Ambassadors of Education | January Spotlight 

At Downe House, we are proud to celebrate staff who act as ambassadors for education, extending their impact beyond our school. These colleagues collaborate with other schools, share best practice, and contribute to the wider educational community. Their work strengthens the profession, enriches teaching, and helps prepare pupils for an increasingly complex world. 

Dr Andrew Atherton | Director of Teaching and Learning 

Local partnerships and teaching and learning 

Mr Andrew Atherton works closely with colleagues from Elstree as part of Downe House’s wider Teaching and Learning initiative, Partnering for Excellence in Education. This collaboration brings together staff across Prep and Senior sectors to share best practice, explore current educational priorities and learn from one another.

The initiative has been strengthened by the wider support offered by colleagues at Downe House, as well as dedicated time during Wednesday lunchtime CPD slots. Using this time to pool ideas and maximise partnerships has been invaluable. Over the years, these collaborations have included Classics Departments working together on curriculum design, exploring the role of scaffolding in teaching, and Maths Departments sharing best practice.

Working with colleagues across schools helps us build a shared understanding of what great education looks like and better prepare pupils for tomorrow’s world.

By building strong professional relationships and encouraging open dialogue between schools, Andy helps develop a shared understanding of what high-quality education looks like at every stage. This collaborative approach supports teachers in their practice and enhances the educational experience of pupils, ensuring continuity, innovation and strong preparation for the future.

Miss Georgina Taylor | Assistant Head Sixth Form 

International exchange and Sixth Form leadership

Miss Georgina Taylor acts as an ambassador for education through international collaboration and school partnerships. She has participated in exchanges in Australia, Oman and Saudi Arabia, taking part in lesson observations, departmental meetings, pastoral discussions and field trips. These experiences have enabled her to share best practice, engage with different educational systems and bring new perspectives back to Downe House.

Sharing knowledge and learning from other educators is the best professional development and ultimately helps us empower our students.

Through this work, Georgina supports collaboration between schools and educators, strengthening professional networks and encouraging a culture of openness and shared learning. Her international engagement benefits both staff and pupils, helping prepare students for future pathways while reinforcing the importance of global perspective in education.

Mrs Jane Basnett | Director of Digital Learning, Teacher of French

Digital learning and educational innovation

Mrs Jane Basnett represents Downe House within the wider educational and digital learning community through conference speaking, professional networks and collaborative projects. Her work focuses on sharing expertise and contributing to discussions around digital learning, innovation and emerging technologies in education.

“Sharing expertise and best practice has never been more important, particularly as the sector navigates rapid technological change.”

By engaging with educators beyond the school, Jane supports professional learning across the sector and helps colleagues navigate change thoughtfully and responsibly. This outward-facing engagement also strengthens practice within Downe House, ensuring that teaching remains grounded in educational values while preparing pupils with the skills and judgement needed for an increasingly complex digital world.

Supporting our Ambassadors in Education at Downe House 

Downe House is proud to champion collaboration and professional growth, supporting staff as ambassadors for education within and beyond the school.