Meet the Leadership Team
Mr M Whatford
Headteacher
I am delighted and honoured to lead Imberhorne School, having joined in September 2024. Upon first visiting the school, I was immediately struck by the culture, relationships of respect and the togetherness of the whole school community across both the Windmill Lane and Imberhorne Lane sites. There is a shared purpose and desire at Imberhorne School to set high standards, whilst also being inclusive, so that all learners are challenged to do their very best for the next steps in their journey.
Prior to joining the school I was a senior leader in schools in both East and West Sussex as part of some very special leadership teams who were absolutely committed to improving the opportunities and experiences of the diverse communities we served. I believe in having unconditional positive regard for every student and working in these schools has cemented my aim to ensure that we set a high bar to help every child achieve their ambitions. This means a commitment to a broad and challenging curriculum that looks to the future.
Outside of school I am a football fan, playing at a very average standard where I can. I also enjoy playing squash, reading, live music and spending time in the beautiful Sussex countryside with my family. I am thrilled to be able to work in such a fantastic school community to build connections and experiences that will resonate and provide a platform for success for the rest of our students’ lives.
Ms K Marlborough
Deputy Headteacher
I was thrilled to join the leadership team of Imberhorne as Deputy Headteacher in September 2021 and felt immediately welcomed by the warm and supportive staff. The whole school community at Imberhorne show such commitment to the values of compassion and empathy and it is a very special place to work. Previously to working at Imberhorne, I was part of the SLT at a school in Kent and I really enjoy working with young people to help them realise their potential and explore how they want to move forward in the world.
Outside of school I like to make sure I focus on my own physical and mental heath and take time for exercise, cooking and reading (I am an English specialist but wish I had more time to read – it is always on my list of resolutions!). I also have a love of houses and interiors and love watching renovation programmes and imagining the big projects I would like to undertake.
Mr C Fallick
Deputy Headteacher
It is both an honour and a privilege to have become a part of Imberhorne School in September 2023 as Deputy Headteacher. I was drawn to this position by the school's inspiring vision and commitment to preparing all students for the future, which resonates deeply with my own values of kindness, empathy, and support. Since joining the school's dedicated staff, I've been warmly embraced by students and parents, making me feel like an integral part of the close-knit Imberhorne family.
My journey in education began at the University of Brighton, where I trained as a PE Teacher. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving in various roles in schools across Hampshire, West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove. My unwavering passion lies in delivering a world-class education that unlocks the boundless potential within every student, regardless of their backgrounds or the challenges they face daily.
In addition to my work at Imberhorne, I have had the opportunity to contribute to organizations such as AQA, Edexcel, and the University of Sussex. I've also taken the lead in organizing and conducting PE CPD events for numerous schools nationwide.
My professional pursuits are complemented by a rich involvement in sports and physical activities. I find great enjoyment in playing a variety of sports, with a particular fondness for cricket, tennis, hockey, football, squash, running, and cycling. While sports hold a special place in my life, I also cherish moments spent reading, cooking, and, most importantly, sharing quality time with my cherished family and friends.
Emma Best
Senior Assistant Headteacher
Having joined Imberhorne as a teacher of English in 2013, I immediately recognised the school as special place seeking to give young people every opportunity to be the very best version of themselves. Previously to leading the English department at Imberhorne, I was Senior Head of Year at a school in Crawley. I have always very much enjoyed working with young people, helping them realise their full potential and equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to take their place in society.
Outside of school I love to swim, explore the many acres of the Ashdown Forest with my family and our pet dog, and watch films. As an English teacher, it will come as no surprise that I am an avid reader too!
Mr G Crees
Senior Assistant Headteacher
I joined Imberhorne in 1999 as a Science teacher, having taught at an 11-16 school in Worthing for 3 years previously. One of my reasons for moving to Imberhorne was to teach A Level Chemistry alongside Key Stage 3 and GCSE Science. I was lucky enough to become Leader of Chemistry soon after I joined. In my time with the Sixth Form Pastoral Team I have enjoyed the roles of Sixth Form UCAS Co-ordinator and Deputy Head of Sixth Form on my way to becoming the Head of Sixth Form in 2017. I am so pleased to lead a brilliant and experienced Sixth Form Pastoral Team and love the challenge and variety of working in such an energetic and dynamic part of the school.
