About Us

Viv Nicholls - Co-Head of School, Prendergast Primary School

Having worked for the Federation as Head of School for Prendergast Primary since 2014, I have always felt that requests to support my work-life balance have been listened to.

Following illness in 2018 my request to reduce my full-time hours was accepted with a job share role quickly advertised and a candidate appointed. This helped my recovery both physically and emotionally, with me being able to spend more time enjoying walking, cooking and bingeing the odd box set!

My job share was fantastic; it takes effort on both sides to make a job share successful and we made sure that we communicated well to make the role work.

My first job share moved onto a full-time role as a Head of School having 'found her feet' in the Federation and I decided to work full time again with a view to taking a phased retirement in the near future. The 'near future' seemed to arrive very quickly and once again my request for flexible working (this time phased-retirement) was carefully considered and accepted.

My new working pattern has been in place since September 2022, and I couldn't ask for a better job share partner. Once again, I have started spending more time on hobbies and enjoying family life.

I feel very lucky to be working for such a forward-thinking employer. Part-time Head of School roles are rare, and the Federation's flexibility has enabled me to continue a career that I love with energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

Jill Palliser - Co-Head of School, Prendergast Primary School

Being a working parent is a balancing act, the demands of life inside and outside of school can be significant. Having the support and openness of the Federation helps me to pursue a healthy work-life balance and to feel I needn't compromise on my aspirations as a leader, nor my personal endeavours.

During maternity leave, I decided to apply for a promotion and was invited to interview, with adjustments offered to meet my needs at the time. It felt really positive to be meaningfully included in the recruitment process despite being on maternity leave. Having gained promotion, the opportunity to work part time within a more senior role has supported me to approach my return to work with greater confidence and enthusiasm.

Working three days per week feels manageable and attractive and I hope to hear of more people in leadership roles being offered flexible working arrangements in future. Having the opportunity to job share and to have a crossover day with my co-Head, is so beneficial; this not only affords me all the flexibility of part time working but also provides our organisation with a forward-thinking model of school leadership.

I am proud to be part of a Federation that promotes part time work, flexible work and hybrid working; I feel grateful that others in our community will get to enjoy the challenges and rewards of the educational profession, alongside investing in their own lives outside of school, as I am currently doing.

Enza Dello Buono - Assistant Headteacher, Prendergast Vale School

I first joined the Leathersellers' Federation of Schools in 2005 as a Cover Supervisor. I enjoyed working with colleagues and students and my time and experiences gave me the confidence to pursue a career in teaching. Upon completion of my degree, I applied to complete my PGCE at King's College London with my second placement taking place at Prendergast School. Staff were incredibly supportive and provided me with invaluable advice and guidance throughout my placement. CPD was high quality and empowered me to develop and use new skills.

Following my teacher training, I secured a job at Prendergast Vale. My journey from ECT to Assistant Headteacher has been exciting and I have felt incredibly supported and motivated to grow as a leader. The school and my line managers have been key in facilitating opportunities for me to develop and progress through the opportunities to work collaboratively with staff across the school and federation on whole school and federation wide initiatives. Above all, I really feel I am valued and part of a fantastic team.

My personal interests and achievements are that of volunteering, cooking, art, traveling, second language acquisition, theatre, retrieval, transition, personal development, inclusion and equality.

Mabina Ahmed - Head of Science, Prendergast Vale School

I joined Prendergast Vale as Second in Charge and now lead my faculty. My Headteacher is a great mentor and provided designated consultancy support when I was promoted, alongside opportunities to network and build a community of colleagues beyond our school. This was instrumental in my development as a female leader from a minority background. I appreciate the fact that I have always been trusted to lead my department, and this has allowed me to explore and shape my vision for the faculty.

I am currently completing an apprenticeship Master's in senior leadership, and Prendergast Vale leaders have championed my progression and encouraged me to work alongside them on whole school projects. My line manager has provided incisive, timely feedback, been a listening ear, and facilitated opportunities for me to grow as a leader.

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen, as Brene Brown might say. The community I work with is kind, collaborative, and curious. We are a community of staff that look after each other at the Vale, and that's why I'm still here.

Maria Collins, Student Receptionist, Prendergast School

I started working at Prendergast School on the 01st September 2022. Since beginning in my position as Student Receptionist, even from the moment I arrived waiting for my interview to begin I was made to feel so welcomed. I work with a very diverse, super-friendly, kind, talented, professional group of individuals who value each other's contributions and listen to me when I have ideas. Beginning a new role in a new environment could be quite a daunting experience but I have been supported by amazing colleagues and never once felt overwhelmed, I've looked forward to coming into school every day since.

When I participated in the Federation Inset Day not only was the training excellent but I was able to meet and engage with colleagues from all the other schools within the federation which was really insightful.

In January I successfully applied to become the supervisor of the Breakfast Club and this has been so rewarding. I am very fortunate to be able to spend a large percentage of my working day interacting with the amazing students and can see not only personal growth in the new skills that I am learning here but know that my career can grow into other areas which is so exciting.