Surrey


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1266" height="854" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill.jpeg" alt="Faye Messinger, head teacher at Rydes Hill school in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-64329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill.jpeg 1266w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill-800x540.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill-1000x675.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill-400x270.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/06/Faye-Messinger-Rydes-Hill-768x518.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1266px) 100vw, 1266px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Faye Messinger, Head at Rydes Hill School in Guildford</figcaption></figure>



<p>Faye Messinger is Head of Rydes Hill School, having first discovered the school the way many parents do – at Toddler Time with her own child. She joined the team in 2022 as Head of Nursery, stepped up to Assistant Head, and was appointed Head in September 2025. Before Rydes Hill, she worked as a SENCo and Year 6 class teacher, bringing a strong mix of pastoral and classroom experience. She studied Education at the University of Roehampton and went on to complete her PGCE.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-impressions-what-attracted-you-to-rydes-hill"><em>First impressions? What attracted you to Rydes Hill?</em></h3>



<p>I first came to Rydes Hill as a parent, bringing my son to Toddler Time. I very quickly fell in love with the warmth and spirit of the school. When a role became available in the Nursery, I knew I had to apply and become part of a community that felt so special. I often say that when you step into Rydes Hill, it feels like it gives you a big hug &#8211; it’s such a welcoming and happy place.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="746" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15.jpg" alt="Rydes Hill School in Guildford, Surrey." class="wp-image-32445" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15-300x224.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15-670x500.jpg 670w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15-150x112.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15-768x573.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/05/Rydes-Hill_15-704x525.jpg 704w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rydes Hill School in Guildford.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>30-second elevator pitch for your school – sell it!</em></h3>



<p>From our tiniest ‘Acorns’ in Nursery to our oldest pupils, every child is known by name, for their talents, their character, and what makes them shine. We celebrate the 5 Cs: collaboration, communication, courage, creativity and curiosity &#8211; qualities that prepare our children for life beyond the classroom. Alongside academic excellence, our outstanding pastoral care sits at the heart of everything we do. The Rydes Hill family is a joy to be part of, and no two days are ever the same, with children enjoying forest school, music, P.E., games, swimming and so much more. Rydes Hill really is a place where every child is valued and consequently flourishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-would-star-as-faye-messinger-in-the-movie-of-your-life"><em>Who would star as Faye Messinger in the movie of your life?</em></h3>



<p>Princess Merida would be a good person to play me in a film. We both have fiery hair, an adventurous spirit and lots of determination!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>You’ve been given a £1m donation for Rydes Hill, what will you spend it on?</em></h3>



<p>I would invest it in further enhancing our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) provision and facilities across the school. STEAM education encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking &#8211; skills that prepare our pupils for the world beyond the classroom. I would look to create inspiring, hands-on learning spaces such as a dedicated STEAM innovation lab equipped with robotics, coding stations, 3D printers, and digital design tools.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Describe your own childhood school days.</em></h3>



<p>School was not my favourite place when I was growing up. I was a quiet child who would count down the minutes until break, lunch and the end of the day, unless it was a PE lesson. Everything changed when I met my Year 6 teacher, who made learning fun and the days fly by. That experience had a huge influence on my own teaching. I now strive to make learning feel effortless and enjoyable for my pupils, always looking for creative ways to inspire them and make them think outside the box. I believe my own experience has led me to ensure that every child feels known, valued and seen every day in class. That is one of the magical things about Rydes Hill, all the staff share that same belief.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>What was the common theme of your school reports?</em></h3>



<p>The most common theme was my kindness and thinking of others – these are still qualities I have today. During our achievement assemblies on a Friday, I give out a kindness award for the week – this is one of my favourite celebrations each week.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Best and worst subject at school?</em></h3>



<p>My favourite lessons at school were science, maths and P.E. I didn’t enjoy English as much but that’s now one of my favourite subjects to teach.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Where did you go to uni?</em></h3>



