KEY STAFF
Emma Bliss, Headteacher
I have been a part of the Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge Leadership Team since joining in 2016 as Assistant Head (Timetable and Data), Deputy Head (Curriculum) and now as Interim Headteacher.
Having completed a Geography Degree at The University of Birmingham followed by PGCE my teaching career started at Pershore High School, Worcestershire a wonderful, community school consistently recognised as Good by OfSTED. Here I secured a number of roles over a 10 year period including Head of Year, Deputy Head of 6th Form and Head of House seeing me develop both pastoral and curriculum experience ahead of my successful elevation to Assistant Headship. In my career to date I have shown a strong commitment to personal development, especially with respect to developing my own leadership style. I have completed a Med in Teaching Studies (UoB), undertaken a bespoke coaching programme to reflect, review and develop on my own practice, successfully applied to be a School Governor and most recently achieved the accolade of a SLE (Curriculum/Data) accredited to the Berkshire Teaching School.
As an enthusiastic member of staff I like to lead by example. During my career I have been involved in a number of extra-curricular activities including trips to Iceland, New York and Italy, as well as taking a lead role in organising the inaugural Zambian Exchange with Sixth Form Students. I actively support the school in extra-curricular and social events, participating in school concerts and productions, CESA fundraising events, and hosting a Murder Mystery Evening. I am an enthusiastic leader of both the Bronze and Gold DofE teams having helped to set up the Gold Award during my time at Pershore. Outside school, I have successfully managed time and pressure to play Sky Sports Televised Netball in the Vitality Netball Superleague, having previously captained British Universities Netball squad, as well as being an advisor to Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club on Pathways and Progressions for their U17/19 Excel Squads.
Roddy Clark, Assistant Headteacher
I joined Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge in September 2024 as part of the Senior Leadership Team as an Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour and Attendance).
I studied at the University of Wolverhampton, completing a degree in Physical Education before joining The University of Reading to complete the Graduate Teaching Programme. As part of the course, I was employed by The Forest School in Wokingham within the PE department which consolidated my love of the profession. Following this, I spent 13 years at a secondary school in Slough, starting as a newly qualified teacher once obtaining my qualified teacher status and progressed to the role of Head of Sixth Form. I joined the leadership team at my previous school in September 2021 in a similar role regarding student engagement and I am excited to bring my experience to a new setting at MECE.
I have grown up in the area and sport has been a consistent mainstay of my life, participating in football, basketball and rugby locally, but have more recently taken more joy from spectating rather than playing!
Judy Hills, Assistant Headteacher
I did my teacher training at Oxford University, having completed my Geography degree there. I developed a real interest in how we best learn during my Masters in Learning and Teaching and I join Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge as Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning.
I first worked at Langtree School before being promoted to Cheney School in Oxford, where I went on to become Head of Geography, then Head of the Humanities Faculty and finally Associate Assistant Head for Curriculum.
I am an active member of the National Geographical Association and have delivered workshops and have had articles published for teachers across the country.
In my spare time I enjoy kayaking, travelling the world, walks in the countryside and a good pub lunch!
Sarah Cheeseman, Assistant Headteacher
I joined Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge in 2017 as a PE teacher in my first-ever teaching post. In my second year of teaching, I became Head of Personal Development, and by my third year, I had taken on the role of Head of Year. From January 2025, I will join the leadership team as Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Leader for the remainder of the academic year.
I hold two degrees: one in Marketing and another in Dance, graduating with First-Class Honours. I completed my PGCE at Brighton University and successfully achieved my NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) in 2024, further developing my leadership skills.
I am passionate about holistic education, believing that students’ wellbeing is at the heart of their learning. I strongly believe that for students to thrive academically, they must first feel safe, supported, and happy.
Outside of school, I enjoy walking my dog, keeping fit, and meditating. I have a background in gymnastics and netball, which I competed in during my younger years. I enjoy watching sport, particularly football and rugby, having been a season ticket holder at Reading FC for many years growing up. I now try to make it to Rams games with my dad when I have the time. I also love reading, travelling, and exploring new places on holiday.
Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is a special place to work because of its incredible community and family feel. I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in students’ lives.
Annabelle Gehlot, School Business Manager
I joined Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge in September 2022, bringing with me a wealth of experience from working at Maiden Erlegh School for 8 years.
I studied Philosophy at The University of Reading prior to entering into a career in the education sector. Having worked in the industry for a long time, I am continually amazed by the passion and dedication of the staff who seek to provide the best possible future for our students.
As part of my role, I am undertaking a School Business Professionals qualification and I am looking forward to seeing how this can help further support me in my role at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge. I am passionate about productivity, professional development and staff wellbeing. I have relaunched our staff wellbeing group to ensure that staff feel heard and supported.
I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time crafting, with my new hobby being crochet. I also recently reignited my childhood passion for swimming.
