Getting to know our incoming Headmistress Mrs Martin

As we came to the end of a busy Lent Term, we were delighted to welcome incoming Headmistress, Mrs Kate Martin, to Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School.

We sat down to interview Mrs Martin, when she answered questions submitted by our pupils, to help us get to know her better.

Mrs Martin will be returning to the Prep School on the 3rd & 4th May when she is looking forward to meeting current and prospective families. She will be joining us at our parents’ weekly coffee morning on Friday 3rd May and will also be attending our Open Mornings on both 3rd and 4th May. To register for our Open Mornings, click here.

What was it about the role at Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School that made you apply?

I first visited Sedbergh in 2001, and thereafter have regularly visited the school. For me, both Casterton and Sedbergh Schools are quite unique in that they have such a meaningful sense of place along with a strong family ethos. They are schools that are proud of their heritage, but are not afraid of change. They remain committed to their traditions whilst embracing innovation. Overall, this creates a vibrant and exciting culture that I will be proud to be part of. Accordingly, I very much feel that my own personal and professional values are in line with Casterton’s values. It will be both an honour and a privilege to be the next Head, and I am very much looking forward to joining the School in January.

Which of our Ways of the Wolf values do you most identify with?

What one thing would you like pupils to take away with them when they finish at the Prep School?

I think every stage of education is preparation for the next, and so my goal is that each child leaves the Prep School feeling both ready and excited for their next educational challenge. The friendships formed at a Prep School are so important, and many become lifelong relationships. The environment in an excellent Prep School is truly special, and I love seeing the way the children both support and champion one another as they move through the years. Confidence is also incredibly important, not only in themselves, but also in their approach to life with its inevitable challenges. Prep Schools allow children to develop meaningful resilience, not only in the everyday wobbles we all can face, but also in the classroom. Ultimately we shall strive for the best educational outcomes for each child; not only when they finish the Prep School, but also when they finish the Senior School (and beyond).

What do you think makes Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School unique?

What do you see as your key priorities, initially and longer term?

Every school has its own rhythm, and I am mindful that it takes time to learn this. My key priority will be to involve myself in as many areas of school life as I can so that I can learn the ‘language of Casterton’. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and feeling part of the Prep School family. Longer term, my priorities will be to continue to ensure the very best educational experience for our pupils. We will always be able to improve, and I am never complacent.

What is the best piece of life advice you have ever been given?

If you could take one book to a desert island, what would it be and why?

Such a tricky question….. I love reading, so narrowing a choice down to one book is very hard! I love fiction, but in this situation I might take a book I do own, but have never read, which is ‘What to do in an Emergency!’

What is your favourite sport? Who do you support in this sport?

As a PE teacher I love lots of sports, and a highlight of every week is supporting my teams (I can be rather vocal on the sidelines…) School sport is an amazing thing. I went to a state school (post the 1980s teacher strikes), and the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular sport was dire, and so I really value the importance of these opportunities for young people.

If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?

Tell us about your family…

I am married to Simon, and we have one son, Ted, who joins Sedbergh in School House in September. My mum and dad were both teachers; and so is my sister, so teaching is very much in my blood.

Do you have any pets?

What do you like to do in your spare time?