Rebecca Perdrix, Head of Pre-Prep

Rebecca Perdrix, Head of Pre-Prep

I remember so clearly the day that I drove past the walls of this beautiful school whilst looking for a teaching job early in my career and said, “It would be my absolute dream to work there”… and the dream came true! I now feel so incredibly grateful to play such a significant role in the care and education of our Pre-Prep children and their families in this unique and special school. The strong sense of community here at Wells ensured that I felt at home from the beginning, and it is this sense of belonging that allows our children to truly embrace their uniqueness and to explore and discover what really makes them what they are.

For me, education is about nurturing and creating individuals. Individuals who can take on the challenges of the changing world with resilience. In order to do this, we need to know our children and to motivate them through kindling their unique strengths, and by making learning magic! Children learn more in the first few years of their life than at any other time, which is why it is crucial that we provide a brilliant foundation for life, from the very beginning.

Having studied Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham, I am passionate about ensuring that each child gets the best from an enriching, varied and multi-sensory curriculum and community that not only inspires and motivates but stimulates excellent neural development and builds on the individual developmental stepping stones of each child. As Head of Pre-Prep, I work closely with our wonderful Pre-Prep and Nursery team to ensure that we provide a nurturing, but exciting, introduction to school life and ignite a lifetime love of learning… and make lots of memories along the way too!

I have thoroughly enjoyed pursuing my own education alongside my career, completing a Masters in Education, and have enjoyed studying how theory and practice sit hand in hand and carrying out action research projects focused on constantly improving practice as times change. I adore the creative ethos of this school which is reflected too in my personal interests. Music is a huge part of who I am and as well as seeking out live music, I sing, dance, act and perform regularly myself! It is hard for me to resist the temptation to get on the stage when introducing concerts, but I cannot tell you the joy it brings me to see our young people growing and thriving in confidence and talent as they start their journey with us.

Throughout my career I have specialised in the education of our youngest learners, and I have had the privilege of teaching Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. I have also, in the past, acted as SENCO for early years. I now take great pride in having my own form class as it facilitates my role as Head of Pre-Prep; it is very important to me to be involved with daily life in our little Pre-Prep world and to lead by example.

Alongside my responsibilities and life at Wells I am also lucky enough to represent our district as the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools) district lead, and to also act as the Early Years and Pre-Prep subject advisor for IAPS nationally. I am also a team inspector for the Independent School Inspectorate. All of which stands me in great stead for maintaining excellent provision here at Wells!

As well as all things creative, I also love the outdoors and enjoy spending time with my cute but rather spoilt miniature dachshunds! One of whom, Fleur, is also our valued therapy dog here in Pre-Prep.