have some very supportive staff.”
Deputy Head Academic and Head of Maths, Barbara Langford, said: “At Westbourne we have friendly and supportive staff. Not just teaching staff but the entire staff body. You are never far from a colleague who has become a close friend.
“The pupils assume they are going to learn in each lesson and this only comes when there is a whole school expectation of hard work in lessons and good discipline across the whole school from all teachers.
“We have beautiful grounds with lovely trees and birdsong as you stroll around the school. We have a steady and honest Head who is reflective and cares about individuals and last, but not least, we have a delicious lunch every day.”
Head of English, Alice Fisher, joined in September 2020 during the pandemic. She said: “It is such a joy to work at a school where children not only love to learn and are excited to learn, but where wellbeing, sport and creativity are also highly valued. The holistic approach to education at Westbourne House means that teachers play many roles: classroom teachers, personal tutors, sports coaches and mentors. Every day is different and rewarding.”
Jakki Hunking is one of the bus-driving team of three at Westbourne House School. She said: “I've worked at Westbourne House School for nearly four years now and I enjoy it very much. I get to meet the children on the bus every morning and have a chat or a singsong on the way to school. I also help out in the Pre-Prep with children aged three to five, doing various different jobs. I really enjoy the interactive fun at play time with the children. The school is a very, caring, fun place to work.”
Vicky Eismark, Personal Assistant to the Headmaster, said: “I have been Westbourne House for nearly 10 years - cut me in half and you’ll find the school crest a red, fleur de lis! But I have been associated with the school for over sixteen years as both my sons were educated here - both having joined before I became a member of staff.
“My sons are very different. One is academic and musical and the other sporty, but both were able to excel in their areas of talent and relished their time here at Westbourne. Having both boarded they were also well prepared for life at their chosen senior schools (Brighton College and Lancing College).
“I started work here as the Prep School Secretary and I was then promoted to the Headmaster’s PA six years ago. The best part of my job is the interaction that I have with the pupils and parents. Having been a parent myself, going through the same experiences, I am happy to share my knowledge to help our parents’ journey through their time here and as well as their children’s move on to senior school.”