Staff
Come and meet the staff at our school:
At Manuden Primary School, our dedicated staff play a vital role in bringing our vision—"Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams"—to life. We are a passionate and nurturing team, committed to providing a stimulating learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Through high-quality teaching, a strong focus on wellbeing, and a collaborative approach, our staff work together to create a school where children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. Below, you can find out more about the people who make Manuden Primary such a special place to learn and grow.
Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Mr Andrew Price - Headteacher
I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Manuden Primary School - returning to the school that started my educational career nearly 20 years ago. The children are extremely hard-working and are supported in their learning by a wonderfully committed team of staff. I have worked in education for over twenty years, starting my educational career at Manuden Primary School as a Teaching Assistant. I have a degree in Early Years Education and have taught extensively in both Early Years and Key Stage One. I have worked at several schools in Bishops Stortford and was, previously, the Deputy Headteacher of a larger school in Ware. Outside of school, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my family taking long walks, going to the cinema, and we always love a visit to a theme park!
Miss Lizzie Grant - Office Manager & SLT
I've lived in Manuden for over 25 years and started volunteering at the school in 2012 when my daughter started in Reception. I applied for the Office Manager role in March 2013 and was delighted to be offered the job. I love working at Manuden School - especially as no two days are ever the same! My daughter is now in Year 11 at Herts & Essex but still has very fond memories of her time at Manuden. In my spare time, I like reading, cooking, drawing and travelling. I am a Paediatric First Aider and a Mental Health First Aider and was appointed the Senior Mental Health Lead for the School in September 2022.
Mrs Gemma Jarmain - Head of Curriculum & SLT
I started work at Manuden in 2019 having previously been an infant teacher for six years. I took a break from teaching to have a family and then returned after having my children, working in Year 3/4 and as a mentor to a new teacher in Year 1. Next, I moved into Initial Teacher Training and became Deputy Director of West Essex SCITT. I soon realised, however, that I missed being in the classroom and took the job at Manuden, where both my children are pupils. I now teach Year 3/4 as a job share with Mrs Barraclough. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, singing, and taking part in Bounce fitness classes, but my favourite thing to do is to relax at home with my family.
SEND
Ms Debbie Todd - SENCo
I qualified as a Primary Teacher in 2003 and have taught in both KS1 and KS2. My passion is working with children one to one and this inspired me to gain a National Special Educational Needs qualification in 2011. Both roles compliment each other. Following this, I joined Manuden Primary in 2014 after moving closer to the area. During this time, I have gained further CPD experience and have supported some wonderful children. Outside of school life, I’m a busy mum and switch off by keeping fit regularly, floristry, walking my dog and spending quality time with my family.
Teaching Staff
Pygmy Owl Class - Reception and Year One
Mrs Gemma Jarmain - Class Teacher Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (See SLT Section)
Mr Andrew Price - Class Teacher Thursday and Friday (See SLT Section)
Miss Sophia Evans - Trainee Teacher
Tawny Owl Class - Year Two Class
Ms Sally Mead - Class Teacher
I have been teaching for a number of years and have taught across different settings and year groups. More recently I have taught a mixed year 1 and 2 class and now Year 2 which I thoroughly enjoy. I have three fantastic children (two girls and a boy) who are finding their way in the world which is exciting to be a part of. My eldest daughter lives in Sydney, Australia and her sister lives in London. My son is currently at home and remote working. When not at school I love cycling and I am a member of a few cycling clubs. I also enjoy the usual – long walks, cooking, reading, spending time with family and of course traveling.
Hawk Owl Class - Year Three & Four
Mrs Hanna Barraclough - Class Teacher
Before coming to Manuden, I spent over 8 years teaching in various other schools before taking a break to focus on my family. Once my children had started at Manuden School, I was pleased to return to teaching on a part-time basis, allowing me to have the best of both worlds; a career and family life. As well as a class teacher I am also subject lead for maths and computing, both of which I have a passion for.
Outside of school, I enjoy taking part in Bouncefitness (a great way to unwind!) and spending time cheering on my children as they play football and hockey. I love being involved in the local community and appreciate the small village school environment that fosters a strong sense of connection amongst students, teachers, and families.
Eagle Owl Class - Year Five & Six
Mrs Lindsey Fox - Class Teacher (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
I have worked in a variety of roles at Manuden Primary School since 2013, as supply teacher, PPA teacher and class teacher. I am delighted to be back at Manuden working in Eagle Owl Class on a Thursday and Friday and love being part of our school community. Since beginning my teaching career in London in 2004, I have worked in a number of different schools in Essex and Cambridgeshire and have taught in each primary year group. I have two children in secondary school who keep me very busy with all their sporting interests. When I am not busy cheering on my children, I love the outdoors and keep active, running, walking my dog and cycling in our beautiful local area. For over 20 years, I’ve enjoyed volunteering with Riding for the Disabled and am a qualified RDA coach.
Mrs Gemma Jarmain - Class Teacher Monday, Thursday and Friday (See SLT Section)
Mrs Megan Ellice - Class Teacher (Currently on Maternity Leave)
I started working at Manuden 7 years ago and initially taught Years 1 & 2. After a few years with the younger children, I moved to teaching Year 5 & 6. I love teaching in Eagle Owl Class, and I am now into my 5th year with this age group. Recently, I had a little girl and so now work part-time. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family & friends and running.
Support Staff
Mrs Shelley Gayton - Learning Support Assistant (EYFS and Lower KS1)
I moved here with my family 7 years ago. I have two children at Manuden school, so when a job came up at the school I thought it was perfect. Being a village school, it really has a great sense of community and everyone is lovely. We live on a farm, so in my spare time we love to explore the countryside as a family. I also love to read and draw.
Mrs Sally Dempsey - Learning Support Assistant (KS1)
I first became associated with Manuden Primary School in 2002 when my eldest child started in Reception. Since then, my other three children have all been through the school. In 2012 I started working at Manuden as a Learning Support Assistant. In my spare time I like walking, going to the gym and spending time with my family and friends.
Mrs Nicola Hastler - Learning Support Assistant (KS2)
I was delighted to join the amazing team at Manuden Primary School at the end of 2022 as a Learning Support Assistant in Barn Owl. I have three children who have all either been through, or are still on their education journey here. It is a truly wonderful learning environment where children thrive and flourish, and it's a privilege to be part of the team. My spare time is taken up with gardening, cycling, reading and exploring the beauty of the countryside with my family and friends.
Wrap around care staff
Mrs Rebecca Williams
Catering & Midday Staff
Mrs Irene Brown - School catering Manager
Mrs Caroline Collins - Relief Cook (Wednesday/Friday) and Midday Assistant (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
Mrs Amanda Rivers - Catering/Midday Assistant
I have worked at Manuden for 18 years following my Auntie's role - who also worked here for many years and informed me of the vacant position. I also work as Cleaner. When I do have any spare time, I enjoy walks with our dog, Moses and spending time with my family.
Mrs Shelley Gayton - Midday Assistant (See Support Staff section above).
Mrs Kate Martin - Midday Assistant
I started working at Manuden Primary school after having recently moved to Arkesden. I have two daughters who both attend Birchwood High School in Bishops Stortford. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, yoga, walks in the countryside and spending quality time with my family.