Come and meet the teaching staff at our school!

Michael Doughty

CEO, Executive Head Teacher, Head Teacher & Safeguarding Lead

I have worked in education for over 20 years, having qualified in 1999 from Canterbury Christ Church University. My teaching career began in the London Borough of Newham, where I taught for 16 years before moving closer to home, first at The Downs Primary School and then at The Henry Moore Primary School.

Over the years, I have taught across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, gaining a wide breadth of experience both in teaching and leadership roles.

In 2018, I became involved with Milwards Primary School through HILT, teaching a Year 2 class. The highlight of my career has been the privilege of leading this fantastic school. I am now proud to serve as CEO and Executive Head across the Trust, working to ensure both schools move forward and continue to be the very best they can be.

Outside of school, I enjoy time with my wife and two daughters—one now in sixth form and the other in secondary school. Much of my weekend is spent as a taxi driver, ferrying them to karate or gymnastics. For myself, I can often be found with a red face on my mountain bike across the fields, being run ragged on a badminton court, or relaxing at the cinema watching a wide range of films.

Sam Hurley

Deputy Head

Nursery and Reception Class teacher. EYFS Lead, Deputy Safeguarding Lead

I grew up in Harlow and, looking back, it’s no surprise I became a teacher—I was the child who lined up her dolls with pencils and paper for a “day at school.”

I trained as a teacher later in life, after years of nannying and nursery work, completing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Watching children grow—whether it’s turning first squiggles into sentences, or finding their voice and stepping onto a stage—never fails to inspire me.

I’m now Deputy Head at Milwards Primary, a school I truly love. I enjoy getting to know all of our children, helping them discover their strengths and reach their potential. Just as importantly, I value the families and every person who makes Milwards the warm, vibrant community it is.

When I’m not at school, I can usually be found at the cinema with popcorn in hand, curled up on the sofa with a good film, braving the open water for a swim in all weathers, or travelling. I love exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different ways of life and cultures.

Sarah Scott

HILT Lead Practitioner for SEND (SENCo).

I’m delighted to be joining the team as the new SENCO across both HILT schools. I originally studied Law at university before discovering my passion for teaching. I began my career in Enfield after completing my PGCE, then moved to teaching in Hertfordshire, and have spent the last five years teaching and being a member of the Senior Leadership Team at a school in Harlow.  I’ve always had a strong belief that every child deserves to feel included, supported, and able to thrive – I love teaching and feel so lucky to watch children grow, learn, and reach their potential. 

At home, I have three lively little boys who keep me very busy, along with our much-loved Frenchie and Pug! I’m a big fan of all things Disney and Lego – they help keep me young at heart! 

Sean Huggett

Year 6 Teacher

Science & D&T Lead

I was born and raised in Harlow and completed my own schooling here. I qualified as a teacher in 2009 from The University of Brighton. Teaching has always been a passion for me because it has enabled me to make a difference. What is more, I can make that difference to the town I grew up in! It is extremely fulfilling to watch the ‘journey’ individual children go on whilst in your care, developing both socially and academically to become well rounded young citizens. Yes, teaching is a hard job, but would I change my career choice? No!  

I have a huge passion and interest towards science (no surprises there) and hope that in school I pass this enthusiasm on to others. I spend a lot of my spare time maintaining my allotment, looking after my chickens, gardening and bee keeping.  

Jenny Tucker

Year 5 Teacher. Art Lead

From a young age, I realised teaching was going to be the job for me! Having taught dance during my teenage years at a local dance school in Harlow, I loved seeing children grow in confidence and learn new skills, so I decided to train as a primary teacher straight from college. After completing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Hertfordshire, I spent the next 14 years working at two schools just outside of Harlow, teaching across both Key Stages 1 and 2.

