Our Staff
We have a team of caring and experienced staff who are able to give the children in our care the best possible education.
Our staff teams across the four schools are led by a team of inspirational leaders who bring a mix of skills, approaches and styles to the Federation.
Our Federation Leadership Team
Emma Hickling
Executive Headteacher – ASPIRE Federation
I am the Executive Headteacher of the ASPIRE Federation.
I have been a Headteacher now for 15 years and have been associated with Kingswood for 18 years.
I aim to provide the highest quality of education for the pupils of the Federation and am passionate about inclusivity.
Contact Emma: exechead@aspire-kent.org.uk
Darren Waters
Head of School – Platts Heath Primary School
I have been in education since 2002, initially as a class teacher but quickly developed a passion for seeing how change can positively impact on children so have been a Head of School for the past 10 years – at Platts Heath since 2022.
Ensuring that all children feel happy and included is a driving factor at both school and home – where I am a father of 4 – and I am delighted to be part of Aspire where this is also a priority.
In my free time I enjoy playing football and golf and participate regularly in quizzes.
Contact Darren:
Fiona Steer
Head of School – Leeds and Broomfield CE Primary School
Since I was little I always wanted to be a teacher. My passion in education sits with the early years and I take that practice with me into all aspects of my new role of Head of school. I get to know the pupils for who they are, ensuring and developing a positive image of themselves.
Outside of school I am an active person and bring this active style into the classroom with me. Education is ever changing and I enjoy overcoming the new challenges that I am faced with every day.
Contact Fiona:
Lynsey Sanchez Daviu
Head of School – Kingswood Primary School
I have been the Head of School at Kingswood Primary School since Easter 2019.
I have always been passionate about teaching especially with a focus of mental health and wellbeing; which I am now so pleased is part of the curriculum. My aim is to ensure that every child is included.
My spare moments are either spent with family and friends, or in the kitchen baking up a storm; I’m certainly no Mary Berry, but it brings a smile to my face.
Contact Lynsey:
Olenka Parsons
Head of School – Ulcombe CE Primary School
I am so excited to be the new Head of School at Ulcombe. I have always known I wanted to be a teacher, and that lifelong passion for education -especially for maths – continues to inspire me every day. I am really looking forward to leading a school where curiosity, creativity, and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Outside of school, I’m kept on my toes by my two young children, who make sure life is never dull! When I do find a quiet moment, you’ll often find me dancing—it’s one of my favourite ways to relax and have fun.
I’m looking forward to getting to know all our pupils, families, and staff as we work together to make Ulcombe an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Contact Olenka:
Federation-wide staff
- Emma LeMar, Senco
- Naomi Coleman, Senco
- Anna Russell, Family Liaison Officer & Assistant Senco
- Cathy Meredith, PPA cover teacher
- Wendy Foad, PPA cover teacher
- Liz Goodfellow, PPA cover teacher
- Claire Liddicoat, PE and Active Lead
Our schools have a number of staff based within the individual schools.
You can find out details on the websites of the individual schools:
In line with DfE financial transparency requirements, we can confirm that there are no staff within the Aspire Federation earning more than £100,000.