Meet the Sixth Form Team

We’d like to take the opportunity to let you know a little about the staff team who work as pastoral leads with our sixth formers.

 

Jason Waterman – Manager of the Sixth Form Centre

I am here to oversee the smooth running of the Sixth Form Centre, but most importantly, I am here to help you all feel as happy, comfortable and supported as possible while you are part of our Sixth Form. I am here to listen to you if you need an ear or to help you with day to day queries and problems.

 Three interesting facts:

• I regularly go running at 5am – even in the middle of winter with a head torch in the pouring rain (don’t take it up);
• I have lived in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Seville and speak Spanish at home with my wife and son;
• I am a keen sports fan – football and Tottenham Hotspur being my first loves.

 

Ben Smith – Head of Year 12

As Head of Year, my primary focus is on ensuring that each individual student within my year group has the best possible learning conditions in which to succeed. I support students in both reaching their academic potential as well as helping them grow into young adults who will have a positive impact in their communities. 

Three interesting facts: 

• I have two pygmy goats named Oreo & Cherry; 
• Outside of work, my main passion is the outdoors. You can often find me running, cycling or climbing in the local area; 
• I played the trumpet until I was 16, achieving a grade 5. 

 

David Clay – Head of Year 13

I have been a teacher at Purbeck since 2019 having taught English and Drama at schools in Poole and Ferndown. My aim as Head of Year is to ensure that every student gets the best support in order to achieve their aims and to allow everyone to access the wider opportunities that are so important in shaping you all as adults.

Three interesting facts:

• I am a passionate rugby fan, supporting England and Wasps (even though they are currently missing!).
• I am a keen but not very good drummer – currently working on my grade 6.
• In a past life I was a professional musician and have performed in Europe, South Africa and the USA.

 

Simon Holmes – Head of The Purbeck School Sixth Form

I’ve taught English and Psychology in London, New Zealand and elsewhere in Dorset, but since 2011 I have been proud to call Purbeck home. As Head of Sixth Form, I work beside Mr Clay, Mr Smith and Mr Waterman to ensure that through our academic, extra-curricular and pastoral programmes, every student has the opportunity to grow and make the bridge to your next destination.

Three interesting facts:

• I once spent twenty minutes alone in a room with David Bowie and his wife;
• Although of limited talent, I enjoy painting and have taken commissions to complete portraits of staff and their pets;
• Travelling the world is one of my passions. In June I will accompany Purbeck students on a fourth trip to Africa – this time it is Ghana.