Our Teachers
Rachael Ammari
BA (Hons), PGCE, MA
Founder and Headteacher
Welcome to Hove Micro-School!
As the founder and headteacher, I am proud to lead an educational environment that prioritises personalised learning and strong relationships. With a background in both private and state schools in the UK and the US, and holding a PGCE and Master’s in Education from the University of Sussex, my approach to education is informed by years of experience and research. My Master’s work was focused on attachment theory and the importance of relationships in education, which is central to the ethos of our school.
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At Hove Micro-School, we believe that a child’s sense of security and connection is key to unlocking their full potential. Our small class sizes, with a maximum of eight pupils, ensure that each child receives individual attention in a nurturing environment. This allows us to develop a bespoke curriculum that adapts to the unique needs and interests of the children, while maintaining the essential social interaction of a peer group. We work closely with parents, ensuring that their input is valued and integrated into their child’s educational experience.
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Hove Micro-School offers a premier, personalised education where every child is seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive. I am excited to share this journey with you and to provide a learning experience that truly focuses on the whole child.
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Welcome to our community!
Jessica Kelly
BA (Hons), PGCE, Post Graduate Diploma
KS1 teacher
Jess has over 10 years of experience in Primary Education, having worked in a multitude of schools, including the Dharma School. She has served as a class teacher in Key Stage 1, a supply teacher across all age groups, and an individual needs assistant in both KS1 and KS2. Prior to her teacher training, she supported looked-after children as a sessional worker.
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Jess has completed her British Sign Language Level 1 and has many years of Makaton training. She regularly uses sign language to support the class with their learning. Through her experience in various schools, she has discovered what works best for children in terms of both their learning and their interactions with peers.
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She is passionate about the growth mindset approach, building on children's resilience from a young age. Jess loves having fun with the class and believes that children learn best in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. She incorporates yoga and mindfulness into her teaching, giving each child the chance to grow fully. She believes that the Micro School's small class sizes and homely feel are perfect for supporting this approach.
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Aimee Butcher
BMus (Hons)
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Head of Pastoral Care and Club Leader
As the Head of Pastoral Care at Hove Micro-School, Aimee brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and dedication to supporting the well-being and development of our students. With a specialised course in Child Mental Health under her belt, Aimee is equipped to provide the extra support children need during teaching time and through tailored interventions based on individual needs.
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Aimee's role encompasses overseeing the variety of school clubs, ensuring they provide enriching experiences that foster students' growth and interests. Her background in the performing arts not only makes her confident and communicative but also enables her to strike the perfect balance between being fun and entertaining when the time calls for it, and mature and professional when necessary.
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Aimee’s commitment to inspiring, nurturing, and helping students achieve their goals is evident in everything she does. Her positive attitude and creative spirit make her an invaluable part of the Hove Micro-School community.
Amy Fowler
BA( Joint Hons), PGCE, MA in Education (SEN)
KS3 Teacher and SENCO
Amy Fowler is an experienced teacher and academic tutor who brings a deep passion for English and Humanities to Hove Micro-School’s KS3 cohort. With a BA in English and Film & Theatre from the University of Reading and a PGCE in Primary Education from Newman University College, Amy is well-equipped to engage students in creative and dynamic learning experiences. She also holds an MA in Education with a focus on Special Educational Needs from the University of Chichester, giving her a comprehensive understanding of diverse learner needs.
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At Hove Micro-School, Amy teaches English and Humanities, where she inspires students to explore literature, history, and geography through a thoughtful and interdisciplinary approach. Her lessons are designed to develop critical thinking, foster curiosity, and encourage a deep understanding of both past and present cultures. Amy is also adept at personalising learning, ensuring that each student feels supported and challenged, particularly in their reading, writing, and analytical skills.
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Amy also oversees our SEN provision as our SENCO. With over a decade of teaching experience, Amy has worked in a variety of settings, including The Drive Preparatory School, where she supported the SENDCo and worked closely with SEN students. She also has extensive experience as a tutor, helping students across Key Stages 1-4 with academic progress, exam preparation, and confidence building.
In addition to her teaching roles, Amy has been involved in educational testing with Pearson Education and NFER, and she continues to volunteer as a tutor for underprivileged children. Her passion for education and dedication to her students make her an invaluable member of the Hove Micro-School team.
Tahlia Ansbro
BA (Hons), PGCE, Primary Education
Individual Needs Assistant and Supply Teacher
Tahlia works as both an Individual Needs Assistant and a supply teacher. With a PGCE from Brighton University and a BA in Performance & Visual Arts, Tahlia brings a creative and empathetic approach to supporting students with diverse needs. Her extensive experience across Early Years, primary education, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) allows her to offer tailored support, ensuring each child feels valued and able to thrive in their learning environment.
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Tahlia is particularly passionate about play-based learning and sensory play, believing these are key to successful cognitive development. She is skilled in creating engaging, child-initiated activities that cater to different learning styles, whether auditory, tactile, or visual. Her ability to adapt lessons on the spot ensures that every child, regardless of ability, can make progress and enjoy their learning journey.
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In addition to her classroom experience, Tahlia has worked as an Ofsted-registered childminder and in Montessori settings, caring for children from 6 months to 11 years. Her expertise in supporting children with autism and SEN has been integral to her role at Hove Micro-School, where she consistently demonstrates inclusive practices and differentiated learning activities.
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Tahlia’s commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and safeguarding is evident in her approach, making her an invaluable part of the Hove Micro-School team.
Emma Corbin-Mckenzie
BA (Hons), PGCE
KS2 teacher and DSL
Emma is a qualified PGCE primary school teacher with an early years QTS and a specialism in SEND. With over 10 years of experience in education, Emma has taught in schools, early years settings, and most recently in a home setting, offering private home education.
