Surrey


<p>Cathy Trundle has been the headteacher at <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/school-reviews/chinthurst-school-tadworth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinthurst School</a> in Tadworth since 2017 and before that was deputy head at Reigate St Mary&#8217;s for seven years. Both schools, along with Micklefield School in Reigate, are part of the Reigate Grammar School family.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1.jpg" alt="Cathy Trundle, headteacher at Chinthurst School in Tadworth, Surrey." class="wp-image-18964" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Chinthurst-Cathy-Trundle1-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-top-3-things-to-tackle-in-your-inbox-nbsp">What are the top 3 things to tackle in your inbox?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Every class gets a visit from my wellbeing dog, Scout, each term. The children love it and I need to schedule the sessions in ASAP!</p>



<p>Curriculum changes – we are planning a Humanities revamp and are constantly updating our computing curriculum.</p>



<p>The school site – there are exciting plans in the pipeline!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-second-elevator-pitch-for-your-school-sell-it-nbsp">30 second elevator pitch for your school – sell it!&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Chinthurst is a school full of love, joyful learning and lots of exciting experiences. At the heart of everything are strong and deep relationships with the children. &nbsp;These relationships are not only key to the children’s academic achievements, they are also a vital part of their successes beyond the classroom. Ultimately, these relationships cultivate the confidence, resilience and independence the children will need to be successful in the next stage of their education, in their adult lives and beyond. Our children leave us well prepared and with a unique ‘Chinthurst Spirit’ that will stand them in good stead for life.</p>



<p>We place a huge emphasis on fun at Chinthurst. Childhood is a precious time when memories are made, and happy experiences shared. &nbsp;Laughter is always part of the day here and I love hearing it as I walk around the classrooms and outside spaces. Lessons are creative and engaging.</p>



<p>We also have a wonderful community, and our families add a very special dimension to the warmth and spirit of Chinthurst. Chinthurst is a very special place.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-would-you-like-to-star-as-you-in-the-movie-nbsp">Who would you like to star as you in the movie?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Definitely Kate Winslet! She is a dedicated and committed actress who always remains grounded and relatable.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-ve-been-given-a-1m-donation-for-the-school-what-will-you-spend-it-on-nbsp">You’ve been given a £1m donation for the school, what will you spend it on?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Science is my thing and I would love to have an amazing, state of the art, science experience dome onsite that would enable the children to really revel in science. We have a fantastic science lab at Chinthurst, and our curriculum focuses on hands-on exploration, but wouldn’t it be amazing if the children could experience zero gravity for themselves, find out what it feels like to walk on the moon, run as fast as they can from advancing lava or feel the depth of the cold at the top off Everest? The children do already have fantastic virtual experiences through our VR headsets but I guess I would like a mini–Science Museum too, so would need much more than £1m for this!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-your-own-childhood-school-days">Describe your own childhood school days</h3>



<p>I had some unhappy times at an all-girls school where bullying and unkindness were a part of life. Lessons became a safe haven for me, so the upside was that I absolutely loved learning and consequently achieved very well academically. My experiences have definitely shaped my teaching career. Kindness and wellbeing will always be front and centre of any school I lead, and I am proud of the positive and open environment at Chinthurst where children feel free to be who they want to be.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-was-the-common-theme-of-cathy-trundle-s-school-reports">What was the common theme of Cathy Trundle&#8217;s school reports?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Enthusiastic learner but needs to slow down.&nbsp;Talks a lot!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-worst-teachers-at-your-childhood-school-and-why">Favourite/worst teachers at your childhood school and why?</h3>



<p>Mrs Oakley was my Head of Prep and maths teacher. She was warm, kind and always took the time to talk to me. I also loved my GCSE biology teacher and she fostered my love of science.</p>



<p>Worst was a GCSE Maths teacher. She was an amazing, Oxford trained, mathematician but couldn’t understand why anyone else might not find Maths as easy as she did.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-and-worst-subject-at-school-nbsp">Best and worst subject at school?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Science and classical civilisation / history. My mum studied science, and my dad loves history so they were subjects always talked about in our family home.&nbsp; Dad used to do a mini history quiz at the end of Sunday lunch.</p>



<p>Worst subject – I didn’t really have one.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-you-go-to-uni-and-what-did-you-study">Where did you go to uni and what did you study.</h3>



<p>I went to Warwick Uni and did a BA QTS in Primary Education with Science</p>



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



<p>I did a teaching degree, so the ‘high’ was definitely the time spent in schools, learning from some amazing teachers and being allowed to teach and work closely with the children.</p>



<p>I don’t remember having low times to be honest. I worked part-time during my degree so was always very busy.</p>



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



<p>A doctor or a vet. I love science, people and animals.&nbsp; It could never do a sit-behind-a-desk-for-too-long job.&nbsp;</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/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06.jpg" alt="Cathy Trundle, head teacher at Chinthurst School in Tadworth, and Scout, her wellbeing dog, with pupils." class="wp-image-47453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/11/Chinthurst-06-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



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



<p>I am very lucky that I rarely feel this need but I do take Scout out for a mini walk each day. Chinthurst is surrounded by beautiful woods and heathland and being in nature is my happy place.</p>



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



<p>Too much!&nbsp; Lots of pens and post-it notes, water bottles, snacks&#8230; it goes on. I am also surrounded by dog paraphernalia. My dog, Scout, comes to school with me every day, so I have lots of dog biscuits and dog toys scattered around.</p>



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



<p>More stationery, all teachers are obsessed with pens! As it is currently winter, I also have a spare pair of gloves and Scout’s jacket!</p>



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



<p>In childhood it was The Sweet Valley High book series. At uni I loved <em>A Thousand Splendid Suns</em> by Khaled Hosseini, and right now I&#8217;m really enjoying the Harry Potter series again. I love a good crime drama too and something to escape into.</p>



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



<p>I once went on an African safari which was amazing. I love animals and seeing them in stunning environments was really special.</p>



<p>At school I was lucky enough to go to Rome and Sorrento in Italy. We visited every historical site you could possibly think of over five wonderful days.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-1000x667.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-1000x667.jpg 1000w, 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-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/02/film-inside-out_IdyR6f.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside Out (2015)</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>Play – <em>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe</em>, by C.S. Lewis.</p>



<p>Book – <em>The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse</em>, by Charlie Mackesy</p>



<p>Film &#8211; <em>Inside Out</em></p>



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



<p>The Killers &#8211; <em>Mr Brightside</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-would-you-give-to-the-younger-cathy-trundle">What advice would you give to the younger Cathy Trundle?</h3>



<p>When it comes to the bullies &#8211; it’s not about you, it&#8217;s about them.&nbsp; But also, to never lose sight of who you are and what makes you happy. Don’t bend so much for others that you forget yourself.</p>



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



<p>Have a positive attitude towards your learning; do your best and know that it&#8217;s good to get things wrong. Being different is a good thing.</p>



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



<p><em><strong>Chinthurst School is an independent day school and nursery for children aged 2-11 years in Tadworth. It has a strong family-friendly vibe and does exceptionally well academically. Chinthurst School is part of the Reigate Grammar School family &#8211; and students can benefit from the offer of a place at RGS without having to sit the entrance exam</strong></em>.</p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.chinthurstschool.co.uk/">Chinthurst School</a>, 52 Tadworth Street, Tadworth, KT20 5QZ. Tel:&nbsp;01737 812 011.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Head’s up! Cathy Trundle, Chinthurst School, Tadworth

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