After completing her studies in French and Business at the University of Nottingham, including a "wonderful" year living in Paris and teaching English to primary school children, Amelia embarked on a career that has seen her work in a variety of educational and pastoral roles.
After finishing her degree, Amelia took up a position at a law firm, focusing on family law. This experience sparked her interest in working more closely with children, leading her to apply for a PGCE “sort of on a whim, but it felt like the right way to go.” This decision led to nine years at Queenswood School in Hertfordshire, where she taught French and Spanish, supported Upper Sixth (Year 13) pupils as a house tutor, and headed up the School’s fundraising efforts.
After nearly a decade at Queenswood, Amelia and her partner moved to California, where she worked with a children’s non-profit choir. The organisation, open to children aged 4 to 18, was led by a world-renowned conductor and took Amelia and her students to some of the most iconic locations in the world. “We toured all around the world and the children got to perform in some incredible locations,” Amelia explained, her excitement clear.
“I took 80 children to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York, 70 children to perform at the Vatican, and even more to Paris to sing at Notre Dame. The standard of the children was simply awesome. The standard of singing attained by the children was simply awe-inspiring.”
Aside from her professional life, Amelia’s passion for music is clear – she sings in two choirs and recently stepped down after five years as chair of Letchworth City Chorus.
Returning to the UK to start a family, Amelia’s path eventually led her to St Chris, where her daughter is now in Year 1 (J Group). The transition to becoming Pastoral Assistant in the Senior School felt natural, combining her love for working with children and her rich background in both education and pastoral care. “The job as Pastoral Assistant came up, and I knew I already loved the School because my daughter was here,” she said.
Amelia's role in the pastoral team is key. Throughout her time at St Chris, she has seen the relocation of the Pastoral and SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) support teams to The Mulberry Building, now a central part of the Senior School. “I love The Mulberry Building and what it’s evolving into. It’s becoming a warm and welcoming space where students can relax, play board games, or just hang out.”
Her day-to-day responsibilities vary widely, from managing student attendance to handling pastoral care and safeguarding. “My typical day is extremely varied,” Amelia explained. “I’m the first point of contact for attendance, and I help students with anything from feeling unwell to just needing someone to talk to.”
Recently, Amelia took on the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, supported by and working alongside the safeguarding team. Her role is essential in supporting the school’s wider safeguarding efforts.
Amelia thrives on the variety and relationships that come with her role. “Every hat you can think of – I wear it!” she laughed. “But I love the variety, and I love the relationships we build with the students. They feel comfortable and confident to come to me with anything.”
One of the things Amelia cherishes most about working at St Chris is the uniqueness of its student body. “Whenever I describe my job to people who don’t know St Chris, I explain that our students are true to themselves. I love that they feel able to bring their authentic selves, their interests, and their passions, to school; it makes me smile.”
Amelia describes the working environment at St Chris as “like having supportive friends around you,” a sentiment that clearly reflects her warmth and care in her pastoral role.