Mrs Shane is Assistant Principal with responsibility for Key Stage 5 and serves as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. After being born and spending her early childhood in Scotland, she then grew up and spent her later childhood and early adult life in Thurrock. She is deeply rooted in the local community and committed to ensuring that young people in the area have access to exceptional opportunities. A former student of Grays Convent High School, she brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work with students and families.
After completing a degree in Geology at the University of Leicester, she spent time teaching in an orphanage in Nepal—an experience that shaped her belief in the power of education to broaden horizons and transform lives. Inspired to share her passion for the world around us with future generations, she returned to the UK to pursue a career in teaching. She has since held a range of roles, including Head of Geography and Geology, developing a reputation for high expectations, subject expertise, and a commitment to inclusive, values‑driven practice.
As Head of Sixth Form, she plays a central role in shaping a culture of academic ambition whilst developing students' independence, scholarship and professional habits. She is dedicated to ensuring that Sixth Form students receive the guidance, challenge, and support needed to excel—both in their studies and in their next steps beyond school. Her leadership is defined by strong systems, purposeful communication, and a belief that every student can thrive when expectations are high and support is consistent.
In her role as Designated Safeguarding Lead, she is a passionate advocate for the welfare and protection of all students. Guided by the principles set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education, she works to ensure that every young person feels safe, supported, and able to learn without barriers. She is a visible and approachable presence in the school, building trusting relationships with students, staff, and families. Her approach emphasises early intervention, timely support, and a culture where concerns are addressed with professionalism, warmth, and care.
Combining her safeguarding responsibilities with her leadership of Key Stage 5, she ensures that the values of safety, support, and opportunity underpin every aspect of the school’s work. Her commitment to the community she grew up in continues to drive her belief that every student deserves to feel valued, empowered, and ready to succeed in the world beyond Harris Academy Riverside.