Meet the New Head of Devonshire House School | Sinead O’Brien
Mrs Sinead O’Brien joins Devonshire House School as Head this September, bringing more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading schools across North London. Passionate about inclusive education, pupil wellbeing and helping every child reach their potential, Mrs O’Brien believes that children thrive when they feel happy, confident and truly part of a community.
Before officially welcoming her to our Hampstead prep school, we asked her a few quick-fire questions so our families could get to know the person behind the role.
What do you want children to feel at school?
Happy, valued and part of a community.
Children achieve their best when they feel they truly belong. A school should be somewhere pupils arrive each morning feeling excited, supported and confident that they are an important part of a caring community.
What life skills every child should develop?
Social skills, empathy and self-advocacy.
While academic success is important, I believe the skills that stay with children for life are the human ones. Every child needs to develop the confidence to communicate well, listen to others, understand different perspectives and act with kindness and compassion. Just as importantly, it’s important that children feel empowered to speak up for themselves, ask questions and advocate for their own needs with confidence.
What helps building a strong school community?
Everyone should have the opportunity to share their voice, ideas and talents.
Every member of a school community has something valuable to contribute. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field or through acts of kindness, every child should know that their ideas matter and that they are encouraged to contribute with pride.
What have the children you’ve worked with taught you about yourself?
That I’m a good listener, kind and approachable.
One of the greatest compliments any teacher can receive is knowing children feel comfortable talking to them. Building trusting relationships starts with listening carefully and making every child feel heard.
What was your very first job?
A Saturday girl in a dry cleaner!
Tell us something people might not know about you.
I love embroidery and making handmade gifts for family and friends.
What’s your favourite music?
Indie and rock.
Favourite sport?
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Watching: Football.
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Taking part: Long walks with family or friends, especially across Hampstead Heath.
Looking Ahead
As Mrs O’Brien prepares to join Devonshire House this September, she is looking forward to meeting pupils, parents and staff, and becoming part of the vibrant school community.
If you’d like to learn more about our independent prep school or arrange a visit, we’d be delighted to welcome you to Devonshire House Preparatory School.
Watch: Children Get to Know Mrs Sinead O’Brien too!
We recently handed the reins over to the real experts: the children of Devonshire House!
One of the best ways to discover our new Head of School’s personality is through our special interview with Devonshire House pupils, asking everything from thoughtful questions about school life to some wonderfully unexpected favourites.
Watch the video below to see Mrs O’Brien’s warmth, humour and passion for education shine through.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg38Ju4b2zA
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If you are interested in joining Devonshire House School, don’t hesitate to contact us here.
