Raluca Chende: Headteacher & DSL, Teaching and Learning Lead

Raluca joined Ridgeway Education Trust in September 2023, starting as Teaching and Learning Strategic Lead at another RET school, Carterton Primary School, before becoming Headteacher of Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School in September 2024.  

I came to Sutton Courtenay because I wanted to be part of a community with ambition, warmth and a genuine commitment to its children. RET has enabled me to bring my passion for teaching, learning and evidence‑informed practice into a school that values growth and continuous improvement. Since joining, I’ve benefited from rich professional learning and the chance to work closely with experienced leaders across the Trust. The ongoing professional dialogue around curriculum, pedagogy and safeguarding has strengthened my practice, while leadership coaching has been invaluable in navigating the early stages of headship and the complexity of the role. Having access to a strong network of colleagues — from primary and secondary leaders to safeguarding specialists and fellow DSLs — has deepened my leadership and reinforced what I believe: that people thrive when they are trusted, collaboration is prioritised and every decision is rooted in doing what is right for children. 

I love my job because there is nothing more rewarding than seeing children grow in confidence and thrive when the adults around them believe in them and champion their potential. What I value most about working at Sutton Courtenay is the culture we are building together — one shaped by compassion, ambition and a genuine sense of belonging. I am proud of the collective determination of our staff, families and pupils to create a school where every child feels known, valued and able to succeed. My journey reflects the Trust’s commitment to developing people, nurturing leadership from within and creating genuine pathways for progression. 

 

Lizette de Bruyn: Deputy Headteacher, Year 6 Teacher, Curriculum & Personal Development Lead

Lizette joined Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School through a secondment as Assistant Headteacher and was delighted to then be appointed as substantive Deputy Headteacher. From the outset, Lizette felt genuinely supported and welcomed, and  quickly recognised the Trust’s strong commitment to developing leaders and investing in people. 

Working closely with an exceptional headteacher and alongside inspirational colleagues, both within school and across the Trust, has been central to my professional growth. The collaborative culture has enabled me to reflect meaningfully on my practice, take on new challenges and continue to develop as a leader. 

Regular professional dialogue, including Trust‑wide Deputy Headteacher and English Leader meetings, along with ongoing support from the Director of Primary Education, have strengthened my confidence and leadership skills. These opportunities have reinforced a shared focus on high‑quality provision and ensuring that every decision is rooted in what is best for children. 

What I value most about working at Sutton Courtenay is the strong sense of community and shared purpose. I am proud to be part of a school and Trust that nurture leadership, champion collaboration and create the conditions for both staff and pupils to flourish. 

 

Jordan Lunnon: Year 5 Teacher, Science & Computing Lead

Jordan joined Sutton Courtenay Primary CofE School in September 2025 as a second-year ECT.  

Before training to be a teacher, I worked as a biomedical scientist in the NHS, specialising in haematology and blood transfusion. As a keen scientist with a particular interest in blood science, the career initially seemed ideal. However, over time I realised I was lacking the human interaction and sense of fulfilment I was looking for. This is what prompted me to train to become a teacher. 

During my SCITT year and my first ECT year in another school, I began to develop a strong understanding of what it takes to be a brilliant teacher. Since joining the trust, and with the guidance and support of leaders, I have been able to build on this foundation and can genuinely see myself becoming the teacher I aspire to be. I feel I am been given the opportunity to develop not only my understanding of what to teach, but more importantly why we teach, and the value we add to the lives of the children and the wider school community. 

I am incredibly grateful that I made the move to Sutton Courtenay, not only because of the supportive staff and wider trust, but also due to the clear focus on professional and personal development. Questions are listened to, feedback is constructive, and I have consistently felt heard and valued, despite being new to the profession. Every member of the team has welcomed me and rooted for me, and this truly reflects the positive culture here. I am proud to be part of this community and excited to continue growing as a teacher. 

 

Sally Aitio, Year 2 Teacher, Maths & Forest School Lead

Sally joined Sutton Courtenay in 2024 as a part-time Year two class teacher. Since joining she has taken on the roles of Maths lead, Forest School lead and Eco lead at the school. 

Although I have been teaching on and off for nearly twenty years, most of my experience has been in Early Years, and I spent a large part of my early career teaching in Switzerland. In recent years I have been assisting in the classroom, and at Forest School. Before joining Sutton Courtenay, I had lost confidence in myself as a teacher. However, since joining the school my confidence has grown hugely and I am now teaching full time, with additional leadership roles. I have had incredible support from the trust and from my headteacher, who has championed me every step of the way, and encouraged me to go for roles that I would never have considered before. At Sutton Courtenay I have had the chance to spend time observing good practice in other schools in the trust, so that I can reflect on my own practice and keep improving. I have been made to feel appreciated and valued by our leadership team and by the trust. One of the highlights of this year has been working closely with other Maths leaders across the trust. It's so powerful to be able share experiences, challenges and successes together, and then bring that knowledge and reflection back into our own schools. I have also been supported in developing and delivering a Key Stage One Forest School curriculum. I came to the school with a passion for outdoor learning and was determined to help the school grow in this area. All my ideas have been met with enthusiasm and encouragement from the school and the trust.   

I feel so lucky to be part of the incredible team at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. I am supported in everything I do, listened to, and given the time to grow personally and professionally. It is such a reflective environment to work in. 

 

 

Christie Van As:School Business Manager

Christie Van As joined Ridgeway Education Trust in 2024 as the Executive Assistant and Trust Administrator to the CEO of the Trust. She has since progressed to the role of School Business Manager for Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. 

My progression at RET reflects the Trust’s commitment to developing and enabling people to progress. 

I joined Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School as the School Business Manager as it presented the opportunity for me to learn and develop whilst contributing to the success of the school. 

Since starting this role, the Trust has enabled me to start a Level 4 School Business Professional apprenticeship alongside my role as SBM. Supported closely by the School Business Lead and working with the Senior Leadership Team at the school, it has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced educational professionals. 

I find working at Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School professionally challenging and rewarding.  I am encouraged and enabled to develop and grow into the role. 

I enjoy the collaborative culture in the Trust and am dedicated to helping support the teachers provide the best education for our pupils.