Meet our Senior Leadership Team

Jess Paul - Executive Headteacher
BSc Hons Mathematics, PGCE, MA (Education), NPQH

I have been in education for over 15 years, working with all age ranges from early years to sixth form. I have had the privilege of supporting a diverse range of schools both on the Island and across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. I am also a mum to two small but mighty little girls, and enjoy spending time out and about with them in my time off.

I have held a range of different roles throughout my career - class teacher, specialist leader of education, headteacher and school improvement advisor - but all have been focussed on improving outcomes for young people, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed in a way that is meaningful to them. My current role at Medina College continues to motivate and inspire me to create educational environments where all students can flourish. 

Katie Sandiford - Co-Head of School
BA Hons, PGCE, NPQLBC

I have been working in mainstream education for over 20 years as a qualified Art, Textiles and Food teacher, and for the past ten years I have specialised in trauma, attachment and mental health needs. During this time, I have worked closely with young people and their families to help them re-engage with education by placing the child at the centre of every plan, building trusting relationships, and focusing on their strengths to foster confidence and self-esteem.

Previously, I was a foster carer for four years and served as Designated Teacher for Children in Care and Post-Looked After Children for seven years. I am a qualified Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Senior Mental Health Lead, and hold an NPLBC qualification. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my two children, supporting them with their activities, going for long walks and, when I have time, creating works of art. Creativity and connection are truly at the heart of everything I do.

Anna Mursell - Co-Head of School
Bsc (Hons), NPQH

Every child deserves a clear path and the confidence of knowing they matter.
I have worked in secondary education on the Island for over 20 years, having previously worked in the high schools, and I bring with me a strong understanding of the local context. I recognise both the rich opportunities the Island offers and the unique challenges this can present for young people and their families.

My route into leadership has not been a traditional one; however, it has given me a breadth and depth of experience across all aspects of school life. I have completed my NPQH and served as Vice Chair of Governors for an Island primary school, developing a strong understanding of effective leadership, governance and the principles that underpin successful schools.

I am also a parent to two step-children and two children who have progressed through the Island education system and are now following their own successful paths - both academic and vocational, on and off Island. Their journeys have reinforced my belief that education is not one-size-fits-all, and that every pathway is valid and valuable.

Phil Pearce-Jones - Deputy Headteacher and Head of VI Form
BA (Hons) American Studies and History with international study, 
PGCE, MA (Education), NPQML, NPQSL, NPQH

My name is Phil Pearce-Jones and I am Head of School for the Island VI Form, a position that I feel very privileged to hold. It is lovely to help nurture students in this last phase between childhood and adulthood. Prior to taking up this role, I was Head of School at Medina College and also held senior leadership positions in schools in Southampton and the Isle of Wight. However, I entered into teaching as a history teacher, having studied at the University of Nottingham. Learning has been a lifelong journey for me and since leaving Nottingham I have gained my Master's in Education and various NPQ's, the most recent being my National Professional Qualification in Headship. Outside of work you will often find me at the gym. For me, the message I keep at the heart of my journey through education is keeping the student at the centre of everything we do and supporting students into being the best version of themselves.

Carrie Drake - Assistant Headteacher - SENDCO and Designated Teacher for Care Experienced Children
BSC Hons Geography, PGCE, NASEN, NPQH

I began my teaching career, after training as a Primary Teacher, working in Wales and Bristol before returning to the Island in 1998. I taught in Primary schools and Osborne Middle School, later moving into the secondary pupil referral provision that became Lionheart School in 2011. During my time there, I served as Medical Lead, Secondary Outreach, SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead. In 2024, I became Acting Headteacher at an Island primary school.

Before joining the pupil referral unit, I spent ten years as a local authority foster carer and supported the Looked After Children’s Education Service by delivering training for foster carers and schools.  I am a passionate supporter of inclusion and child centered practice. I believe in seeing the potential in all children and young people and that experiences in educational settings should be meaningful and lead to developing successful, happy and fulfilled adults.

I have three adult sons, all now enjoying successful careers. I like to spend my weekends walking my terrier on the beach or playing tennis. Sport and the outdoors has always played a big part in my family life. I am a strong advocate for its benefits in developing teamwork, resilience and promoting wellbeing.

Joanna Pitman - Associate Assistant Headteacher - Quality of Education
BA (Hons) Fine Art, PGCE, NPQLT

I am delighted to introduce myself as Associate Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education. Having gained my BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art followed by QTS twenty years ago, I am committed to raising the quality of teaching and learning and to creating an environment where every student feels a true sense of belonging. I have had the privilege of working across four island schools, each experience shaping my belief that education should be rigorous and inspiring.

I am dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the highest quality lessons, while also feeling supported to discover their own unique path to success. Achievement looks different for everyone, and the journey is not always straightforward, but my goal is to help create an environment where every child can thrive, discover their strengths, and be inspired to reach their full potential. Outside of my role, I enjoy time with my family and switching off with long distance run training. I am incredibly proud to be part of the Medina College team.

Joe Murdoch - Associate Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour and Culture
MA, BA (Hons), PGCE

I am responsible for supporting the promotion of positive behaviour in school and fostering an inclusive culture at Medina College. I have gained extensive experience across several phases of education, initially working in early years, before embarking on a career teaching in both further education and secondary schools. I specialise in teaching Health and Social Care and Child Development.

I am passionate about supporting students to boost their academic self-esteem, whilst acknowledging that every day is a new opportunity to make the best of every situation. I also believe that every student learns best when they have adults who champion them, both inside and outside of the classroom and strives to help every student exceed their potential, informing a relational approach. When I am not teaching, on patrol or eating a bagel at breakfast club, I am collecting Lego Star Wars with my two children.

 

Matt Jones - Director of Progress and Attainment
BA (Hons) Geography, PGCE, NPQML, NPQSL

I have worked at Medina College and Island VI Form for over 10 years as a geography teacher, having previously attended the school myself. This personal connection, alongside my experience within the school, has given me a strong understanding of our local community and a real commitment to making a positive difference to the outcomes of our pupils. Throughout my career, I have gained experience across both the pastoral and academic aspects of school life. I bring these experiences together in this role, with a focus on supporting every pupil to achieve their full potential.

Every pupil is different, and progress does not look the same for everyone. I enjoy getting to know pupils, understanding their individual strengths and aspirations, and working alongside them, their families and staff to help them achieve their best. For me, supporting progress is about more than academic outcomes; it is about helping young people build the confidence, skills and ambition they need to take their next steps. Outside my role, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on dog walks, attending concerts and following a range of sports.

Nick Binfield - Associate Leader
BSc Development Studies with Natural Resources, PGCSE, NPQSL, NATSEN 

Having attended school in Norfolk from the age of four, I qualified as a teacher at the University of East Anglia. Growing up and being educated in beautiful rural South Norfolk gave me a direct insight into the challenges faced by schools and young people in rural communities. After leaving Norfolk for the bright lights of London and the South East, I worked in several schools close to the M25, gaining a wealth of experience across a variety of middle leadership roles.

My family and I moved to the Isle of Wight in 2017, where I joined the senior leadership team at another Island school before moving to Medina in 2019 as Faculty Lead for Humanities and Social Sciences. I have absolutely loved every minute of my time at Medina. As Associate Leader, my aim is to ensure that every student attending Medina College and The Island VI Form has a positive, inspiring, and rewarding experience of school.

I truly believe that putting students first is the single most important value a teacher can hold. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time exploring the Island with my family, especially taking my 3 children to Osborne House, as well as keeping an eye on my favourite football team - West Ham's latest results.