Meet Portsmouth’s first known mother and daughter head teachers

PROUD duo Roberta Kirby and Caroline Kirby-Hawkins have become the city’s first mother and daughter to lead schools as head teachers.
By Neil Fatkin
Published 13th Mar 2019, 08:53 GMT
Updated 13th Mar 2019, 09:55 GMT
Sakina Yousif, 8, surrounded by Roberta Kirby (left) and Caroline Kirby-Hawkins (right).Sakina Yousif, 8, surrounded by Roberta Kirby (left) and Caroline Kirby-Hawkins (right).
Sakina Yousif, 8, surrounded by Roberta Kirby (left) and Caroline Kirby-Hawkins (right).

Former teaching assistant Caroline, 33, now heads up Wimborne Infant School – a short 10-minute walk away from where her mum, 58-year-old Roberta, has led Fernhurst Junior School for 15 years.

Under their stewardship they guide the education of scores of city children – and they could not be more delighted to be carrying out the important task.

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Roberta, who has been working in Portsmouth schools for 24 years, said: ‘I was so pleased when Caroline became acting head teacher and am so proud of her achievements. Teaching is such a tough job for young professionals. To be a teacher you have to love the job, and Caroline clearly does.

(l-r) Roberta Kirby, headteacher at Fernhurst Junior School in Southsea, with her daughter Caroline Kirby-Hawkins, acting headteacher at Wimborne Infant School. Picture: Sarah Standing (120319-2595)(l-r) Roberta Kirby, headteacher at Fernhurst Junior School in Southsea, with her daughter Caroline Kirby-Hawkins, acting headteacher at Wimborne Infant School. Picture: Sarah Standing (120319-2595)
(l-r) Roberta Kirby, headteacher at Fernhurst Junior School in Southsea, with her daughter Caroline Kirby-Hawkins, acting headteacher at Wimborne Infant School. Picture: Sarah Standing (120319-2595)

‘Having already worked in the school she knew what she was getting into.’

Just 10 years ago Caroline was working as a teaching assistant but is now acting head teacher.

She said: ‘Having a mum who is recognised by Ofsted as an outstanding headteacher has been really inspirational.

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‘Every conversation we ever had has provided some form of training for my role today.

‘I really enjoyed working with the children and the staff were so inspirational that I decided to do a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and qualified as a teacher in 2012.’

She added: ‘I have now been teaching for 10 years and I can honestly say there has not been a single day I didn’t want to come to work.

‘Every day is different and it’s so rewarding knowing you’re making a difference.

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‘As acting head teacher I miss being in the classroom and next year I hope to be able to spend more time supporting classes.’

Despite the demands of Caroline’s new role, including ‘handling a million pound budget,’ she is secure in the knowledge she always has her mum to turn to. They both offer each other advice – with Roberta admitting she will often call Caroline on tips on children’s use of social media.

Year 4 pupil, Sakina Yousif, eight, is in the unique position of being a pupil currently under the headship of Roberta but was previously taught at Wimborne by Caroline.

Safina said: ‘It is really cool that they are both now head teachers. I loved being taught by Mrs Kirby.’