After graduating in law from Nottingham University, Poyntz became a teaching/care assistant for a child with cerebral palsy.

She then embarked on a graduate teaching programme where she combined her work at a Nottingham primary school with day release at Nottingham Trent University, successfully gaining her PGCE and QTS qualifications.

She moved as an NQT to Pinewood School in Wiltshire where she spent six years, escalating to head of middle school.

The position at Barrow Hills provides an opportunity for Poyntz to consolidate her management experience in a smaller school environment.

She said: “I am looking forward to joining the Barrow Hills School family where I hope to play a significant role in influencing the powerful impact that a good education can have on our children, working not just as a teacher but also considering the school’s strategic approach to delivering learning opportunities that deliver optimum results.”

At Barrow Hills, Poyntz will be working with new head Philip Oldroyd to review best practice for learning and teaching across the whole school, from nursery up to year 8.

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