Who We Are
Meet the HISP Teaching School Hub team.
David Higginbottom
Head of Teaching School Hub
With 12 years' teaching experience as a Geography teacher in the secondary sector and with teaching experience in the primary sector, David is the Head of HISP Teaching School Hub and part of the HISP Multi-Academy Trust School Improvement Team. He has been a Sixth Form Coordinator for Geography, a pastoral tutor, and an accredited Lead Practitioner. David has worked with trainee and early career teachers for much of his career, supporting and mentoring PGCE trainees, ECTs and facilitating training for School Direct and SCITT trainees. He has presented at numerous national teaching and learning conferences and has delivered evidence informed CPD to colleagues within multiple school settings.
Kate Walker
Appropriate Body Services Lead
Kate is Appropriate Body Services Lead for the HISP Teaching School Hub. She has 11 years' experience teaching Secondary and Sixth Form learners. With eight years leading professional development frameworks for NQT/ Early Career Teachers, facilitating Initial Teacher Training routes and designing CPD programmes for aspirational teachers across all phases. Kate has a real passion for identifying talent, coaching best practice and nurturing success in others. Kate brings valuable knowledge and experience to assist the TSH Appropriate Body team, having also worked in HR Learning and Development prior to moving into the Education sector.
Kerry Somers
Programmes Lead
Kerry has extensive experience working across the primary stage, having taught in Hampshire schools for more than 20 years. Her practice is underpinned by educational research and she promotes the importance of continuous professional development, recently undertaking and being awarded the NPQSL. Kerry is recognised as an SLE and consequently has worked with a number of schools to support improvement measures, coaching and mentoring teachers at different stages of their careers.
Throughout her career, Kerry has successfully delivered professional development, providing training for student teachers, ECTs and more experienced teachers. With the Hampshire history steering group, Kerry has worked alongside the county inspector and advisor to deliver training to teachers across the county. She also works closely with the Historical Association and has delivered workshops and webinars to educators nationally. Kerry was proud to be awarded an honorary fellowship in July 2024 for services to history education.
Before accepting the role of 'Programmes Lead for HISP, Kerry was a lead practitioner with the role of 'Curriculum and Creativity Lead' at a Hampshire school, working with the University of Winchester to support teachers across the county.
Emma Gerrard
Appropriate Body Coordinator
Emma is the Appropriate Body Coordinator for HISP Teaching School Hub. Holding a GNVQ Level 2 in Business Administration, Emma brings a wealth of administration experience to the role. In her previous role working for the NHS, Emma had oversight of the running of a busy Operating theatre, managing good communication between multiple professionals. On a personal level, Emma enjoys spending time with her family, especially her son. She loves camping trips and late-night beach walks with the dog.
Molly McBurnie
Programmes Coordinator
Molly is the Programmes Coordinator for HISP Teaching School Hub. She has worked in several consumer facing roles and alongside administration experience, brings experience of how to ensure customer satisfaction to the work of the team. In her spare time, Molly loves to spend time with her family, including her two young children and the family dog.
Wendy Precious
TSH Coordinator
Wendy is the Teaching School Hub Administration Assistant. Her role is to support the team within the Teaching School Hub. An Early Years Education graduate, Wendy has 20 years of experience within Early Years settings and 10 years as a manager.
On a personal level Wendy likes to spend time with her children, long walks with friends and taking part in various sports.
Chantelle Ridout
TSH Administration Assistant
Chantelle is the Teaching School Hub administration assistant. She has over 10 years administrative experience and has previously worked in roles within the NHS and a busy primary school office. In her spare time Chantelle enjoys spending time with her 2 children often watching local football matches together.