Follow me on twitter @pepe_hart
January 18th 2018
Do what makes your soul shine!
The inspiration for the name of this website comes from Nelson Mandela
"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination"
I hope that the hundreds of children I have had the honour to work with remember me. Mrs Hart, someone who was a good Head and always put them first.
My name is Pepe Hart (formerly Miss Rahman) and I am the former head teacher of The Academy of Trinity Primary School in Radstock. Trinity was certainly a wonderful school, combining learning with positive, life long opportunities.
I was extremely proud to hold the position at Trinity for 10 years. This was until my resignation in December 2015. The children I taught at Trinity provided me with so many of my happiest memories. I will always be grateful for being given the opportunity to share so many enjoyable, exciting and memorable learning experiences with them and the Radstock community.
Together, we achieved four outstanding OFSTEDs, including two outstanding Church inspections. Our 'Diana, Anti-Bullying' award was in recognition of a zero tolerance towards all forms of bullying. Winning a 'Pride of Britain' for 'Teacher of the year' opened up opportunities for so many children. This included a unique school trip to No 10 Downing St, with the whole class sitting in the Cabinet! Perhaps one of the most poignant moments was being voted as one of the UK's Top 100 Happiest people! I am a happy and positive person.
I loved my job and firmly believe that teaching is a privilege. I wanted to help and shape the lives of so many people who genuinely meant a lot to me. It was not a job, simply my passion. Of course teaching is hard work and it should be when you are charged with the responsibility of so many young and impressionable lives. We made a difference and I do not, for one minute, regret a moment of my time at the school. I loved it, it was magical.
I will always be proud - not of my achievements, but those of the thousands of children who I know I have affected in the most positive way.
In September 2015 I was asked to take over Dundry Church of England Primary in Bristol, a challenge that I embraced and welcomed. With a 'good head and a good heart' I set about making a difference to a new community and this I did quickly and with great joy! Soon the Dundry community were to become part of my family, a school full of children that I loved.
Leaving Trinity and Dundry was and still is a painful experience for me. My own two children attended Trinity and they still have so many fond memories of their time there.
First and foremost I am a Mother but I am also a dedicated and creative educator for children of all abilities. Leading a school can be challenging and there will always be high and low points. Taking pride in my work, aiming for nothing less than the very best for our children, while supporting those around me, are qualities that I believe form part of my core educational values. I have only ever treated people with sensitivity, honesty, care and compassion.
I am a firm believer that out of darkness comes light. I now feel, as much as I am able to, that I am in a position to share some of the events of the last few years and some of the hurdles I have had to overcome.
In 2011 Trinity became an Academy. I naively over-looked the politics involved in making such a decision to take a school out of Local Authority control, in this case Bath and North East Somerset Council.
However, this is a decision I do not look back on with any regret. Leadership in education should be about making the very best choices for the children that you serve, regardless of what your own political beliefs may be. It is imperative that we seek the best services for our children, even if this means ‘shopping’ around and going elsewhere. This was seen as something out of the norm when we became the first Primary Church Academy in England in 2011. With this freedom came great responsibility as I was seen to be challenging the status quo.
Trinity was placed in the top 10% of schools in the country. My strong memories of live reindeer in the playground, flying our virtual ‘Trinity Airways’ plane to places far and wide, the children becoming the real leaders within their school will stay with me forever. This unique and exciting school, with a ‘dare to be different’ ethos was alive with a buzz for learning!
With our proven track record of success, Dundry Primary joined us in September 2015.
I am happy to say that the standard of education the children enjoyed was something that many, both locally and nationally, wished to be a part of. The children were the real ambassadors for their school. There was no sense of falseness in that many visitors came regularly. We were not a ‘show school’, something that many found hard to believe we had achieved. Children and parents told me they were proud to say where they went to school, our admissions list demonstrated this. We welcomed children, regardless of their ability, background or need. My job was to ensure we served the community and with a smile! I do not think I can ever convey how much I loved being a Head Teacher, in a school that we had literally built from scratch.
I was oblivious to the fact that just two months after taking on Dundry Primary, my life was about to change and in the most shocking way.
Craig
Pepe the strength, courage and determination you have is phenomenal. You never give up and strive for the best for all. Ignore any negativity. Sad, inadequate people are bitter, twisted and jealous.
Maria
Pepe clearly moved mountains for the children in her care. 4 outstanding Ofsted achievements are testament to this. The school hasn't seen this level of success since.
