Few people at Earlscliffe know the school quite like Karen.
In almost 12 years here, she has worked across a variety of roles, building the kind of deep institutional knowledge and genuine relationships with students, staff and families, that only time and commitment can create. That experience, combined with an impressive portfolio of pastoral qualifications, makes her one of the most trusted and capable house managers in the school.
Karen is Mental Health First Aid trained, Suicide First Aid trained, a qualified DDSL, and a former Shout volunteer (a crisis text service). She is also over halfway through a degree in Childhood and Youth Studies and holds a TQUK Level 2 qualification in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health. Karen is a house manager who genuinely understands the adolescent experience — not just instinctively, but academically and practically.
“Being part of the students’ media and events committee means I get to see what students want to create, not just what we think they need. That collaboration matters.”
Life in her boarding house is warm and well-fed. Karen organises regular pancake and games Sundays, a house staple that brings everyone together, alongside a full programme of in-house events and parties throughout the year.
Outside of the house, Karen fills her time with walking, reading, art, theatre, crochet and crafting.
Qualifications & training
Mental Health First Aid · Suicide First Aid · DDSL · Shout crisis volunteer · TQUK Level 2 Young People’s Mental Health · Childhood & Youth Studies (in progress)
House traditions
Pancake and games Sundays, seasonal house parties.
House residents
Two cats, Archer & Jelly. Also Flash the turtle!