About Annie

Annie Thackray has worked in childcare, special needs teaching and primary-age education (both state and independent) since 1993.

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For 12 years she was headmistress of the award-winning St Christopher’s independent pre-prep school in Epsom, Surrey. Since then she has enjoyed roles as interim head at Fulham Pre-Prep and Donhead Preparatory School in Wimbledon. 

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Her provision at these schools has earned accolades including Junior School of the Year 2020 (ISA), finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022 and winner of Junior School of the Year (ISA) 2024.
 

But Annie's experience in childcare and teaching is diverse: over the years she has taught music groups for autistic children in the community, made and marketed music-teacher resources as start-up Musical Interaction, been a deputy head at Richmond's King's House school, a childminder, an NCT counsellor and mother of three. She is currently an education governor for Finton House Prep School in Wandsworth Common.
 

One of Annie's proudest achievements is implementing philosophy lessons for children aged 5 to 11 at King’s House, St Christopher’s and Fulham Prep schools - an initiative she would love to expand on elsewhere in the UK education system.
 

A keen public speaker and expert on all things primary and Early Years education, Annie is available for opportunities including but not limited to:

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• Guest philosophy sessions in primary schools (suitable for ages 5 to 11)

• Keynote speeches and speaking engagements at Early Years, Key Stage 1 and 2 and independent school events

• Guest appearances on radio and TV discussing education issues in the news

• Interviews for articles on primary school learning and philosophy in early years education

• Quotes and interviews for education books