Tom Hardwick (Chair)

Tom is the Chair of Trustees for the Sevenoaks Partnership of Primary Schools (SPPS) and an experienced primary school leader with a strong commitment to collaboration and system leadership.

He is the Executive Headteacher of the Darent Federation of Primary Schools in Sevenoaks, Kent, leading Kemsing Primary School and Sundridge & Brasted CE Primary School. Tom has a particular interest in inclusive practice, leadership development and ensuring that partnership work is purposeful, sustainable and grounded in the realities of school life.

As Chair, Tom works closely with the Board, the Business Manager and the Educational Consultant to provide strategic direction and oversight for SPPS. He is passionate about building trusted professional networks that support leaders and teachers to share practice, challenge thinking and improve outcomes for children.

Kate Haysom

Kate has been Headteacher of Chiddingstone Church of England Primary School since 2023. With a strong background in English and many years of leadership experience, she has a passion for staff development, coaching and nurturing new talent within the profession.

Kate began working as a teaching assistant before training as a teacher, giving her a deep appreciation of the whole school community and the importance of inclusive, supportive practice. Prior to working in education, she had a longstanding career in the media sector, which continues to influence her interest in communication, creativity and high-quality teaching and learning.

Alongside her headship, Kate extends her professional repertoire through providing further leadership and training. She is motivated by creating environments where pupils and staff can thrive, and where learning, curiosity and professional growth are actively encouraged.

Lisa Higgs 

Lisa is the Headteacher of Crockham Hill Church of England Primary School and a Trustee of the Sevenoaks Partnership. She has worked in education for over 20 years, with extensive experience across primary teaching, leadership and school improvement.

Passionate about inclusive education and strong community partnerships, she is committed to ensuring that every child is supported to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Through her role as a Trustee, she is keen to contribute to collaborative working across the Sevenoaks area to strengthen outcomes for children and families.

Andrew Reid

Andrew is a Trustee and previous Chair of the Sevenoaks Partnership of Primary Schools. He is an experienced school leader having been the Headteacher of Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary School (2008 - 2013) and currently the Headteacher of Amherst School (2013 - present). His previous roles have included mentoring new headteachers in the Partnership. Andrew is Chair of the Sevenoaks Sports Association which facilitates festivals and competitions between partnership primary schools.

Andrew has experience of working as part of stand alone Academy Trust. He has an interest in coaching (Level 5 ILM Qualification) and developing future school leaders at all levels. He helps deliver the Partnership's Deepening Leadership programme, which helps support and encourage middle leaders to develop the skills and confidence to continue their leadership journey. 

Helen Roberts 

Helen is Headteacher of Otford Primary School and has been in post since June 2016. Prior to this, Helen held senior leadership positions in a variety of schools in both London and Tunbridge Wells, these roles included being Acting Headteacher on two occasions, a Head of School, SENCO and a Deputy Headteacher in two large primary schools.  She is also a parent with two children. Helen has worked in many schools over the past 32 years, her first role was as a Year 2 teacher in her home county of Yorkshire.

Claire Rowley 

Claire has been the Headteacher of Plaxtol Primary School since April 2019 and is the hub leader for a group of 7 schools within the local area. Claire places great value on the importance of a supportive network of leaders to share professional dialogue and provide a listening ear.

Claire is committed to continuous school improvement and believes that developing staff potential is essential to achieving this. Through first-hand experience, she has seen the vital role that small schools play within the local community by enabling a truly inclusive learning environment where every child is valued as an individual.

Elizabeth Rye 

Elizabeth is as an experienced Headteacher committed to maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, She places strong emphasis on the professional growth of staff, actively developing aspiring teachers and nurturing the next generation of school leaders.

A key priority of her leadership is the promotion of inclusivity across all aspects of school life. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential within a safe, respectful, and ambitious learning environment.

Through a clear strategic vision and supportive collaborative approach through the Partnership, Elizabeth champions the development of pupils’ personal growth, independence, and confidence, equipping them with the skills and resilience required for future success.