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As the KS2 Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead at our school, Emma's role is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. Her extensive training in safeguarding enables her to provide a secure learning environment where children can thrive.
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Emma is passionate about providing a stimulating and engaging learning experience for children. She firmly believes that children have an inquisitive thirst for knowledge and need the right environment and freedom to explore and quench that thirst. With a child-led and collaborative approach to learning, Emma emphasizes the importance of a flexible, play-based education that allows children to take control of their learning process.
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As a teacher, Emma is dedicated to guiding, facilitating, and supporting students. She advocates for a learning process that focuses on taking risks, developing critical thinking skills, and supporting emotional and social well-being, rather than a top-down approach with a heavy emphasis on testing.
In addition to her teaching role, Emma is a qualified youth yoga and children’s mindfulness tutor. She enjoys incorporating mindfulness practices into the daily routine, helping children learn to confidently express their feelings and manage tricky situations.
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At Hove Micro School, Emma ensures that children have fun and learn at a pace suitable for them. She collaborates closely with parents to provide a tailored educational experience, leveraging the benefits of small group sizes to offer focused, quality time with each student. By adapting the national curriculum, Emma meets the diverse needs of children, which are often overlooked in larger class sizes.
Emma’s dedication to inspiring, nurturing, and supporting students makes her an indispensable part of our school community.
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Ella Turner
BSocSci (Hons), PGCE, MSc
School Development Partner
Ella brings over 20 years of experience in education to Hove Micro-School. Having served as an Assistant Headteacher, school improvement consultant, and Chair of Governors at Tarnerland Nursery School, she specialises in emotional health, wellbeing, and Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE). Her work focuses on creating nurturing environments where children can thrive both academically and emotionally.
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With an MSc in Economics, Corporate Governance & Public Policy, and a PGCE in Primary Education, Ella's expertise spans governance, leadership development, and data-driven improvement. She has also led citywide initiatives, such as the Brighton and Hove Healthy Schools Programme, improving wellbeing outcomes across schools.
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As Hove Micro-School’s School Development Partner, Ella is dedicated to fostering strong, supportive relationships within the school community and contributing to its continued growth and success.
Sophie Dean
BA(Hons), PGCE
KS3 Teacher
Sophie Dean brings a wealth of experience to Hove Micro-School. With a strong foundation in teaching, Sophie has held leadership roles, including Head of Science at the Brighton & Hove Pupil Referral Unit and Head of Physics at Christ’s School, Richmond. She has also mentored PGCE students at the University of Sussex and continues to provide private tutoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
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At Hove Micro-School, Sophie teaches Science, Careers and PSHE to the KS3 cohort, where her approach focuses on making learning accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. In Science, she encourages curiosity and critical thinking, helping students to explore the world around them through hands-on experiments, investigations, and real-world applications. In PSHE, Sophie creates a supportive environment where students can openly discuss important topics such as mental health, relationships, and personal development, fostering a sense of confidence and emotional well-being.
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Sophie holds a PGCE in Science from the University of Sussex and a BA(Hons) in Philosophy and Economics from Cardiff University. Her wide-ranging expertise and passion for both education and business make her a key member of the Hove Micro-School team.
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Sophie also actively contributes to the community through her volunteer work, including roles as a data analyst for RISE and a pen pal for UK Prisoners Abroad.
Katie Jackson
BA (Hons), PGCE
KS3 teacher
Katherine (Katie) Jackson is the KS3 Maths teacher at Hove Micro-School, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience to her role. With a PGCE in Primary Education from St Mary’s College, University of Surrey, and further training as a Maths specialist at the University of Brighton, Katie is highly skilled at making complex mathematical concepts accessible to her students. She is passionate about fostering a deep understanding of maths and building confidence in learners as they transition through Key Stage 3.
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Katie has taught in a variety of settings, including international schools, and has held leadership roles such as Maths Leader and Year 4 Leader. She has also worked extensively in private tutoring, supporting children with maths from KS2 through to foundation GCSE level, and running small group sessions both online and in person.
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Her dedication to personalised learning, along with her extensive experience working with children across different age groups and abilities, makes Katie a valuable asset to the Hove Micro-School team. She is committed to helping students develop strong problem-solving skills and a positive attitude towards maths.
Phoebe Murphy
Individual Needs Assistant and Club Leader
Phoebe has lots of experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. In addition to providing individual and group support, Phoebe collaborates with class teachers, SENDCo, specialists, and parents to meet the needs of students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
She holds a Diploma in Health and Social Care and is pursuing a Bachelor's in Childhood Youth Studies at The Open University. Phoebe is also qualified in Lego Therapy and delivers sessions on Monday afternoons.
Morgan Evans
BA (Hons)
Individual Needs Assistant and Club Leader
In her role as an Individual Needs Assistant at our school, Morgan is dedicated to providing tailored support to students, ensuring each child's unique needs are met with care and empathy.
With extensive experience in early years and primary education, Morgan has a rich background in community art initiatives and fostering social connections through art.
Currently completing a diploma in art therapy, Morgan aims to enhance her skills in supporting children's emotional and creative development.
Additionally, Morgan offers personalised art lessons as a private tutor, focusing on building technical skills, self-expression, and confidence in creativity.
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Morgan's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities is evident through her volunteer work as an art educator for the Power of Play project, which supports the mental well-being of children from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.
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Morgan's positive attitude, creativity, and commitment to supporting children's development are evident in everything she does.
Frank
Head of security and wellbeing
It's no secret who the favourite member of staff is at our school...