The Leadership Team at Priory School are highly experienced and dedicated individuals who work closely as a team to ensure your children are safe, happy, known and inspired each and every day. Below is a short introduction from each member of that team.
Mr Doherty
HeadteacherBorn and educated in Birmingham in the 1970s, my passion for education stems from the knowledge that a first-class education ensures every child has an equal opportunity to lead a prosperous, happy, and secure life in adulthood. Education and learning break the chains that can prevent us from fulfilling our potential, or dissolve those ‘mind-forged manacles’ that the great poet, William Blake, described that can dampen our self-belief or ambitions. When schools are places of physical and emotional safety; when a child’s mind is bursting with teacher-inspired awe and wonder; when they can learn to read, write, think, articulate, and persuade without our guiding hands, our children are then ready to enter and enjoy our amazing city, country, and planet. I commit myself to pursuing excellence and tirelessly support and challenge my colleagues to ensure that your children will have no better start in this life.
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Childhood Books:The Adventures of Yogi Bear, The Silver Sword and Watership Down.
Favourite Poem:London by William Blake.
Favourite Painting:The Angelus by Jean-François Millet.
Favourite Animal:Wild hares or mischievous dogs!
Favourite Childhood TV Show or Film:The Fall Guy or perhaps The A-Team.
Favourite Childhood Song or Music Artist:Annie’s Song by John Denver.
Favourite Sport:Playing football but watching downhill skiing!
Favourite Food:Mozzarella, tomato, and green pesto on ciabatta.
Favourite (naughty) snack:Jammie Dodgers.
Favourite Holiday Destination:Anywhere in Italy.
Ms Guiver
Deputy Head of Senior SchoolAn “ex-pat” northerner and graduate of The University of Birmingham, I remained to complete my teacher training before embarking on a career in maintained schools mostly in the West Midlands. The first part of my career was steeped in mathematics education working within and across schools to improve numeracy, increase pupil problem solving capacity and to inject both enjoyment and sense of relevance into mathematics. At the centre of this was the challenge on negative self-talk around mathematical ability. The subsequent opportunities to work within several leadership teams across schools for over two decades, being able make a difference to the lives of young people through training new teachers, growing pastoral and support teams, leading on safeguarding, working with families and promoting pupil success has been a privilege. As an academy governor, I am committed to continuing my professional development, to maximise opportunities for Priory pupils.
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Childhood Books: Jane Eyre and the Laura Ingalls Wilder books
Favourite Poem: The Thought Fox (Ted Hughes):Christmas is really for the Children (Steve Turner)
Favourite Painting:The Starry Night (Vincent van Gogh); Composition VIII (Wassily Kadinsky); Christ of St John of the Cross (Salvador Dali)
Favourite Animal:Dolphins and Meerkats
Favourite Childhood TV Show or Film:Starsky and Hutch; Star Wars 4
Favourite Childhood Song or Music Artist:Simon & Garfunkel: Bridge over troubled water; Abba
Favourite Sport:Lane Swimming; watching tennis and floor gymnastics
Favourite Food:authentic steak frites; chicken caesar salad (with anchovies)
Favourite (naughty) snack:Thornton’s caramel shortcake bites
Favourite Holiday Destination:Mediterranean coasts especially Provence, Corsica, Corfu and the Amalfi coast
Mr Griffin
Deputy Head of Preparatory SchoolAfter completing my degree in Junior and Secondary Education at Newman College, I began my career teaching Science in a number of primary schools. Now in my tenth year at Priory, I feel very proud to be part of such a supportive and vibrant community.
I am actively involved in all areas of school life and believe that strong, positive relationships with both pupils and parents make all the difference. I am always happy to talk and see openness and approachability as key to helping children thrive. My aim is to nurture the self-belief to try new things, the determination to keep going, and the honesty to learn from mistakes. By placing respect and teamwork at the centre of everything we do, I encourage children to celebrate one another’s successes and grow together.
With genuine passion for teaching, I want every child to feel valued, supported, and inspired to flourish.
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Childhood Book:The BFG by Roald Dahl
Favourite Poem:I Swept the Dog by Ken Nesbitt
Favourite Painting:Hands by Thea G.
Favourite Animal:Polar bear
Favourite Childhood TV Show or Film:Power Rangers and Home Alone
Favourite Childhood Song or Music Artist:Coldplay
Favourite Sport:Running marathons for myself, football for fun
Favourite Food:“Family fajitas”
Favourite (naughty) snack:Haribo Strawbs
Favourite Holiday Destination:Somewhere new each year
Miss Mockbil
Early Years ManagerI was born in Yemen and raised in Birmingham as part of a big, lively family. As the third eldest of eight children, I naturally became a helping hand with my younger siblings, and that’s where my passion for caring and supporting others began. One of my proudest achievements has been becoming the first in my family to attend and graduate from university, setting an example that my younger siblings have since followed.
