At Kings Monkton, our staff and students are united by a shared vision: to be the best we can be. Embracing this principle, we deeply appreciate our dedicated staff and the invaluable contributions they make to create our exceptional school community.
Kings Monkton School is staffed by highly qualified professional across all departments.
our teaching staff hold recognised degrees and professional qualifications including QTS, PGCE, NPQH, and specialist accreditations in SEN, ABA, ELSE and subject specific fields. Several senior leaders are ESTYN Peer Inspectors.
Our support, wellbeing, and administrative teams hold a wide range of professional certifications, including CIPD, finance, ICT, safeguarding, food hygiene, and transport (D1/CPC) qualifications.
Together, these qualifications ensure strong leadership, high-quality teaching, effective pupil support, and safe day-to-day operations throughout the school.
There are 116 members of staff at Kings Monkton School as at September 2025.
Are you interested in joining our dedicated team team of professionals? Click the button below to view our current job opportunities.
Principal & Proprietor
Paul is the Principal and Proprietor of Kings Monkton School and is experienced in business and education over a range of different fields. Paul has been teaching for over 20 years and has been in senior leadership for 14 years.
He joined Kings Monkton as Principal in June 2013 and has a very personal connection to the school as his father attended back in 1953. Within Kings Monkton, he has ensured the school to be recognised as the fastest growing independent school in Britain and has brought standards from adequate to Excellent in 6 years.
Outside of education, Paul sits on the Board of Governors for Ronald McDonald Housing Trust and KIRAN, a charitable trust.
Vice Principal & Head of Primary
As a mathematics graduate, Karen started her career by teaching mathematics at GCSE and A level before becoming Head of Mathematics and then a senior leader, gaining a post graduate degree in Education Leadership. Karen has experience in all areas of school leadership; pastoral and wellbeing, Additional Learning needs, Data management, Assessment & Reporting and curriculum design, writing the timetable.
Karen has supported headteachers in both primary and secondary schools to develop literacy and numeracy, specialising in numerical reasoning as Senior partner for the National Support Programme, a Welsh Government initiative. She led supported marking events for secondary teachers across Wales to ensure consistency in the marking of national tests. Karen joined Kings Monkton in 2015 as Vice Principal and Headteacher of our Primary School.
Director of Studies
Abi is the Director of Studies/Assistant Principal of Kings Monkton School and is responsible for Pupil Progress and Wellbeing. Abi initially joined Kings Monkton in 2014 as the Head of Sixth Form before swiftly becoming a member of the leadership team.
Abi takes the lead in terms of the professional training and development of teaching staff at the start of their professional career. She is the senior mentor for all PGCE candidates and NQTs, working closely with organisations such as TES Institute and the EWC to ensure professional standards are upheld.
When not in school, Abi enjoys spending time with her family, particularly at the Pembrokeshire Coast.
Director of Finance and Operations
Nicola joined Kings Monkton School after retiring from military service. A professional logistician, she has brought a vast amount of strategic and operational experience to the school which have allowed for the positive development of our Business Management Team, introduction of our Standard Operating Licence, expanded transport operations, and significant physical improvements to our teaching environment.
She led on our successful change of entity to Kings Monkton School Limited and has since introduced rigorous financial processes across the school’s operations which now underpin our financial viability and operational growth.
In her spare time, Nicola can be found walking her Labradors, in her garden, or travelling to somewhere new.
Assistant Headteacher
Neil joined Kings Monkton School in 2021 as part of the leadership team for responsible learning and teaching.
He started his career at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda where he spent six years as a mathematics teacher before moving to Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg as second in the department. Neil went on to be appointed Head of Mathematics in 2013 and then in 2020 he moved to Ysgol Gymraeg Garth Olwg to gain experience in senior leadership before joining Kings Monkton.
In his spare time, Neil loves taking part in sport and keeping fit. He enjoys a challenge and has climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro and base camp Everest.
Assistant Headteacher
Hailing from Pembrokeshire, Claire is a life-long musician joining the Kings Monkton
family in January 2014 as Head of Music and going on to lead the Creative Arts Faculty.
Claire is passionate about teaching, particularly ensuring that every pupil has the chance to thrive in the subjects that they enjoy most. She is responsible for overseeing pupil wellbeing and inclusion for key stage 3 pupils as well as promoting pupils’ engagement in extra-curricular activities such as the KMS Baccalaureate and the school House competitions.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys performing across South Wales and getting involved in community projects in her local village.
