Jules Godfrey (soon to be Dr Godfrey) joined as Principal of Marling School last Easter. As the first permanent female Principal in the school’s history, we were keen to ask her about her experiences so far and her vision for the future.
What three words best describe you as a person?
Principled, tenacious, compassionate
What do you think matters most in education?
That every child has the support and educational opportunities to achieve their potential both academically and as a human being.
Did you like school as a child?
Not always! I had glandular fever in Year 10 and had to take three months off school. Until then, I had been coasting and not fully taking advantage of my opportunities. Facing the possibility of repeating a year made me realise what I needed to do. By the end of Year 11, I had not only caught up but also exceeded my expected grades. I had learned how to learn and began to enjoy studying.
Tell us a bit about your own educational background.
I attended school in Reading and then completed my Sixth Form in Basingstoke, where I took A Levels in History, Politics, and English Literature. I went on to study Law at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. After passing my bar exams, I chose not to practice as a Barrister. Instead, I enrolled in a PGCE program at Cambridge and became a teacher. Having found my passion for learning, I quickly returned to my studies. I first completed my MEd while continuing to teach full-time. More recently, I went back to university and completed my Doctorate in Education at the University of Bristol.
Why did you give up a career in law to work in education?
I first decided to become a barrister when I was 12 years old, during a history lesson where we reenacted the trial of King Charles I. I pursued this ambition single-mindedly, but after achieving it, I reflected and realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life. Many women in my family are primary school teachers, and I initially thought teaching wasn’t for me. However, I soon discovered that secondary school teaching is my true calling.
So what were you doing before you came to Marling?
I was Deputy Headteacher at Bournside School in Cheltenham, and then Deputy Head in an independent school before the pandemic hit. I really love studying, because then I decided to take a few years out of school leadership to do an EdD in Bristol University, where I also worked in the widening participation team, and lectured on their active outreach programme. It was always my intention to return to school leadership, and the opportunity at Marling came along at exactly the right time. I’m delighted to say that I’ve now completed my Doctorate, so will have the honour of being the first woman Doctor to lead the school.
Tell us something about you that parents and students might not know.
I was always involved in drama and music at school, often participating in school productions or singing solos in concerts. I still have a passion for the creative arts, although I don’t get as much time to participate these days as I would like.
Now you’ve been in post for a couple of terms, what do you think are the best things about Marling?
I’ve been incredibly impressed by the students here. They are always eager to talk to me and share their passions. They are genuinely wonderful young people. Additionally, I’ve been struck by the dedication of so many staff members and their strong sense of attachment to the school. There’s definitely something special about Marling.
I’m also immensely proud of the sixth form. It’s a popular choice now for boys and girls and students join us from schools across the county and beyond, which makes it an exciting and vibrant community. Our sixth formers do so much in their two years with us and go on to exciting futures.
What are your biggest challenges?
It’s not an easy time to be in Education and, like most state schools, our biggest challenge is having enough money to do the things we want to do. Of course, Marling brings its own unique challenge in this respect – while it’s blessed with some beautiful historic buildings, some of them are in need of some significant TLC. Unfortunately, the roof on our Hogwarts-style school hall suffered quite a bit in the torrential rains this Autumn. People who know the school may have noticed that it is currently fenced off. If there are any wealthy Marlingtonians out there who remember their time at Marling fondly, we’d be glad to hear from you!
What is your vision for Marling school?
Our vision for Marling School is to foster an inclusive environment, committed to academic excellence, rooted in respect, strengthened by perseverance and driven by a passion for learning.
I want to build on the strengths that the school already has to make it a happy, inclusive, aspirational place for young people to spend seven years of their lives. Marling is a very special place. Not only is it steeped in tradition and an important institution in the community, but it is also a place that is full of ambition and new ideas. I want to retain the tradition, while helping the school move forward with pride.