I first discovered my love for working with children while volunteering at my college holiday club. I found it incredibly rewarding to be part of those early stages of learning, when so much growth and discovery take place. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in Early Years, where I feel privileged to support children as they learn, explore, and thrive.
In my role as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Early Years department, I am dedicated to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and cared for. I believe that early education is the foundation for a bright future, and I take pride in helping to create an environment where each child has limitless opportunities to shine.
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Colour:Purple
Favourite Food:Pasta and Cheese
Favourite Drink:Coffee
Favourite Tv Show:Doctor Who (or any crime show)
Favourite Book/Story:Harry Potter Series
Favourite Season:Spring (I am not very good with the heat unfortunately)
Favourite Place To Go:I would love to do a tour all around Asia
Favourite Animal:Penguins
Favourite Thing To Do:Reading
Favourite Treat/Snack:Crisps
Mrs Flood
Assistant Head of Senior SchoolI was educated in Birmingham during the 1980s and 1990s and developed a lifelong passion for education from an early age. I am a strong advocate of life long learning—a value I strive to instil in my students—and I continue to pursue my own studies through university courses to this day.
I believe that our school years are among the most joyful and formative periods of our lives, even if we only appreciate them fully in hindsight. As educators, we have a responsibility to make each day rich with learning opportunities and extracurricular experiences, creating memories that endure long after the details of individual lessons have faded.
I am particularly passionate about the transformative power of literacy and the joy of reading for pleasure. Great literature can transport us to unfamiliar places, foster empathy for lives different from our own, immerse us in diverse cultures, and connect us with voices from the past. As George R.R. Martin once said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Childhood Books:There is no such thing as a Dragon, and the Brambly Hedge series
Favourite Poem:‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling
Favourite Painting:Accolade (Pre Raphaelite) by Edmund Leighton
Favourite Animal:Dogs
Favourite Childhood TV Show or Film:The A Team
Favourite Childhood song:Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel
Favourite Sport:Not really a sport, but all kinds of dance
Favourite Food:Paneer Tikka Masala
Favourite (naughty) snack:Chocolate Digestives
Favourite Holiday Destination:Teignmouth
Mr Flood
Assistant Head of Senior SchoolYou can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite Book: Trinity – Leon Uris
Favourite Poem:Boom, Boom, Boom - Baldrick
Favourite Painting:The Waterlily Pond
Favourite Animal:Dog
Favourite Childhood TV Series or Film:Rambo
Favourite Sport:Football to play, Rugby to watch
Favourite Food:Gravy Chips and Pastie
Favourite (naughty) snack:Stroopwafels
Favourite Holiday Destination:Munich
Mrs Uppal
Assistant Head of Preparatory SchoolI’ve been fortunate to work in Education as both a teacher and leader. Since completing my BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, I’ve taught across the full primary age range in diverse schools. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how to create environments where children can truly flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Teaching remains my passion—it’s what drives me every day. I believe that building a child’s confidence is key to unlocking their potential. When children feel safe, seen, and proud of who they are, they develop the self-belief to achieve and thrive.
As Assistant Headteacher, I focus on improving outcomes by supporting colleagues to develop strong, evidence-based teaching that meets all learners’ needs. I foster a culture of ambition and continuous improvement, driven by a commitment to children’s success.
Completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership has deepened my commitment to leading with children’s needs at the centre. While teaching remains central, my leadership journey is driven by a desire to inspire, support, and lead with purpose.
You can contact me directly at [email protected].
Favourite book (as a child and as an adult):As a child: Matilda by Roald Dahl – I loved her curiosity and love of learning. As an adult: The Boy at the Back of the Class – such a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding others.
Favourite school subject:Science! I’ve always been fascinated by how things work and love seeing that same excitement in children when they explore the world around them.
Favourite inspirational quote:“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Favourite memory from school:Performing in a school play and discovering how much fun it is to work as a team and try something new.
Favourite food:Any Mexican dish – I love the vibrant flavours and the chance to enjoy something spicy and fresh!
Favourite treat:Cheesecake – a delicious indulgence that’s hard to resist!
Favourite children's author:Anything by Julia Donaldson – her rhymes are such fun to read aloud and always bring a smile.
Favourite hobby:Running – I love how it clears my mind, keeps me active, and gives me time to reflect.
Favourite place to visit:Wales – I love the beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and the chance to unwind surrounded by nature.
Favourite part of my job :Watching children grow in confidence and celebrating their achievements – big or small. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child believe in themselves.
