Meet our Team

Mr Paul Norman

Mr Paul Norman

Role:

Deputy Head Academic

I joined The Royal School three years ago as Director of Sixth Form and started my new role as Deputy Head Academic in September 2020.

One of the greatest privileges of working in Education is to witness the ‘light bulb, penny-drop, I can’t believe I just did that’ moments on a pupil’s face when they do something they weren’t sure was possible. Whether that is understanding a concept in electricity, performing on stage in a music or drama production, or coming off the playing field following a sports match. The glint in their eye and smile on their face is priceless.  

These moments serve to remind us of the importance of setting meaningful and achievable challenges for all pupils. While confusion and frustration are often a part of learning, those breakthrough experiences of success reinforce and galvanise the concepts of confidence and perseverance. They lead not only to a pupil doing the best academically but also build habits that are of benefit in all areas of life.  

‘Education doesn’t exist in a vacuum’ was a phrase used frequently by my first Headteacher, and she was right. Lessons learnt in school now about how we learn and what it takes to achieve a goal, go beyond objectives on a board in the classroom. They are just as important and complimentary in influencing a pupil’s ambitions and options when applying to university or jobs when they leave school.  

Working with colleagues, pupils and parents to find the best possible methods of providing the highest quality curriculum delivery possible is busy, yet hugely rewarding. The Royal School community is wonderfully supportive, adaptable, and always finds ways to recognise and celebrate success. I look forward to seeing the evolution of online provision - we have just enjoyed our first virtual parents’ evening and have more planned.  These are an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss the progress being made by pupils, and how we can work towards those next all important lightbulb moments in their education. 

Ms Hayley Robinson 

Ms Hayley Robinson 

Role:

Deputy Head Pastoral 

I joined The Royal School in September 2020 and was previously Head of Personalised Learning and Academic Curriculum at Reigate Grammar School.  
 
It has been such a pleasure getting to know the pupils. With a focus on developing relationships between the pupils and their tutors, lots has been going on to ensure that they feel comfortable in our ‘new normal’.  Change is a big part of life which can be difficult; we take this very seriously, ensuring that our pupils are aware of who they can talk to if they need extra support. I am enjoying meeting with pupils across each year group and I am keen to hear their thoughts and ideas about how we can make our school even more a hub of creativity, confidence and energy whilst furthering the warmth we have.  

With a focus on our charity support, tutors are looking at ideas with their form groups to explore how we can further reach out to our community. Our pupils need to understand how inspirational their presence can be amongst one another and the community beyond school – it is important that we develop this understanding, especially as we are in the throes of coping with the uncertainty created by Covid-19.  Each morning we enjoy presentations and quizzes to ensure pupils receive a collaborative feel amongst their peers whilst also having the option each Tuesday to hunker down with a good book.  

I am excited by the strength of character, ideas and general enthusiasm of our pupils and my intention is for everyone to be able to make the most of themselves by creating opportunities for them and furthering the ‘can do’ attitude that exists presently. I am looking forward to further enriching the pastoral and well-being experience of all pupils this year and beyond. 

Mr Stewart Conley-Harper 

Mr Stewart Conley-Harper 

Role:

Assistant Head Logistics 

I arrived at The Royal in September 2015 as Head of Music and joined the Senior Leadership Team in January 2019, initially heading up logistics, but adding technology to my remit more recently (more about that later).  

It seems odd to say that I have technically retired once - I'm still 'reasonably' young - but having taught since I left university, whilst juggling a career as a professional singer, including my early days as a chorister, I managed to clock up around 32 years service! I have had the privilege to work in some amazing cathedrals, concert halls and recording studios, plus toured all over the world. My last post was in the choir of St George's Chapel, within Windsor Castle; this was a live in position, so yes, I lived in a castle for 9 years! 

I am absolutely passionate about all things music and firmly believe that it has the power to change lives. It is with us at our most happy times, but also the sad times too and it etches itself into our brain, often acting as a memory 'checkpoint'. How many times have you heard a piece and known exactly where you were standing when you first heard it?! One of my favourite parts of being a music teacher is putting the final touches of performances together and those final rehearsals are the point at which a musician can finally lose themselves within the music. It's an incredible healer for a bad day too! 

My current role, as Assistant Head Logistics, means that I do a lot of what is often referred to as 'back office' tasks, to help the school run smoothly; I have inevitably spent much of the last six months buried in government guidance for schools! One of my more recent and exciting projects has been to begin putting together a digital strategy for The Royal School, which will not only bring us firmly into the 21st century, but more importantly allow for technology to facilitate the learning process. Collaboration in the classroom is an essential part of learning and using technology to achieve this will give pupils the ability to take more ownership of their education. Our pupils will all be 'tech ready' for the next stage of their education journey or career.