We meet Rachel Rees, Westbourne School’s dynamic new Principal.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born in Abergavenny, where I went to school. I studied Modern Languages at university before completing my PGCE in Secondary Education, and then began my teaching career in the state sector in South East London. I met my husband Owen there and we had our daughter in 2007. We relocated back to Monmouthshire where I took up a teaching role at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls. I held a variety of different roles before stepping up to the headship in April 2023 and helping with the merger of Monmouth School for Girls with Monmouth School for Boys which became coeducational in September 2024. I’ll be leading Westbourne from September.
What are you passionate about?
I am obviously passionate about education, but also helping children set themselves a clear goal. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do until my 20s. I think it’s easier if you have an aspiration or ambition as you know what you need to achieve to get there.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My Grandma. She always thought I’d make a good teacher and she couldn’t follow her dream of becoming an art teacher as she had to stay at home and help her mother look after her father who was ill. I can’t see myself doing anything else now.
What are your ambitions for Westbourne?
To achieve academic excellence through our inspirational teachers and to build on those positive respectful relationships that allow staff and pupils to thrive. I also love the recruitment side of school and want to help get the message out about Westbourne School and what we have to offer in helping to educate global leaders of the future. Our ties with our sister schools in Sydney and Singapore are an exciting prospect and I look forward to working on a more global level at Westbourne.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how do you plan to build relationships with staff, students, and parents?
I’m very collaborative. I love working in teams, and hope to get to know the staff and students really quickly. I’ll be on the school gate welcoming the pupils as they arrive and spending some time in the boarding house in the evenings to get to know them.
How do you plans to support student wellbeing and mental health, especially in today’s fast-changing world?
Safeguarding and student wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. We have a small community where everyone knows each other, and that helps to spot issues in their infancy. Robust procedures are important so that we can individualise support for those students who need it. I do think being a teenager is hard in this day and age, with the pressures of social media, etc. Every child is different and will need support at different times throughout their educational journey. We have very experienced teachers and form tutors who are instrumental in supporting student wellbeing.
What role do you see the school playing in the wider community, and how do you hope to strengthen those ties?
I think living in Penarth will certainly help. It feels like a great place to live and I’m very much looking forward to moving here. The school is well positioned in the centre of the town and I hope to be able to build our outreach programme and get our students to be a visible presence in the local community.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I’m an identical twin. She also lives in South Wales and I’m sure will be visiting me in Penarth. We often get stopped by each other’s acquaintances so if you say hello to me and I appear not to know you, it may not be me!
