Our Senior Leadership Team

Emily May

Headteacher

Nadene Townsend-Smith

Deputy Headteacher

Alison Walters

Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Louisa McKie

Deputy Headteacher

Jason Dubas-Fisher

Assistant Headteacher

Tom Cain

Assistant Headteacher

Helen Arnold

Assistant Headteacher

Andrew Webb

Business Manager

Sam Tomalin

Headteacher's PA

Emily May

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

Deputy Headteacher

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

Deputy Headteacher 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

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

Andrew Webb

Business Manager

Andy is our Business Manager, and has been at the School since September 2000.

As well as being responsible for all finance matters Andy is also the schools Health and Safety Officer, Data Protection Lead and oversees all the Support Staff in school. Andy came to the School having worked at East Sussex County Council having been part of the contracts management team who outsourced the IT and Payroll services on behalf of its stakeholders, including those in Education, so already had experience of working with schools prior to joining us.

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.