Senior Leadership Team
» Headmaster
» Deputy Head
» Assistant Heads
Headmaster: Mr J Goodchild
On leaving Warwick University Mr Goodchild began his career in Berkshire teaching Chemistry and Science across the age and ability ranges. Promotion took Mr Goodchild to a Grammar School in Slough providing an ideal opportunity to develop his skills in teaching Chemistry and Physics through the age groups up to and including Oxbridge candidates. Further promotion involved a move to two schools in neighbouring Buckinghamshire, first as Head of Science, then Mathematics and Science and finally as Deputy Headteacher.
After several years in Buckinghamshire Mr Goodchild took up his first Headship, moving to Herefordshire. After seven interesting, challenging and successful years Mr Goodchild sought a fresh challenge and became the Headmaster at Smithdon High School in September 2004.
Deputy Headteacher: MrA Edmonds
Mr Edmonds joined the school in April 2010, originally on secondment from his previous role as mathematics adviser for Norfolk. He took up the permanent post of Deputy Headteacher in September 2011. Mr Edmonds' responsibilities in the school include teaching and learning, professional development for staff, student progress and attainment and the Sixth Form
Born in the Netherlands and having lived in a number of countries, Mr Edmonds went to University in Exeter and studiedMathematics and Educational Studies. His first teaching post was in Devon before he moved to Norfolk as aHead of Mathematics in 2004. Since then he has had the opportunityto work in many schools as an adviser.
Mr Edmonds' ambition for the school and its Sixth Form is to be a centre of excellence where studentsare given the opportunity to develop the skills, qualifications and attributes to be successful in their lives and the global community.
Assistant Headteacher: Ms H Johnson
Miss Johnson has seen Smithdon High School develop since the '80s, undertaking various roles during this time including teacher of Mathematics and ICT, Head of Careers, GNVQ coordinator, Director of Sixth Form and most recently as Assistant Headteacher. In her most recent role her responsibilities include the school timetable, strategic management of the ICT network, reports, assessments and data, Initial Teacher Training and Specialist School Developments.
Miss Johnson believes in providing educational opportunities to enable the individual to develop to their full potential in preparation for successful further education, higher education, training and employment and hence to become successful adults.
Assistant Headteacher: Mr M Starling
Education is Mr Starling’s second career, to which he came following a period working in the financial services sector. Mr Starling’s role in the school is a wide-ranging one, encompassing the management of a large number of daily operational areas, including staffing, various aspects of examination programmes, finance and resources. Mr Starling also teaches Business Studies and continues with his long-standing involvement with the Physical Education department and the Sixth Form – both areas of particular interest to him.
Mr Starling believes that education should aim to develop rounded individuals, aiding their cultural and social growth as well as their academic progress. Art, Music and Sport bring a vital dimension to life and Smithdon students are fortunate to be well served in these areas in terms of staff, facilities and equipment.
Mr Starling’s aims for Smithdon High School are that we continue to increase the number of students for whom our Sixth Form is the natural choice at age 16, that we create an ethos in which all students, whatever their academic ability, reach their potential, and that students and staff enjoy being here.
Assistant Headteacher: Mrs S Dixon
After leaving Dunfermline College of Physical Education in 1984, Mrs Dixon took up her first teaching post at Smithdon High School. Promotion to assistant Head of Physical Education at a school in Cambridge gave her the opportunity to widen her experience, before returning to Smithdon High School in 1993 to take up the position of Head of Year.
Mrs Dixon believes that school should be a partnership which includes parents, students, staff and the local community which works together to provide support for students and parents in school so that students develop a positive self concept and self esteem.
