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
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
Deputy Head, Academic
Alex studied Education Studies at the University of Exeter and completed a PGCE at the University of Warwick before beginning his teaching career at a Bromley state school. At St Dunstan’s, he has held the roles of Head of Maths, Head of House and Deputy Head (Academic).
Passionate about sport, mathematics and developing innovative approaches to learning, Alex is driven by creating opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning in young people. He loves the ever-changing nature of education and believes in “the opportunity each day to make a meaningful difference; whether it’s helping a pupil master a difficult concept, achieve a personal goal or discover a new passion, every interaction has the power to shape their school experience for the better.”
Outside school, Alex volunteers with local charities including Bromley Family and Children, Bromley Foodbank and the Salvation Army, reflecting his strong commitment to service and community.
MISS AILSA CAMERON
Deputy Head, Pastoral
Ailsa holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and completed her PGCE at London South Bank University. After beginning her teaching career in Bromley and leading English across the primary age range, she moved into pastoral leadership as Head of Section at a co-educational independent school in central London.
Ailsa joined St Dunstan's in 2021 as Head of Years 5 and 6 and has since served as Deputy Head Academic (Maternity Cover) and Deputy Head Pastoral. She most enjoys the relationships at the heart of school life and takes pride in knowing each child and their family well. She believes that when children feel secure, understood and valued, they are best placed to make the most of every opportunity, both in and beyond the classroom.
Outside of school, Ailsa enjoys exploring new places with family and friends and taking on the occasional half-marathon challenge.
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 Andrea Rose
- Head of Year 1 and 2 – Mr Mike Clifford
- Head of Year 3 and 4 – Miss Hannah Stanton
- Head of Year 5 and 6 – Mr Ben Chambers
- 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 Richard Ede
- Drama Coordinator – Mr Lesley Gordinsky
- Stuart Coordinator – Miss Lily Davis
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Coordinator – Miss Helena Smith
Academic Programme
Cocurricular Programme
Pastoral Care
Junior Leadership Team
