Mr S Bird, Headteacher

Mr Bird has over 24 years of teaching experience. During this time, Mr Bird has taught and enjoyed successful leadership roles in both local authority schools and an independent school. Mr Bird has achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship, as well as the National Award for SEN Co-ordination. He has worked at St Mark’s school for over 13 years, initially as deputy headteacher and then becoming headteacher in January 2018. Mr Bird is committed to developing children that are flourishing, building strong foundations, making excellent all-round progress, and reaching their potential. At St Mark’s we Aspire, Believe, Succeed.

Mrs R Crane, Deputy Headteacher

Mrs Crane has been in teaching since graduating from university in 1997.  In that time, she has specialised in Early Education and Key Stage 1 where she has been able to combine her love of children's literature, creativity and desire to encourage curiosity in young children.  Mrs Crane has a huge passion for working with children special educational needs, supporting both them and their families.  Since joining St Mark's she has undertaken the NASEN qualification required to work as a SENCo in schools.  She is our school Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Mrs S Mitcheson, Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Mitcheson has a degree in Modern Foreign Languages from Exeter University and gained Qualified Teacher Status in 2009. Before teaching, she worked in the recruitment industry as a consultant and Business Development Manager. During her teaching career she has been a Middle Leader, a coach and mentor to teaching students and fellow teachers and a maths leader. Mrs Mitcheson also spent two years teaching in northern Spain.  She could have chosen to teach Modern Languages at secondary level, but rather than teach a subject, she opted for Primary teaching in order to teach children how to learn. Her passions lie in developing Childrens’ confidence and their love of learning, and in mentoring and coaching fellow teachers and teaching students.  

Mrs T Cotton, SENCO

Tracey has a degree in History and Archaeology (BA Hons) from Birkbeck College, University of London and has Qualified Teacher Status (Q.T,S.) from the University of Greenwich.  Prior to becoming a teacher, Tracey, was a Civil Servant for fifteen years.  In 2006 she qualified to become a teacher at a school in London.  During her teaching career, Tracey has been an Associate Assistant Headteacher; an English Regional Lead for some schools in Hastings and has taught in most year groups across the primary phase.  Tracey's passion for teaching is the importance of reading and how reading for pleasure can have such a huge impact on children's lives.

Mr G Lawrence, School Business Manager

Mr Lawrence joined the Education sector in 2019, prior to that working for over 11 year in the Hospitality Sector, in various areas including Sales, Marketing and Operations Management, followed by a career break to start a family. Before joining St Mark’s he was Business Development Officer at a secondary school, helping to increase the Letting's revenue for the school, as well as developing the financial function of the school, including implementing a new financial management system. Mr Lawrence is happy to challenge 'the normal' and embrace change, helping to support Educators in making the most of the resources available, whilst ensuring good financial management.