Principals' Message

We hope this web site provides you with a flavour of the exciting opportunities our school has to offer.

Through the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff and governors we aim to provide an educational environment that excites, nurtures and challenges each child, enabling all children to flourish and achieve their best.

We encourage our pupils to be lifelong learners; independent, adaptable, inquiring and able to make the most of the opportunities they are given.  We are committed to raising academic standards through a broad, balanced, vibrant and stimulating environment.

We see parents as our partners in the life of their child’s education and we hope that you will become fully involved in your child’s learning journey. We look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure the very best possible education for the children in our care.

What did you do before you came to Marsden Junior School?

Prior to arriving at Marsden Junior School I worked at Shepley First School near Emley Moor Mast, where I was Year 5 class teacher.

Whilst working at the school, 3 days a week, I also worked for the authority one day a week, when I was responsible for Modern Foreign Languages across the whole of Kirklees. I was an AST (Advanced Skills Teacher). I spent Fridays with Freddie, my youngest son, It was known as “mummy day!”

When was the best time in your life? Why?

This is a really difficult question as there are many special days… From the day I married Mr Mansell, to the day both the boys were born.

These are precious times that you remember for ever. But then there is the day I graduated to be a teacher, the day I got my first job, first house and of course the day I came to Marsden as Principal.

What would you have done if you didn’t work here?

If I hadn’t become a teacher… hmmmm… At the time when I did my GCSE’s I wanted to be an interior designer.

I remember going for a mock interview with my art teacher and she said “the world of design was very competitive and jobs are hard to get.” That made me re-think. Art was a huge passion of mine so I looked into jobs in that held art. I came across a teaching course at Roehampton University, Bed Hons with Art. I applied and got accepted. But my ‘A‘ level results let me down. I was determined, so searched for a course that would still allow me to pursue my dream. I found one! I qualified as a teacher 4 years later with a 2:1. The morale of the story is…. If at first you don’t succeed try try again. Don’t give up. “Reach for what you believe is possible.”

What do you enjoy the most? And Why?

I enjoy family life. I am a home girl, who loves nothing more than spending time with my boys and our puppy, Nell, walking in the country, sitting in front of the log fire and spending quality time together.

I enjoy my job, I have an amazing team behind me at Marsden Junior School and feel very lucky to be part of such a supportive and fun staff. The children are fabulous and work so hard: they never fail to make me proud.

I am a lucky lady!