Emily Smith

My name is Emily Smith and I am the Head of Infant School for FS1-Y2. I have been within the GEMS family since 2015 and worked for GEMS Metropole since 2016.

I am originally from Yorkshire in the north of England, although grew up in the South of England in Sussex. It was here I complete my GCSE and A level examinations.

After completing my schooling, I sat my undergraduate degree at Oxford Brookes University, where I read Music and Psychology. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree I completed my PGCE at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Even before training to be a teacher, I knew I had a passion for working with children through holiday camps and spending time at Camp America.

I started out my teaching career working in Bristol in a variety of diverse schools. It was here that my love of the Early Years developed. After gaining many years experience as a classroom teacher in the Foundation Stage, I took on the role of Head of Early Years.

During my time in Bristol, I also worked for the Local Authority as an EYFS Profile Moderator. In addition, I also went on to spend 4 years as a Specialist Leader of Education, with a responsibility for progress of learners.

I am extremely passionate about early education and the way that our youngest children learn. I believe that children deserve the best possible start to their formal schooling and strive to provide the best for every individual child.

Outside of school I am a keen cyclist and swimmer. One of my proudest achievements is cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats, the longest possible bike ride in the UK which is 927 miles.

I thoroughly enjoy working at GEMS Metropole and I am inspired every day by the children, families and teachers that make up our community.