Getting to Know Miss Catherine, Deputy Head Pastoral

This week our School Reporters have enjoyed getting to know Miss Catherine Gomez, our new Deputy Head Pastoral, who joined the school in January 2024.

Did you always want to be a teacher / Deputy Head?

No! I never wanted to be a teacher. Two of my best friends when I was your age knew that they wanted to be and I didn’t understand, I wanted to be a pilot like Tom Cruise in Top Gun! But I grew up and now I love teaching!

Where did you teach before Finton?

I taught at a prep school in the countryside called Thorngrove which is very similar to Finton but in a leafy setting rather than a city setting. It went all the way from nursery to 13!

Why did you choose Finton particularly?

Because I was at my last school for 17 years and the reason I stayed so long is because I agreed so much with their values… when I came to Finton I felt the same: it was a new experience but it felt like coming home.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

Getting to know the children! The adults here are incredible but the children at Finton make it what it is.  Watching everyone get up and play at the Spring instrumental Festival last night made me feel really privileged.

Are there any tricky parts to your job?

I think the trickiest part is staying very organised!

Would you recommend teaching as a career?

Well it’s a bit like marmite… I love doing it, but I know someone like my husband would absolutely hate it!

What do you do on the weekends and do you have many hobbies outside of school?

I love books and reading. Lots of the other teachers here do too, so I’ve picked up great recommendations. I actually love Young Adult fiction, like the Percy Jackson books or Anthony Horowitz’s books. I also like going for walks with my family and watching women’s football which I’m learning lots about. I’ve decided I support Chelsea as they’re the closest team to here! I have two daughters, one called Anna who is going to be at Finton next term; she’s very sporty and likes hockey. I’ve got another daughter called Eleni who is 15 and doing GCSEs. I also have two cats, Rocket and Smudge.

What’s your favourite school lunch?

I’m a vegetarian so I’m really lucky here as all of the options are amazing… but I do love Deli Day!