Ms Madeleine Davenport - Head

I was born in Knutsford, Cheshire and moved to Kent when I was 13. I attended Ravensbourne Grammar School for Girls in Bromley and after my A Levels I spent three years at Manchester University studying for a degree in English Language and Literature. I then did a PGCE in Brighton.

My early teaching career was spent in the Bromley area. When my children were born I took some time off full time teaching, but kept my hand in by tutoring individuals. I spent two years living in Paris, offering EFL lessons to neighbours’ children.

Returning to England, I worked at Hillview Girls’ School in Tonbridge. I joined Sackville eleven years ago, starting in the English Department, then moving to the Learning Support Department and then becoming Head of Learning Support three years ago.

Having been a classroom teacher, I much prefer teaching one to one, even though a good 75% of my time is now spent on administration for our large friendly department.  Although very intense (and tiring), it is immensely satisfying to devote all my teaching skill to one pupil. Working on and improving weaker areas can give me a real boost and to see a pupil’s eureka moment, when they ‘get it’ is one of the best feelings. Children with learning difficulties can have a very poor self image and we work very hard at Sackville to raise confidence levels in these students.

I have to say that I absolutely adore working at this unique school.