We are thrilled to have appointed two new teachers to our dedicated and strong staff team who will be joining us in September for the new academic year. Rachel Wales will be joining as a Year 1 teacher and Catherine Prem will be joining us as a Year 3 teacher.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Year 1 team at Abbeyfields! I have recently qualified as a teacher through North Tyneside’s SCITT programme after an earlier career in retail advertising and more recently as a primary school librarian. Children’s literature is my passion and I love exploring words, themes and illustrations with my classes. My two sons keep me very busy in my spare time thanks to football and I keep fit through running and also enjoy crafting of all types. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the children, families and staff over the coming weeks – please say hello if you see me!”  – Rachel Wales 

“I have lived in the North East all my life and before becoming a teacher had a long career in the NHS working as a genetic counsellor with families with muscular dystrophy. My two boys are former Abbeyfields students and their great experiences here played a large part in my decision to retrain as a teacher. I’m a keen cyclist and can usually be found riding my bike around the local area at weekends. I am very excited to have the opportunity to join the teaching team and am looking forward to the new school year.” – Catherine Prem

We are all really looking forward to working closely with Rachel and Catherine in September.

Sandra Ford
Headteacher