Jacquie
Thoughts are with you , do not give up.
Freddie Whittaker
Pepe, Freddie here from Schools Week newspaper. Could you get in touch with me so we can talk about the judgment? freddie @ schoolsweek .co .uk
Sally
As soon as we walked into Trinity you could not fail to feel the overwhelming tangible sense of positivity. Pepe is a leader. She could make any business a success whilst caring for those she leads.
Gemma S
I love the fact that so many people have read this blog! It’s so worth a read. You could teach the world a lot Pepe. Keep writing and keep being you.
Philippa Powell
Brilliant teacher and head teacher. A real inspiration to both children and staff. But also a great colleague and then a lovely friend. Xx
Laura L
I have posted my detailed thoughts in the 'Comments in full' section. Keep shining brightly my friend.....the truth is out there....and we believe in you xx
Sarah Frankcom
I am certain of one thing, I've always believed in you 100%.
I had the pleasure of working with Pepe in Pucklechurch and witnessed throughout what can only be described as having a gift for her work.
M and D
A really moving account written from the heart with true feeling for those you wish to do your utmost for and absolutely care for. Only the most exceptional, caring person could have written like this
mary
wonderfull head teacher my family could not of got threw difficult times with out this lady she went out her way to support us she loved every child that walked into that school she is one of a kind
Caley
Trinity is now just another school, no different to any other around and that due to a hate campaign on social media it’s the children that have lost out in the long run!
Caley
I hope those that believed all the lies that were spoken about Pepe will read her words and think differently now, and see that without her, Trinity is now just another school.
Caley
Everything done by Pepe was for the children and they always came first, she often put her own family life second to help those who needed her at Trinity first.
Caley
So good to at last hear Pepe’s words and the truth. My children loved attending Trinity when she was the headteacher there, no two days being the same and the amazing opportunities they were given.
Navian
Pepe's hard, demanding and tireless role with her highly and respected morals and standards and her recommendation with Pride of Britain has seen her abused and taken for granted by the selected few
Lyn F
Loved working with you at Pucklechurch Pepe - You really inspired the children with your enthusiasm and always had something positive to say about everyone x
Lisa
it is no wonder that there is a headteacher recruitment crisis when passionate , professional and dedicated school leaders like Pepe can be treated with such injustice.
Wendy R
Oh Pepe that's a wonderful blog - you're obviously a natural, just like your teaching abilities. I'm really proud of what you have achieved and I know your mum would be bursting with pride. Love you l
Pippa
There are no words to describe the pain caused by the lies of those narrow minded jealous ‘sheep’ but at last the truth is in print ‘But still like dust I rise.’ proud to have you as my friend Pepe x
L
Pepe has incredible enthusiasm in everything she attempts - a great leader and mentor - wishing her the best for future successes!
Ibriz
Thanks for being great mentor for me when I was doing my work experience at Trinity - I hope that I can use some of what I learnt from you when I'm in Japan!
S
Great blog Pepe! You have brightened up our children's lives in so many ways, wish you every success with future endeavours!
Patrick
Pepe always thinks of innovative ways to make learning an enjoyable experience - such an inspirational hard-working dedicated person whose enthusiasm rubs off on all those around her! Good Luck!
Josh
A truly incredible headteacher who went above and beyond for every child that walked through those gates.
Sara
Such an inspirational blog and head teacher. Great to see the support for Mrs Hart and rightly so!
andrew
Pepe Hart is a gifted, skilled, inspirational and committed head teacher who unwaveringly ensured all her pupils received the best education possible
M and D
We have known Pepe for many years and we recognised from our first meeting what a remarkable person she is.
She is always concerned to do the right thing in all circumstances for children
Christine
Much love, respect and support to you Pepe, for writing this blog, truly inspirational as always. Always loved your ethos and bright shining personality - a star to us xxxx
Becki
Love this blog, love this lady! Pepe you should be so proud of yourself. You have strength, determination and fight like no other! You really are made of super strong stuff! Becki xxx
Amy
I had tears in my eyes right from the very beginning... your passion for what you do Pepe, is truly infectious and comes across in every word of your blog
Paul M
Pepe Hart has the most amazing ‘can do, will do’ attitude and her track record of changing perceptions and achieving what others thought impossible, is there for all to see.
Laura L
I have had the privilege of knowing you for many years, and it is absolutely heartbreaking to have seen the vitriolic campaign that was launched against you