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Warm and very effective relationships characterise the school’s culture, making this a welcoming and happy place in which to learn.

Ofsted

Staff

Mrs Rebecca Gray

Headteacher, SENCo and Class Teacher

I’ve been teaching in small and medium sized schools in Gloucestershire since 1997. 

It’s an absolute joy to still have a teaching commitment and be able to lead and mentor colleagues while maintaining that vital classroom connection. 

I am fortunate to lead a dedicated and talented team and to enjoy the support and assistance of an active governing body, diocese and PTA. 

My daily highlight though is seeing the delight and wonder on a pupil’s face as a new idea or skill sinks in. 

I am Mum to three young men and love nothing more than long walks with my husband, our dog and whichever sons may join us!

 

Mrs Gray

Miss Sophy Homan-Green

Class One Teacher

I love the way that everyone works together and supports each other at Down Ampney, both the children and the adults alike. There is a real sense of devotion to continual improvement whilst still upholding the school’s vision and values. There are strong, positive relationships with every member of the school community.

I have enjoyed getting to know all of the children on an individual level, finding out what works for them and adjusting learning styles. I love teaching English, seeing the children’s ideas build and expand, allowing them to express their ideas through writing in different genres.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, I love getting stuck into a good book. I also enjoy going on long walks and exploring new places.

Miss Molly Phipps

Class Two Teacher

I am delighted to be returning to Down Ampney and develop positive relationships with all children, staff and members of the community. I am excited to show my passion for teaching and to help children develop a love of learning and try new ideas. 

My favourite subject to teach is art as it allows children to be creative and develop their artistic skills. In my spare time, I enjoy taking my two dogs for long walks, reading different genres of books and spending time with my family. 

Mrs Helen Russell

Class Three Teacher (part-time)

I have been teaching for over thirteen years, having previously spent eleven years working in advertising agencies in London. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I have been lucky enough to be able to follow this dream, spending most of my teaching career in Gloucestershire schools. Teaching in a small village school is an incredible experience; a chance to really get to know the children we share our learning with and to be able to spend time with children from all year groups, working and playing together. I have two children, one at secondary school and the other soon to join them! I love Science, having grown up with two Science teachers for parents, and our lessons at school are always filled with wonder and exploration. When I am not teaching, I am a keen runner and enjoy spending my free time at the gym or on long walks through the Gloucestershire countryside. 

Miss Lia Chakroborty

Class One Teacher from Sep 2025)

I am very excited to be joining Class 1 and beginning my teaching journey at Down Ampney. As someone new to the profession, I feel incredibly lucky to be starting my career in such a supportive and welcoming school community. I’m looking forward to learning and growing alongside the children, helping to spark their curiosity and love of learning from the very beginning of their school journey.
 
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially walking my dogs through the countryside. I also love spending quality time with my family, whether it’s exploring new places together or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home.

Mrs Sharon Woodruffe

School Business Manager

I enjoy working here at Down Ampney because of its family feeling which every staff member is a part of. Every day is different with challenges and success throughout the school whether staff or pupils.

As a small village school I also get the chance to watch the development of children from when they start at Down Ampney to when they leave. 

Some of my hobbies include swimming, walking, spending time with family and friends and exploring new places.

Mrs Annie Paterson

Teaching Assistant

I love working at Down Ampney because of the supportive working environment which gives the school a family feeling of which every staff member is a part of. Everyone is actively encouraged to continually develop their skills through professional development courses and peer to peer support.

My favourite part of my role is watching the development of children from when they start at Down Ampney to leaving for secondary school. I also enjoy the varied aspects of my role such as supporting children through various interventions and feeling like I’ve made a difference to their day.

My hobbies include bodyboarding, reading and exploring new places in my campervan.

Mrs Corinne Walters

PPA Teacher and Teaching Assistant

Down Ampney school has a real family feel, and I enjoying being able to use my skills to work with the children and staff here.  Everyone works together to make the school such a special place, and I am so pleased to be a part of it.

As PPA teacher, I have the privilege of teaching every child in the school.  I love getting to know them all and watching as they learn and develop new skills. 
When I’m not working, I am kept quite busy being a Member of the Salvation Army where I lead the Sunday school, play in the band and sing in the choir.  I also enjoy being the leader of a local Brownie group. In my free time I love spending time with my family, and having lots of adventures with my husband and 2 boys.
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Mrs Lydia Wheeler

Teaching Assistant

My daughter has been at Down Ampney Primary school for over three years. During this time the school have helped her reach her full potential and her confidence has blossomed.

I love the strong sense of community at Down Ampney Primary school, it helps provide the best environment for the children to learn, engage and enjoy their time at school.

I’m a mother of two children and in my spare time I enjoy travelling, walking our dog and exploring the UK in our camper van. 

Miss Emily Skinner

Teaching Assistant

I’m new to the teaching community and have been nothing but warmly welcomed by the staff and pupils at Down Ampney.
 
I highly value the sense of belonging established at the school as it not only engages but empowers each child to truly be themselves. 
 
Getting involved with the children’s lessons has enabled me to share my own love of learning and fortify my pursuit for a career in education. 
 
My spare time is often spent in the fresh air; running, walking or swimming in the sea. Alternatively, with my head in a book.
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Mrs Ann Ford

Teaching Assistant

Although I’m relatively new to Down Ampney Primary School having started as a volunteer in March 2023, my involvement working with children stretches back over 25 years.  This has included running a local pre-school and as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school.  From the day I walked through the door at Down Ampney I have felt part of the team and the Down Ampney Family. 
 
What gives me the greatest satisfaction in being a Teaching Assistant is the joy and wonder in a child’s eyes when they learn something new.  I love bumping into past pupils from years ago who remember me and are excited to update me on their lives.  This gives me a great sense of achievement knowing that I have been a small part of their life’s journey.
 
They say never work with children and animals, but I am also a farmer!  I farm sheep and cattle locally alongside my husband.  I also sing with a local ladies choir where we perform at many venues raising money for local charities.  In the spare time I have, I enjoy walking and spending time with my two grown up children and going to the theatre with my friends. 
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Mrs Sue Dearsley

Supply Teacher

I have been teaching for a long time, but over the years I have also been a schools’ librarian, a children’s librarian, a childminder, playgroup worker and a teaching assistant!  You may have spotted a common theme there: I like working with children! My favourite subjects to teach are English, History and RE but I still enjoy all aspects of PE and truly believe that “sport is for everyone” – you just have to find the one you enjoy. I have tried to retire several times over the last few years, but I am very pleased that Mrs Gray invited me to work at Down Ampney, where everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.  I’m also able to walk to work every day which is wonderful.
My other interests include reading, watching Match of the Day and spending as much time as I can with my gorgeous grandchildren.

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Mrs Demi Evans

Teaching Assistant

I am very excited to be joining the wonderful team at Down Ampney very soon. It has the same rural, friendly feel that my own childhood school had, and I love that. 

I have been teaching in Swindon for the last 10 years and I am now looking forward to using my skill set as a teaching assistant. I am passionate about learning being fun for all and I cannot wait to get stuck in and support the children in all the exciting lessons and extra curricular activities that Down Ampney offers!

In my own time I am mum to two girls and they keep me very busy. I love being outside walking the dogs, riding my horse Rory and pottering about in the garden.