Outside of school, my interests lie in playing and watching both cricket and golf in the Summer and umpiring hockey around the South of England in the Winter months. I am also a keen supporter of both Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa….it’s a long story!
Stuart Kay
Assistant Headteacher
I joined Imberhorne School in 2008 and prior to leading the mathematics department enjoyed my time as coordinator in key stages 3, 4 and 5. I wish to inspire young minds, whether this is challenging the highest achieving mathematicians or supporting those that find it challenging. I studied mathematics at the University of Southampton and this has instilled a life-long love for learning and problem solving.
Beyond the maths department I have been lucky enough to experience many school trips: Madrid and France with the languages team, skiing in Austria and several rainy trips to the Brecon Beacons. I also enjoy supporting colleagues with professional development, often related to web-based resources and spreadsheets.
Outside of school I have a range of hobbies including: cooking, gardening, sport (more watching than playing these days), hiking, wildlife photography, reading, board games, and speed solving Rubik’s cubes. Most importantly, I enjoy quality time with my young family that has recently reignited my childhood passion for Lego.
Hannah Jackson
Assistant Headteacher
I have had a few other jobs in the past, including being a team manager for a data processing company, being a lifeguard and running holiday clubs for children. Teaching was always my end goal, I just took a while to experience the world a bit before I came into it, including spending a year in Brazil. I joined Imberhorne as a teacher of English in 2019. Previously to leading the English department at Imberhorne, I was KS3 lead where I really enjoyed updating and adapting the curriculum to encourage not only a love for English but also a love for reading . I enjoy working with young people and helping to equip them with the skills and confidence they need to take their place in the world.
Outside of school, it will become as no surprise that I love to read and often have several books on the go a time; I love a good crime novel. I enjoy going up to the Lake District and kayaking on the many lakes they have, it’s a great way to unwind in the holidays.
Mr M Jones
Assistant Headteacher
I joined Imberhorne as a Maths Teacher in 1992, becoming Head of Year a few years later. My current role as Assistant Headteacher, a post I have held since 2012, is to oversee the startegic planning and implementation of the whole school timetable, lead in student academic communications to parents/carers and produce and analyse school data for both parents, staff and the wider community.
A Maths graduate from the University of Oxford, I thoroughly enjoy working at Imberhorne in such a successful Maths department. In my spare time I am Chair of Governors at a primary school and I love tending to my allotment with my two children.
Ceri Price
Assistant Headteacher
I have worked at Imberhorne school for 7 years in a variety of roles including science teacher, head of Key stage 3 science and Leader for vulnerable students. It was during Covid that I first began to appreciate that the educational landscape was vast and not very easy to navigate for some young people and families. This then lead onto me applying for and securing the role of SENDCO which I am loving!
The new role is extremely busy and I am very grateful to my colleagues and family for all the support and patience they have shown me while I wrestle with this mammoth job. I love learning new things and the SENCO qualification has been a welcome return to learning for me, albeit it I am finding it much harder to write essays this time round.
I love watching films with my family, reading and camping, but only in the sunshine, no soggy fields for this camper! I love swimming and am a scuba instructor, combining my love for teaching and the ocean in one neat package.
Mrs D Clements
Business Manager
With a professional career in Local Government, spanning leadership roles across services for Children, Families and Learning, I am proud to have joined the leadership team at Imberhorne in December 2021. I have over 30 years’ experience of delivering high quality business management in a range of organisations and I am excited about the challenges that the School Business Manager role offers. I am committed to meeting the needs of both the school and parent community and making the business functions as effective as they can be for all.
In a very busy role, achieving a work life balance can be a significant challenge! I am a strong advocate for the mental and physical benefits of being active. Outside of work I enjoy regular exercise, including swimming, walking and classes at the local leisure centre. More leisurely pursuits include a passion for reading and a love of cooking.
Imberhorne have an amazing team of dedicated teachers and support staff. Everyone is united in a tangible commitment to enabling students to be the very best that they can be. It is a privilege to be a part of this journey, and as a leader, to contribute to the achievement of outcomes within the school.