Deputy Head of Secondary

Jen Cruickshank is originally from Kent and has experience of teaching in both the private and state sector. After returning from a gap year teaching in Australia, she began her undergraduate degree at Manchester Metropolitan University where she studied a BSc in Exercise and Sport Science specialising in Sports Injury and Biomechanics. From there, she went on to study a PGCE in Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University.

Her teaching career began in 2012 at Queens College, a leading “Outstanding” all girls independent school on Harley Street in Central London, where she taught Physical Education and Dance. She moved on to St Anselm’s Catholic School in Kent, at a key part of its journey from ‘Very Good’ to ‘Outstanding’. She was Second in Charge of PE and in charge of all examination PE including GCSE, Alevel and BTEC. This interest in examination PE led her to be a moderator for an examination board. During her time at St Anselm’s Catholic School, she was also the Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and PSHE Lead for Years 7-13. Jen also took on further responsibility as the Head of Performing Arts, before leaving in July 2018.

In August 2018, Jen moved to Dubai and joined GEMS FirstPoint School as the Director of Creative Arts with the responsibility the strategic development of Art, Drama, Dance, Photography and Music and whole school events, on the Senior Leadership Team. After the first academic year she moved to the roles of Director of Key Stages 4 and 5 where she held responsibility for the curriculum and pastoral care of students across the key stages. Her wider responsibilities included Subject Line Management, Extra Curricular Activities; planning and delivery across Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5, whole school student wellbeing and the writing of the school timetable.

Outside of school Jen has a real passion for leading a healthy lifestyle and being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing. She frequently leads workshops and conferences for external bodies such as OxfordAQA on managing staff and student wellbeing and enjoys playing competitive sport in particular rugby and netball.

As a leader, she believes that each learner is an exceptional individual and able to reach their full potential by overcoming challenges with a growth mindset and personalised pathway. Her motto of ‘Strive for Success’ is what she promotes through her own teaching and the teams that she leads. She uses this passion and drive to engage students of all backgrounds, cultures and ages to work together to support and celebrate each other’s successes.