Miss Hughes

Assistant Head: Head of Sixth Form

Tell us about your career history and how you ended up in teaching. 

After University I went to The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and decided that it would be sensible for me to undertake a post-graduate teaching qualification. As part of my training I got to work in a school and co-direct a production. I loved it and realised that if I got the opportunity to get young people to take as much enjoyment as I did in Drama, then teaching was the right career for me. I worked for three years in my home county of Essex before teaching in Spain. I then returned to a school in Bishop’s Stortford before getting my job at Tiffin. 

What attracted you to Tiffin?

My Dad grew up in the area and my Nanna always wanted him to go to the school. He didn’t get in! So when the opportunity came up in 2010 for a Head of Drama position my Nanna said it was fate! She is still here now and loves that I work here!!

What are your favourite parts of your job? 

Working with such fantastic people. This includes the phenomenal students that we have in the school and the amazing staff who inspire me everyday with their knowledge and experience.I also love the sense of community that comes from this. I hugely value student voice and as the students are at the core of everything we do, it is so important to listen to them as it is from their experience that we can enact change.

Do you have a favourite memory of working at Tiffin

All the productions that I directed. It is a huge part of what has made this such a great school to work in. The experience of seeing students from all year groups come together as part of an ensemble to create something magical cannot be matched.

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

I think I would write film scripts or I would complete a Masters with a focus on Shakespeare.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I really enjoy training. The gym is an environment where I can train and deal with all the anxieties of the day. I also love film and reading books and educating my kids on the classic books and films that I loved as a child.

Apart from Drama, what are your favourite subjects and why?

I love literature and am particularly interested in Americana in literature so definitely English. I am also fascinated by crime and the human mind and would have loved the opportunity to study Psychology.

Describe Tiffin in three words

Inspiring, creative, community.

Quick-Fire Round

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A Director

What single item would you take on a deserted island?

A picture of my kids

What are you currently reading?

Penance by Eliza Clark

Who inspires you and why?

My Dad-made me believe that you can do anything!

What is your favourite area/location of the school? Why? 

The Main Hall. So many amazing productions I directed took place there!

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why?

South Africa-The most stunning landscapes I have ever seen.

What would your mastermind topic be?

David Bowie

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

Seeing my son Jude start School and going to NY

If you could go back in time, when would it be? Why?

The 1930’s-Golden Era of Cinema. As a child I was fascinated by the glamour of this period and wanted to be Ruby Keeler in 42nd Street. 

Favourite food?

Sushi

Tea or coffee?

Tea

What is your most used emoji?

Laughing face

If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be and why?

 Judi Dench-An acting icon!!