Celebrating our staff

At Downe House, our teachers bring a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion to their roles. This month, we spoke with three members of staff, Miss Alexandra Atkinson (Teacher of 3-D Design), Miss Ana Serrano Baena (Teacher of Spanish and French, Resident Tutor), and Mr Joshua Kersley (Teacher of Biology, i/c Science Outreach), to hear about their journeys to DH, what makes our community unique and the highlights of their teaching careers so far. 

How did you come to be at DH? 

Miss Atkinson: “I had been living near the Lake District and wanted to relocate to be closer to Oxfordshire where I grew up. I also wanted to teach 3-Dimensional Art and Design, and Downe House ticked all the boxes.” 

Miss Serrano Baena: “After teaching for four years in a boys’ boarding school, I wanted to see what challenges girls face at the same age. When I came for the interview and saw that the school is not only focused on academics but also in guiding the girls to achieve their full personal potential, I knew it was the right place.” 

Mr Kersley: “Looking for a change of pace from my previous school, I was intrigued by an opportunity at DH. During my interview I noted it was a school with high expectations but also ample support to achieve them. This is my fourth year here, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time.” 

Has DH supported you with opportunities for growth? 

Miss Atkinson: “Downe House has the space and openness within the curriculum to allow the girls to learn in their very own personalised way. As a teacher this has been most rewarding and has allowed me to develop new teaching modules such as Jewellery Design, Little Works of Art, and Set Design.” 

Miss Serrano Baena: “I had been teaching Spanish my entire career and teaching French was also one of my goals, which I’m very glad to say the school supported after my first year. I’m also really looking forward to the Aspiring Middle Leaders programme.” 

Mr Kersley: “DH has provided me with ample training courses, including the Middle Leaders’ programme with Bradfield College and Winchester College. They also gave me the opportunity to develop my own skills through my role as Teacher in Charge of Science Outreach.” 

How would you describe the workplace culture? 

Miss Atkinson: “Really great – my department are fantastic and the staff at the school are open, friendly, and super helpful. Everyone is made to feel valuable.” 

Miss Serrano Baena: “The workplace culture at a boarding school like DH is very community-oriented and collaborative. You act not only as a teacher, but also as mentor, advisor, and role model.” 

Mr Kersley: “Downe House is a collaborative environment. The school is aware we are all here to deliver a common goal, and cooperation is engrained into the culture.” 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in teaching? 

Miss Atkinson: “Pace yourself. Don’t worry about making mistakes, as this is the way to learn and improve. Choose a good school – ask how long teachers have stayed there. Downe House has an amazing record.” 

Miss Serrano Baena: “Having an open mind is key. Even when you become a teacher, you remain a learner. Stay flexible, as every day is different, and focus on building strong relationships.” 

What are you most proud of in your role so far? 

Miss Atkinson: “The girls at GCSE and A-Level did really well, and it was a pleasure to share and help them with that journey.” 

Miss Serrano Baena: “Seeing the growth and confidence in my students. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them begin to believe in themselves and know I’ve played a small part in that journey.” 

Mr Kersley: “As the first to take up the role of Teacher in Charge of Science Outreach, I’ve been able to refine it under my own vision, including developing a very successful Forensic Day with visiting prep schools.” 

 Together, Miss Atkinson, Miss Serrano Baena, and Mr Kersley highlight what makes Downe House such a special place: a culture of collaboration, innovation, and care, where both staff and students are supported to thrive.