Where learning, laughter, challenge and community responsibility are encouraged and celebrated!
Oakfield Leadership Team
Rajinder Kaur-Gill
Headteacher
Lively, enthusiastic and passionate is how I would describe myself. My name is Mrs KaurGill and I have been teaching at Oakfield since 2008.
I come from a large family of which many are also teachers.
As much as I love working with children, I also enjoy watching and playing sports such as netball, cricket, volley ball and football (I am a Man U supporter) as well as travelling and socialising with family and friends.
To find out more, come visit me in my classroom where you’ll see humour, happiness and hard-working children!
Jill Gosbee
Deputy Headteacher
I cannot believe that it has been 5 years since I made the journey over from Temple Hill (in 2014) to join the Oakfield team!
Since then, I have been fortunate enough to have had various roles and responsibilities – ranging from International Primary Curriculum leader, to Year 6 Leader of Learning, to Education Council teacher representative and Assistant Head for the Curriculum.
Now, I take on my biggest challenge yet – that of Deputy Headteacher!
I LOVE my job, and this school, and look forward to supporting staff and pupils in continuing to ensure that Oakfield is a dynamic, caring, inquisitive place to learn where EVERY pupil is valued and able to achieve their very best!
In my (limited!) spare time, I indulge in my favourite hobbies: going to the cinema, eating chocolate and enjoying the occasional glass of wine!
Julia McCloskey
Deputy Headteacher
After studying and graduating with a First Class Honours degree in St Mary's University College, Belfast, I joined Oakfield in 2014 as an NQT. I thoroughly enjoyed working in Year 4 and Year 2 as Year Group Leader and KS1 Maths leader. In 2018, I embarked on a new opportunity in a one-form entry new school, which brought with it the opportunity to train as a SENCo through Canterbury Christ Church University. Throughout my time there, I was also appointed as Deputy Headteacher. Shortly after I returned from maternity leave, I sought a familiar yet exciting and new adventure in Oakfield once more. It is lovely to be back and to see those who I've taught in the past come back to visit and hear about their success! I have a passion for pugs (my wardrobe is full of pug scarves and dresses) and working with children with SEND. I find my job incredibly rewarding and it's amazing to see the progress and confidence grow in the children I work alongside.
Gemma Rutherford
Assistant Headteacher
Hello again! My name is Mrs Rutherford and I am very excited to be returning to Oakfield after teaching at a school in Bexley. In 2011, I joined Oakfield as Miss Hemsley and thoroughly enjoyed my two years teaching in year 3 and 4. Whilst I’ve been away, I have led history and geography in a large primary school and I am very excited to return as an Assistant Headteacher in charge of the Curriculum!
I am passionate about Oakfield’s Learning Journey: I cannot wait to see the growth of our historians, geographers, scientists, musicians, athletes, artists, designers, linguists, computer engineers, sociologists and provide experiences that unearth the talents that the children didn’t even realise that they possess!
Layla Collins
Assistant Headteacher
Hi! I’m Mrs Collins and I’m one of our Assistant Headteachers at Oakfield Primary Academy. I am also currently our English Leader.
I joined Oakfield in 2012 as a Teaching Assistant before going on to complete my teacher training in 2013. Since qualifying, I have taught across a variety of year groups such as Year 6 and Year 2, but you’re most likely to find me teaching in KS2.
In my spare time, I am no longer going to the cinema or enjoying a lazy weekend; instead I am running around after my little girl (which I absolutely love!).
Karen Silva-Netto-Short
Assistant Headteacher
I started my teaching career in 1996 in the rolling hills of Wales working in a residential school with children with severe challenging behaviour and learning difficulties. It was there that I developed my passion for working with pupils who respond to a more creative way of thinking. My interest in behaviour and my passion for championing those whose voices are not always heard, or understood, has led me on a very interesting and fulfilling path during my career. Creativity and compassion are my strengths, and in times away from school, I can be found either in the kitchen baking and decorating celebration cakes for willing recipients, bringing my vision to life in my garden and rooms of my first owned home, or spending time enjoying all that Kent has to offer either with friends, family or supporting a special young man with SEN.
Jo Murrock
Business Manager
I joined The Galaxy Trust in 2015, during my time here, I have enjoyed working within Extended Services and the Administration roles. My current role, as School Business Manager, is extremely busy and varied, each day brings a different challenge. I work with a really nice team of supportive and friendly staff.