Having taught at my last school for 10 years, I decided it was time change. I wanted to have more time for my family, so when I heard about the opportunity to work at Milwards, I realised that it was the job I had been waiting for. I already knew what a special place it was, having seen how my two boys have flourished since they started their journey at Milwards, and I feel incredibly lucky to now be a part of such a fantastic team.

Outside of school, as well as running my boys from club to club and spending endless hours on the side of a football pitch, I can also be found curled up with a good book or eating out with friends and family.

Rachael Alcock –

Lower Key Stage 2 Lead

Year 4 Teacher. Literacy Lead

Born and raised in Harlow, I started my teaching career in 2011 locally at the Henry Moore Primary School, alongside studying for my degree in Early Years, Playwork and Education. It was great to learn on-the-job; this gave me experience of different ages and stages, and how every child learns in a unique way. Since qualifying, I have taught across both key stages and have enjoyed each and every year group. 

I can still remember my first day and the feeling I left with - this is my purpose. There is something truly magical about teaching and I consider it a privilege to educate the future generation. 

Fast-forward to today and I am delighted to be teaching at Milwards, after many years at Henry Moore. It is a very special place to be a part of. 

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, reading, shopping for antiques, and taking care of animals. I also have a passion for performing arts, particularly singing, and acting. I love nothing more than a West End show! 

Emily Taylor

Year 3 Teacher. Music and RE Lead

From a young age I have always been involved with children’s work and knew I would work with either children or animals. It was my mum who suggested teaching and encouraged me in this direction. I linked this interest with my love of music, which I had grown up surrounded by, to study education with music at York St John. Since qualifying I have worked in a large Essex village school followed by the exciting opportunity to be part of the team opening and establishing a new school in Colchester. After 12 years in Colchester, I decided to move this direction to be closer to family and was drawn to the role at Milwards. Having family roots in Harlow, it seems very much to have been elements falling in to place to be teaching here now.

Jed Smith

Year 2 Teacher

Key Stage 1 Lead

Forest Schools, PE, History and Geography lead.

I always knew I was going to be a teacher. As a child, I was always playing ‘schools’ in my bedroom and telling my parents I needed to stay up late to mark all the work I had made them complete that evening. My journey at Milwards began in 2010 when I completed my year 10 work experience, and I knew one day I would return. Fast-forward to 2015 and I did just that. I completed my degree at the Anglia Ruskin University and my PGCE at the University of Derby. There are so many things I love about teaching at Milwards, including the beautiful school grounds we have to play and learn in, the passionate colleagues that challenge and inspire me, and most importantly, the special children I get to teach every day. The artists I love to paint with, the singers I love to perform with and the scientists I love to explore with.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. You will often find me at the cinema, the theatre, trying out a new restaurant or competing in a quiz! I love to travel and explore different places around the world, with New York and Rome being two of my favourite cities.

Caty Elwes-Varma

Year 1 Teacher.  Computing Lead

I recently trained as a teacher before coming to Milwards in 2021. Previously I had lots of experience both in healthcare and working with children as an LSA and in a variety of other settings. I knew I wanted to train to be a teacher after becoming an LSA, though I took a break to travel, study and work abroad before I undertook this new journey. I studied photography at Canterbury Christ Church University, and I enjoy everything involving creativity in my spare time, especially knitting, and sewing!

Fiona Gomes

Upper Key Stage 2 Lead

Support Teacher (EYFS, Year 2 and Year 5) & Maths Lead

I studied Education Studies with Psychology at Middlesex University before completing my PGCE in 2009 and beginning my teaching career in London. In 2013, I moved to The Henry Moore Primary School, and five years later joined Milwards.

Since 2018, I’ve been proud to lead maths at Milwards. Maths has always been a passion of mine, and in 2020 I became a Maths Mastery Specialist, which means I now have the privilege of supporting and training other schools as they adopt the Maths Mastery approach.

Life outside of school is just as busy! I’m a mum to twin girls and a son, who definitely keep me on my toes, and we also have a much-loved dog who enjoys family walks.