<p>The University of Roehampton.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>What did you study?</em></h3>



<p>Education followed by a PGCE.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>What was your high and low of student life?</em></h3>



<p>I went on some placements in interesting places including a week shadowing a civil servant in the education department, time at the National Gallery learning how to lead gallery talks to children, and some great placements in schools in inner London.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>If you weren’t a head, what would you be?</em></h3>



<p>If I weren’t a head, I think I’d be a midwife. I’ve always been drawn to people and to roles that involve care and connection. There’s something so special about being there for others at such an important moment in their lives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Describe what’s on your work desk…</em></h3>



<p>Pictures of my family, my radio and Post It notes with to do lists scattered on them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>And what’s in the top drawer?</em></h3>



<p>I love stationery. My top drawer is full of pens, pencils, notepads and an emergency chocolate bar.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Tell us your favourite books – in childhood, uni and now.</em></h3>



<p>My favourite childhood book was <em>Holes</em>; I love reading this with children and experiencing their enjoyment of the book for the first time. At university I didn’t really spend too much time reading for pleasure, however, I did appreciate how fantastic picture books were and how they can be used in classrooms for more than just reading a story. I now love to read thrillers and murder mysteries but have a very worn copy of <em>The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse</em> on my shelf – there is a quote in there for every situation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-best-school-trip-you-ve-ever-been-on"><em>What’s the best school trip you’ve ever been on?</em></h3>



<p>When I was a newly qualified teacher I took my class to West Wittering Beach for the day. We spent the day building sandcastles, flying kites and paddling. We had the best time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f.jpg" alt="The 2015 film Inside Out." class="wp-image-58433" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8216;Inside Out&#8217; should be on every child&#8217;s watchlist says Faye Messinger, Rydes Hill School&#8217;s head teacher.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>What play, book and film should be on every child’s cultural bucket list?</em></h3>



<p>Play &#8211; <em>The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time</em>. This powerful play helps us understand that not everyone experiences life in the same way. It encourages empathy and reminds us never to judge others until we’ve walked in their shoes.<br>Book &#8211; <em>The Boy at the Back of the Class</em> by Onjali Q. Raúf. A fantastic story that opens conversations about kindness, diversity, and the importance of community. It shows how one small act of friendship can change someone’s world.<br>Film &#8211; <em>Inside Out</em>. Growing up means learning to understand our emotions, even when they’re confusing. <em>Inside Out</em> helps children see that all feelings, even the difficult ones, are normal and part of being human.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>If you want to hide from the kids and staff for half an hour, where do you go?</em></h3>



<p>I usually prefer to hide from my desk for half an hour and spend time with the children. I enjoy spending breaktimes with them, playing imaginative games, kicking a ball about and being taught new dances.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>The song you sing at full volume when everyone’s gone home?</em></h3>



<p>‘A Sky Full of Stars’ – Coldplay (or a nursery rhyme that has become an earworm).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-a-younger-faye-messinger"><em>What advice would you give to a younger Faye Messinger?</em></h3>



<p>Stop chatting and get on with your work!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>And your current students?</em></h3>



<p>Make the most of being in a school where everyone cares about you and wants you to be the most successful version of yourself. Maintain a positive attitude towards your work and ask the adults for help – we all want the very best for you.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p><strong><em><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/rydes-hill-prep-school-and-nursery-guildford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rydes Hill Prep School</a> is a small, one-form entry prep school and nursery tucked away in the leafy suburbs of Guildford, just north-west of the town centre. It’s a warm, close-knit school where “happy children learn” sits at the heart of everything it does. </em></strong></p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.rydeshill.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rydes Hill Preparatory School</a>, Rydes Hill House, Aldershot Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 8BP. Tel: <a href="tel:+441483563160">01483 563 160</a></strong></em></p>


Head’s up! Faye Messinger, Rydes Hill School, Guildford

You may also like