Pre-Prep

Pre-Prep

Headmistress, Dr Zoe Dunn, leads a happy and talented team that blend commitment, creativity and nurturing skills with their abundant expertise in Early Years settings. Together they strive to redefine the expectations of a nurturing environment for their pupils. Passion and dedication really do characterise a group of teachers who have the needs of the boys at the heart of everything they do. They have so much to give to the children in their care.

Zoe Dunn can be contacted by emailing
[email protected].

Zoe Dunn

Zoe Dunn Headmistress, UCS Pre-Prep

Zoe Dunn has worked in North London for over 20 years in a variety of independent and state schools.

From an early age, Zoe wanted to teach and after completing her BEd at Homerton College, Cambridge, she followed her passion for books and wrote a PhD in Mid-Victorian Literature.

Ignited by her interest in social and emotional development as well as mindfulness in Early Years, Zoe undertook a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship which enabled her to explore different school settings in America and Sweden. She lives in North London with her son, husband and one very fluffy cat.

Zoe Dunn can be contacted by emailing [email protected].

Zoe Dunn

Nik Watt

Nik Watt Deputy Head and Head of EYFS

Having completed her Bachelor of Education degree at Massey University, New Zealand, Nik Watt started her teaching career in Stratford, NZ in 1992.

In 1996, Nik travelled to the UK with the intention of staying for a brief time; however, she was hooked and has remained here since.

Nik joined The Phoenix School as a part-time learning support teacher in 2000. Two years later, The Phoenix became part of the UCS Foundation and she took up the position of Reception class teacher in 2004. Nik was appointed Deputy Head in 2007 and Head of Early Years in 2014.

She lives in North London with her partner and son and has a keen interest in travel, reading and sport.

Nik Watt

Sophie Ryan

Sophie Ryan Assistant Head and Director of Learning Support & SENCO

Having completed her English degree at Cambridge University, Sophie Ryan went on to do a PGCE at Homerton College and began her teaching career in 2000 at a St Albans primary school.

In 2003, Sophie joined the UCS Foundation, taking a class teacher post at the Pre-Prep. Since then she has taught across Key Stage One and the EYFS, becoming a member of the SMT in 2005. She has held several positions of responsibility including Head of Key Stage One and SENCO.

In April 2021, Sophie was appointed to the new role of Director of Learning Support and SENCO for both Pre-Prep and Junior Branch – an exciting opportunity to facilitate further cross-foundation links. In June 2022, she achieved the Postgraduate Award for SEN from the Institute Of Education (UCL).

In September 2023, Sophie was delighted to assume the role of Assistant Head at the Pre-Prep.

Sophie Ryan