ALNCo & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Sara is our ALNCo and Safeguarding Lead, joining Kings Monkton in 2011. She earned her Master’s Degree in 2022, focusing on Additional Learning Needs, Autism, and ABA.
After completing her degree in Education Studies with Special and Inclusive Needs at Liverpool University in 2008, Sara returned to Wales to work as an Applied Behavioural Analyst. Passionate about supporting children and young people, she’s dedicated her career to being their advocate.
A busy mum of two, who are also part of the KMS family, Sara is always on the go with her children’s gymnastics, horse riding, and rugby activities. When she finds time to herself, she enjoys staying active and can often be found at the gym.
Assistant Headteacher (Seconded)
With 17 years of experience in teaching English and Performing Arts, Tatum joined Kings Monkton School in 2022 after teaching in the Rhondda Valley. She held several leadership roles, including Literacy Co-ordinator, Head of Sixth Form, and Head of English Faculty.
Tatum holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership and Management and is passionate about reading’s impact on young people. She is committed to building supportive relationships with her pupils.
Outside of school, Tatum enjoys time with her husband and two children, Willow and Brecon, as well as running and traveling in her caravan, ‘Flossie.’ Fun fact: she was married at the “Mamma Mia” church in Skopelos, Greece.
In September 2022, Anna was made Pride Lead for the school and runs an inclusive Pride Alliance group. The group offers a safe space for students from the LGBTQ+ community and those pupils who see themselves as allies and has already had a positive effect on students wellbeing.
Anna is a mum to two active boys and spends most of her spare time working on interior design projects in her home.
Louis joined Kings Monkton in September 2021 and has worked as a one-to-one
learning support assistant in reception/Year One, Year Two and Year Six. Louis studied music at university and enjoys playing piano and ukulele in and out of school, collaborating with friends and performing as much as possible!
On his days off, Louis enjoys long hikes exploring nature and photographing wildlife. His favourite creatures to spot include kingfishers, foxes, badgers, woodpeckers and dragonflies.
Here are some quick facts about Louis: his favourite book is The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, the Beatles are his favourite band, he collects retro games, he plays badminton every week, and he has a large record collection!
Head of Mathematics
Adam serves as the Head of Mathematics at our school. His academic journey began at Cardiff University, where he initially pursued civil engineering before transitioning to a pure mathematics focus. Adam’s commitment to pupils and their enjoyment of mathematics has firmly established him as an integral part of our school community over the years.
With a recent move to Caerphilly, Adam and his partner are embarking on an exciting new chapter as they prepare to welcome twins into their family. Beyond his professional dedication to mathematics and teaching, Adam’s interests span a wide spectrum. He enjoys cooking, gaming and being an enthusiastic participant in Dungeons and Dragons adventures. In addition, he and his partner take pleasure in exploring and evaluating local restaurants due to their shared love of food.
Foundation & Reception Teacher
Siwan re-joined Kings Monkton School in 2019 after living abroad in New Zealand. She worked in New Zealand as a caregiver in a school’s early years. She recounts that working in New Zealand it was an honour and privilege to experience their culture. Siwan has over 13 years of experience working with children in various countries and settings from birth to age 16. Having obtained a degree in youth and community education Siwan was looking forward to securing a position teaching at KMS. Prior to this she had experience working in the school office and was the school’s PA before a perfect opportunity came up for Siwan to teach in the Foundation early years department. Siwan said it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down. Outside of work Siwan is very active and enjoys running, long nature walks with her dog, shopping for vintage items and spending time with her family.
Sociology, Psychology & Criminology Teacher
Muna began her journey at Kings Monkton as a learning support assistant before training to teach Psychology, Sociology and Criminology using the Straight to Teaching programme in 2020/21.
In addition to her responsibilities as a teacher, Muna actively engages in the Inclusion group and staff Wellbeing group.
Outside of school Muna enjoys playing the ukulele and using her platform and experience to spread awareness of the important of representation, inclusivity and mental health.
She enjoys traveling and has recently been to Disneyland Paris for the first time!
