Thornborough Infant School

Mrs. Laura Passenger.

Favourite book is … The Giant Jam Sandwich - John Vernon Lord
Favourite quote is … ‘I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me' - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favourite subject in School … English
Why did you want to work in Education? Every day is different and the children keep you on your toes. Their energy is infectious and helping them have the best start to their school career gives more fulfilment than anything else I can imagine.
What do you love about Thornborough? What's not to love?! The children have access to the most beautiful setting, within a tight-knit community where they are celebrated daily for who they are and who we know they can be. They are nurtured by our wonderful staff and we watch their confidence grow day by day. Our children's academic progress is exponential because we meet them exactly where they are.

School Secretary

Mrs. Victoria Endicott

Favourite book is … The Smartest Giant in Town - Julia Donaldson. I loved reading this to my boys when they were little and it always brought a lump in my throat.
Favourite quote is … 'Have courage and be kind' from Cinderella
Favourite subject in School … Music
Why did you want to work in Education? I believe children are the best version of adults. They are excited by everything, live in the moment, love learning new things and are so positive. It is infectious and so rewarding to be around them. I believe we can learn as much from children as they can from us.
What do you love about Thornborough? From the minute I walked into the school I was struck by the lovely warm family atmosphere. It is so calm and all the children are so happy and engaged and clearly thriving in such a beautiful environment. All the staff are so happy as well; it is clearly a very special place and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

Mrs. Emma Maulkerson (Thursday-Friday)

Favourite book is … Dogger - Shirley Hughes
Favourite quote is … 'You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose' - Dr. Zeuss
Favourite subject in School … Art and Psychology
Why did you want to work in Education? To foster children's potential and see them grow into their little personalities!
What do you love about Thornborough? How you are able to get to know every child (and adult!) in the school. It's like having a big family.

Mrs. Lucy Okwuadigbo (Monday - Wednesday)

Favourite book is … Charlotte's Web - E.B.White
Favourite quote is … 'It always seem impossible, until it's done' - Nelson Mandela
Favourite subject in School … Technology
Why did you want to work in Education? Everyday is different and that is especially true in Early Years!
What do you love about Thornborough? It's such a small school that we know every child inside out, as individuals.

Mrs. Gemma Hopkin (Monday - Tuesday)

Favourite book is … Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits by Julian Gough. I love how funny it is – with a grumpy rabbit and a friendly bear as the main characters, it always makes me laugh while sharing a lovely message about friendship.
Favourite quote is ... “To infinity and beyond!” – It reminds me that learning and imagination have no limits.
Favourite subject in School ... I’ve always loved maths because it’s like solving puzzles and cracking secret codes – there’s always a fun challenge waiting.
Why did you want to work in Education? I wanted to work in education because I love helping children discover new things and grow in confidence. Watching their faces light up when something ‘clicks’ is the best feeling in the world.
What do you love about Thornborough? Thornborough is such a special place. It has a warm, caring community where every child is known and valued. Thornborough celebrates every child’s strengths with kindness and creativity at the heart of everything.

Mrs. Pattison (Wednesday - Friday)

Favourite book is … The Bog Baby and Harry Potter
Favourite quote is ... "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think"
Favourite subject in School ... English and History
Why did you want to work in Education? I’ve always loved working with young people and seeing those “lightbulb” moments when something clicks. Being part of their learning journey and helping them grow in confidence is what makes this job so rewarding.
What do you love about Thornborough? I love the sense of community. It’s a small school with a big heart, where every child is known, valued, and supported. The staff, families, and children all work together to create such a positive, caring atmosphere.

Mrs. Barbara Sutherland (Tuesday - Thursday. Based in Reception)

Favourite book is … The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr
Favourite quote is ... "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again"
Favourite subject in School ... Art
Why did you want to work in Education? It is so rewarding. You get to watch first hand how the children learn and grow in a happy environment you have helped to create.
What do you love about Thornborough? Thornborough is such a wonderful school, so warm and friendly. We know all the children and they know all the staff and volunteers.

Mrs. Louise Ashby (Based in KS1)

Favourite book is … Six Dinner Sid - Inga Moore
Favourite quote is ... "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken" - Oscar Wilde
Favourite subject in School ... English
Why did you want to work in Education? I love working with young people - their enthusiasm is infectious. Plus, working in an infant school makes me feel tall!
What do you love about Thornborough? We feel like a big family.

Miss. Olivia Bright (Apprentice. Based in KS1)

Favourite book is … Beegu - Alexis Deacon
Favourite quote is ... "A school is a building which has four walls and tomorrow inside"
Favourite subject in School ... Geography
Why did you want to work in Education? I absolutely love to learn. I wanted to be a teaching assistant so I can help children feel that way too.
What do you love about Thornborough? I was made to feel so welcome, right from the start.

Miss. Dawn Gibson (Apprentice. Based in Reception)

Favourite book is … Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens
Favourite quote is ... "The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be" - Oprah Winfrey
Favourite subject in School ... Art and Textiles
Why did you want to work in Education? I love seeing the smile on a child's face when they achieve something new for the first time and you've helped them to get there
What do you love about Thornborough? The wonderful staff and children

Mrs. Olivia Griffiths

Favourite book is … The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Favourite quote is ... "Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary" - J M Barrie
Favourite subject in School ... History
Why did you want to work in Education? I love seeing the children gaining more skills everyday and having fun along the way.
What do you love about Thornborough? Every child is celebrated for their own individual successes.