Leadership Team & Key Contacts
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| HeadteacherMr C Prosser Mr. Prosser joined The Downs School in January 2008 as Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Geography teacher. He became Headteacher in January 2014 and subsequently assumed the role of Executive Headteacher for Compton CofE Primary School, Beedon CofE Primary School, and Basildon CofE Primary School, collectively forming the Downland Federation.
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| Deputy Headteacher, Curriculum, Achievement and InnovationMr T Mannion Mr. Mannion joined The Downs School in September 2023 as Deputy Headteacher, following nine years as a senior leader overseeing the curriculum at a high-performing girls’ school in Gloucester. He has led nationally recognized EdTech initiatives across several schools. At The Downs School, he focuses on curriculum development, teaching and learning, and raising standards. He also serves as the Data Protection Officer. |
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| Deputy Headteacher, Ethos & AchievementMr P Wilson Mr. Wilson first joined The Downs School in 2003 as an English teacher and later served as Head of Year. After a tenure as Head of House in an Oxfordshire comprehensive school, he returned to The Downs in 2012, progressing from Assistant Headteacher to Deputy Headteacher. He oversees the pastoral system, including behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding, and manages the Assistant Headteachers for Key Stages 3, 4, and Sixth Form, as well as the SENCO. Additionally, he supervises the English, Media, Mathematics, and Computing faculties. |
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| Assistant Headteacher, Ethos and Achievement at Key Stage 3Mr T Sutherland Mr. Sutherland joined The Downs School in 2023 as Assistant Headteacher responsible for Key Stage 3 Ethos and Achievement. He also serves as Deputy Safeguarding Lead. Previously, he worked in a West Berkshire school for seven years, including roles as Achievement and Progress Leader and Head of House. He oversees the progress, attitude, attendance, and behaviour of Key Stage 3 students and teaches History across various year groups. |
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| Assistant Headteacher – Ethos & Achievement at Key Stage 4Miss J Duthie Miss Duthie joined The Downs School in 2015 as a Drama teacher within the Performing Arts faculty. She became Student Voice Leader in 2016, leading initiatives such as the creation of Ilsley House and the implementation of a House and School Council. She has directed three school musicals and supported the Duke of Edinburgh awards for six years. In 2020, she became Head of Year 7 and was later appointed Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 4, focusing on personal development, attendance, and behaviour. |
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| Assistant Headteacher, Wellbeing and Professional DevelopmentMrs K McDowell Mrs. McDowell joined The Downs School in 2019, after14 years of experience in West Berkshire education. She is passionate about ensuring education staff maintain a sustainable work-life balance and is dedicated to the professional development of teachers. With over two decades of mentoring outstanding educators, she leads the Downland Alliance, promoting and delivering training for Initial Teacher Training through the OTT SCITT as the West Berkshire Hub. Additionally, she serves as the Local Area Coordinator for Primary Early Career Teachers (ECTs) through TSHB. |
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| Head of Sixth FormMs I Anderson Ms. Anderson joined The Downs School in 2024 as Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form. She oversees the progress, attitude, and attendance of Key Stage 5 students, as well as their preparation for life beyond Sixth Form. Previously, she served as Acting Assistant Headteacher, Head of Year, and Director of Music in an East Berkshire school. She teaches Music and serves as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead. |
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| Associate Assistant Headteacher, Teaching and Learning, CPDMiss G Winfield Miss Winfield joined The Downs School in 2017 as Assistant Head of Maths in charge of Key Stage 4. She later led the Personal Development Programme and the Mathematics and Computing Faculty before joining the Senior Leadership Team, focusing on teaching, learning, and professional development. She is responsible for staff development and supports teachers in enhancing the quality of learning. |
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| Associate Assistant Headteacher, TimetablerMrs H Pankania Mrs. Pankania joined The Downs School in 2017 as Key Stage 4 English Coordinator after a decade of teaching in Surrey. In 2020, she was appointed Head of the English and Media Faculty. After shadowing the timetabling team in 2021, she became an associate member of the school leadership team, focusing on curriculum and options. In 2023, she was appointed Associate Assistant Headteacher (Timetabling) and continues to lead the English and Media Faculty. She is responsible for designing an effective timetable offering a broad and balanced curriculum while supporting the Heads of Faculty team. |
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| Business ManagerMiss R Brophy Miss Brophy joined The Downs School as Federation Business Manager in December 2020, following her role as Operations Manager at a large primary school in Newbury. She supports the finance, marketing, facilities, central administration, IT, cleaning, and catering teams, and is responsible for health and safety across the school. She also serves proudly as Head of Chiltern House.
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