Deputy Head of Primary
Ceri is one of those confused English people who has lived in Wales for more than half her life and is no longer sure who to support in the Rugby! She joined Kings Monkton in 2009 to cover a two term maternity leave. Fourteen years later and two maternity leaves of her own, Ceri has now taught across the Primary. She is also the Primary Literacy Lead, if you ever need a book recommendation.
Ceri is a keen creative, whether that’s playing the piano, making a rug out of pom poms or in fact a full house renovation. She shares her home with her husband, two children, four guinea pigs and a handful of fish! Ceri has travelled to a number of countries both to carry out aid work and simply for an adventure. Brazil, Canada, Norway, Cuba and the Philippines making up the top 5! Ceri is currently getting back into running. However, a rumour once circulated the Primary that she was in fact part of the GB tobogganing team.
Librarian, Literacy Lead & PSHE Coordinator
Alison joined Kings Monkton in December 2015 and has since introduced activities like Banned Books Week, National Poetry Day, and the Carnegie Shadowing Scheme. She runs vibrant book clubs for pupils and staff, advocating for youth access to books and libraries.
In 2019, she became the PSE Lead, creating a new PSE provision for KS3 and KS4 students, emphasizing diverse, inclusive, and pupil-centered development.
Outside of school, Alison is active in the Youth Libraries Group and served as a Carnegie & Kate Greenaway judge for Wales in 2020 and 2021. In 2023, she was recognised on the CILIP 125 list for her contributions to the library sector.
In her spare time, Alison enjoys reading, writing, and organising her extensive book collection.
Inclusion Officer
Alan has spent the last 5 years studying and living in Cardiff after relocating from Exeter. He completed his Sports Coaching BSc at Cardiff Metropolitan University and gained experience working as a teaching assistant in schools, a Lead Sports Coach at holiday camps, and a part-time football coach.
Alan recently transitioned to the role of Learning Support Assistant at Kings Monkton, where he primarily works with students in year 7 and 8. In October 2023, he took on the role of the school’s Inclusion Officer and Pastoral worker. In this capacity, he focuses on supporting students’ behaviour and wellbeing through check-ins, interventions, and everyday school life management, all while collaborating with the Inclusion Team.
Outside of work, Alan remains active by going to the gym and participating in football matches with his local team. He also enjoys cooking meals from various cultural backgrounds. A fun fact about Alan is that his surname is a blend of Dutch (Van) and Indian (Vogt) origins.
Physics Teacher
Jayne joined Kings Monkton School in April 2018 as Physics teacher and became Head of the Science faculty in 2019. Jayne has a Physics degree from Birmingham University and has been teaching Physics since the year 2000. She began her career as a Physics teacher at Chepstow School where she worked for 18 years, during her time at Chepstow Jayne was Head of Physics and later Head of Science. Jayne is passionate about encouraging all to love Physics and realise it’s not as hard as some people think!
In her spare time Jayne enjoys spending time with her family, she has twin boys who are pupils at KMS, most weekends Jayne spends part of her weekend watching her boys playing football! Jayne enjoys going on walks with her dog, planning and going on holidays and eating out in restaurants.
Receptionist
Jane has worked as the receptionist at Kings Monkton since January 2014 and during that time has worked in most of the other admin roles within the school too. No day is ever the same and she is very adept at multitasking and problem solving. Jane loves getting to meet all the students and knows all their names.
Outside of school, Jane is a keen cook and baker and enjoys eating out and trying new restaurants. She is also an avid reader and member of three book clubs.
Jane has a son and daughter who are both at university and she enjoys visiting them and friends and family. Jane also enjoys travelling and particularly loves south east Asia and has visited most of the countries there. Two of her most memorable trips were working on a children’s summer camp in the USA and then travelling around the country afterwards and interrailing around Europe by train. She also met Tom Cruise many years ago when he was staying at the same hotel as her in Moscow!
Girls PE Coach
Thea joined Kings Monkton School in 2024 after finishing her travels. She graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2022, studying Sport Physical Education and Health. Within Kings Monkton she assists with the delivery of the PE and Games Curriculum, as well as the organisation and delivery of our summer holiday clubs, and many other duties in between!
Thea has lots of prior experiences working in schools, primarily assisting children with ALN. During her spare time she also coaches Hockey with Hockey Wales, and used to coach Netball at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
During her free time, Thea will often be found at the beach, walking, spending time with her friends or playing and watching sport!
