Our Junior School Leadership Team provides day-to-day strategic direction, care and oversight of life at St Dunstan’s Junior School.
Working closely with pupils, staff and families, they ensure that our vision of Excellence. Differently. is lived out and understood in every area of the Junior School.
From shaping the curriculum and supporting teaching, to fostering wellbeing and celebrating each child’s individuality, the team leads with expertise and compassion. Their role is to create a vibrant, nurturing environment where every pupil can flourish academically, socially and personally.
MISS LAURA WHITWOOD
Head of Junior School (parental leave)
After completing a BA (Hons) degree in History and French at the University of Manchester, followed by a PGCE and a Masters in Primary Education at the University of Cambridge, Laura returned to her old senior school, Norwich High School GDST, where she was Head of MFL and Head of Assessment. She then joined the Junior School Leadership Team as Pastoral Care Coordinator in her third year of teaching. Laura joined the St Dunstan’s team in 2016 as Deputy Head of Pastoral, before being appointed Head of Junior School in 2020. Besides having a strong belief in the benefits of co-educational settings and a broad curriculum, Laura is particularly passionate about exploring the development of modern foreign languages within a Junior School environment.
MR ALEX MURPHY
Head of Junior School (parental leave cover)
Alex studied Education Studies at the University of Exeter and completed a PGCE at the University of Warwick before starting his career at a Bromley state school. Here at St Dunstan’s, Alex held roles as Head of Maths and Head of House before being appointed Deputy Head Academic, and is now Head of Junior School, covering Laura’s maternity leave. Alex loves the ever-changing nature of teaching and ‘the opportunity each day to make a meaningful difference; whether it’s helping a pupil master a difficult concept or sharing in their excitement about a personal passion, every interaction has the power to shape their school experience for the better.’
MRS LOUISE CARMICHAEL-LINE
Deputy Head of Pastoral
Louise holds a First Class BSc from the University of Exeter, a PGCE, and a Masters in Education. Prior to joining St Dunstan's in 2020, she was Head of Pre-Prep at a central London independent school, and has previous experience teaching in a London prison and a pupil referral unit. A trained ISI inspector, Louise is deeply committed to pupil wellbeing and leads with compassion and collaboration, knowing that happy, supported children will thrive. Outside of work, Louise is a busy mum of two young daughters and loves spending her weekends in the markets and parks of South East London.
In the Junior School, pupils experience a broad variety of programmes and activities within the timetabled day which provide opportunities for the pupils to develop their creativity and critical thinking. Teaching encourages pupils to take an active involvement in their learning. The curriculum and teaching are designed to take into account pupils’ prior knowledge as well as their interests.
- Independent Schools Inspectorate, April 2024
Junior School Wider Leadership Team
- Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Ms Kirsty Leane
- Head of Year 1 and 2 – Mr Mike Clifford
- Head of Year 3 and 4 – Mr Ben Chambers
- Head of Year 5 and 6 – Mr Andrew Coley
- Head of English – Mrs Claire Dixon
- Head of Maths – Miss Sheraigh Clarke
- Head of Music and Performance – Ms Lara Marcinkiewicz
- Head of Sport and PE – Mr James Roddy
- International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Coordinator – Ms Caroline Bassett
- Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Coordinator – Miss Julie Staes
- Art Coordinator – Mrs Alison Smith
- Computing Coordinator – Mr Andrew Coley
- Drama Coordinator – Mr Lesley Gordinsky
- Stuart Coordinator – Miss Hannah Stanton
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Coordinator – Miss Helena Smith
Academic Programme
Cocurricular Programme
Pastoral Care
Junior Leadership Team
