Preparing to take
the next steps in life
Preparing to take
the next steps in life
Preparing to take
the next steps in life
PURPLE WEEK B
W/C 12th October 2026
Please ensure you follow the school’s strict no-nut policy. No nuts or nut-containing products are ever permitted in school.
OFSTED 2023
Reassessment of Investors in Careers
Values and Ethos
At Willingdon Community School, we aim to develop, in all our students, key values which we consider contribute to the achievement of what we refer to as, Personal Excellence.
Ambition
Respect
Compassion
Courtesy
Honesty
Our Senior Leadership Team
Emily May
Executive Headteacher
Nadene Townsend-Smith
Co Head of School
Alison Walters
Co Head of School and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Louisa McKie
Aspiring Deputy Headteacher
Jason Dubas-Fisher
Assistant Headteacher
Tom Cain
Assistant Headteacher
Helen Arnold
Assistant Headteacher
Sam Tomalin
Headteacher's PA
Emily May
Executive Headteacher
I am now in my ninth year of headship at Willingdon Community School, a state‑maintained, fully inclusive comprehensive just outside Eastbourne. With 1,200 students on roll, Willingdon is a vibrant, community‑centred school where every child is known, valued and supported. During my time as Headteacher, the school has secured two strong Ofsted inspections, retaining our Good judgement with several elements recognised as outstanding , a testament to the dedication and ambition of our whole school community.
A core focus of our work at Willingdon is developing ambition in every child. We want our students to believe in themselves, to aim high and to remain enthusiastic, curious learners throughout their time with us. Our inclusive ethos ensures that every young person, regardless of background or starting point, is supported to thrive.
Before joining Willingdon, I worked across a wide range of Kent and London schools, from an outstanding grammar to schools facing rural, suburban and coastal challenges. I began my career as an outstanding History teacher before progressing to Head of History, Director of KS5 and subsequently Deputy Headteacher.
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and embrace CPD at every level to ensure we provide the highest‑quality teaching and opportunities for every child.
Nadene Townsend-Smith
Co Head of School
Deputy Headteacher for Pastoral Leadership and Inclusion. This role includes; responsibility for whole school behaviour and attendance strategy, admissions and transition, pastoral leadership of all 5 year groups and Inclusion, including Special Educational Needs. Furthermore, I line manage the staff responsible for managing cover, organising the school calendar and overseeing trips and activities.
I have worked at Willingdon for 20 years and initially came here as a full time science teacher. I enjoyed the role of tutoring for 5 years which led to me becoming a Director of Students Progress for Year 7 and Transition. I was appointed to join the senior leadership team 4 years ago.
Teaching is my second career having spent enjoyable years in Forest Management, Conservation and Recreation; this was a natural progression from studying for a Batchelor of Science (Hons) degree at Trinity College. I was privileged to work as a ranger in the beautiful South Wales Valleys Forest and South East England Forest District. I enjoyed working and developing Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest before leaving to pursue my teaching career, studying for a PGCE, Science at Sussex University as an adult student.
Alison Walters
Co Head of School and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Responsibilities include; whole school safeguarding, personal development of students and continuing professional development for staff. I also line manage the English, Maths, Business, Art, Technology, Drama and Music departments across the school.
After completing my degree in Geography at the University of Hull, I realised that I could combine my love of my subject with an exciting and dynamic career working with young people. I came to Willingdon in September 2002 after 5 years teaching in Norfolk and after completing my Masters in Educational Leadership and Management at the University of Brighton. I came as Head of Geography and I am still passionate about my subject and the others that I teach and thrive on working with the amazing young people we serve. I have been fortunate to do a range of roles whilst at Willingdon and have been Deputy Headteacher here for 4 years.
Louisa McKie
Aspiring Deputy Headteacher
Jason Dubas-Fisher
Assistant Headteacher
I am the Deputy Head of Science at Willingdon. I am originally from Yorkshire but have moved South to Sussex to be closer to my wife’s family. We have lived here for 8 years and I enjoy being so close to the sea, taking advantage of trying new water sports and fishing from the beach. I studied Physics, Maths and Graphics at A-level before doing my degree at the University of Leeds.
Before becoming a teacher, I enjoyed a spell playing Rugby League, and represented Italy at international level. I continue to enjoy playing rugby for my local team in Seaford, although I do find the switch to Rugby Union a little frustrating at times.
Tom Cain
Assistant Headteacher
Helen Arnold
Assistant Headteacher
Sam Tomalin
Headteacher's PA
Sam has been at Willingdon for the last 6 years as the Headteacher’s PA and has been the Clerk to Governors for 5 years.
She moved from London to Eastbourne with her 4 children 6 years ago and has worked previously in a large London primary school and with the NHS.
What People Are Saying
I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to all the staff involved in helping the Year 7s have a successful start to their time with you. As a teacher myself I know how much goes into what you do for the children so wanted to acknowledge that and show my appreciation. My daughter came home full of stories and very excited about her day.
"Many thanks for your help with this, I was so impressed with last night, how lucky are my children to go to such a proactive and motivational school. Please pass on my thanks to all the heads of department that spoke, it was so helpful and will really help us to support my son through his exams".
"Thank you for your email. I was genuinely excited to visit Willingdon yesterday, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts about my experience. The main thing I noticed was the calm and structured environment, even during transitions between classes. This reflects the school’s value of respect, as everyone seemed to value each other’s space and learning. As a former student, I can see how the school has evolved and how the culture has changed for the positive. "
"I have two children, who joined this year and they are both settling in very well. This is, in no small part, down to the fantastic job you and your staff do, right from the outset in terms of the Year 6 open evenings through to these first few weeks of Year 7 and beyond. Without exception, every member of staff I have engaged with (whether that be face-to-face, on the phone or via email) has been helpful and friendly.
Communication is excellent (particularly given the size of the school) and, on the few occasions I’ve had to contact the school with a query, I have received prompt responses."
"Please can I say a big thank you to be passed on to all teaching staff who have been so supportive in helping my son to achieve really well in his exams."
"I just wanted to say thank you so very much for all the positive feedback from all the teachers at parents evening today regarding my son. Hearing such positive and heart-warming comments has really boosted his confidence and just makes us parents feel so very proud. Thank you for all the hard work that you all do with helping my son achieve such amazing things , it’s very much appreciated."
"Thank you to all staff for the last 5 years. But especially our brilliant Head of Year. You have followed our Year 11 through the school from the first Year 7 days and have given them so much support and encouragement along the way. You have been an amazing role model and have always been there to support the students. On behalf of the parents, WE THANK YOU and ALL the staff, both SLT, teaching, pastoral, and support, for all your dedication and support during our Willingdon days, from the beginning transition period in Year 7, through covid lockdown, home schooling, and all the challenges the school have faced throughout the last 5 years. We are so proud to have been a part of such a special school that is Willingdon."