Whether inspiring curiosity through teaching, supporting pupils pastorally, coaching on the sports field, contributing to boarding life or leading departments, each colleague we say farewell to this summer has played an important part in the wider Trent College experience of pupils, colleagues and parents. As they embark on new adventures, we take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment to the school and wish them every success for the future.

Dr Carrie-Anne Wakerley, Teacher of Chemistry

After 18 years at Trent College, Carrie-Anne Wakerley leaves having made a significant contribution to the Science Faculty as Head of Chemistry, while also serving as a tutor and inspiring generations of pupils with her passion and enthusiasm.

Eighteen years of inspiring scientific curiosity and supporting generations of Trent pupils

Since joining the school in 2008, Carrie-Anne has helped foster a love of chemistry in countless young people, combining academic excellence with a genuine commitment to supporting pupils throughout their school journey.  We thank Carrie-Anne for her dedication to Trent over the past 18 years and share our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement.

Doug King, Teacher of Business Studies & Economics

Since joining Trent in 2018, Doug King has become one of the school's most recognisable and enthusiastic personalities.

An infectious enthusiasm for school life and a smile that brightened every day

Whether teaching Business, coaching hockey, supporting pupils as a Tutor and Duty Tutor in Blake House, or embracing the many opportunities that make Trent life distinctive, Doug has approached every aspect of school life with characteristic energy, positivity and good humour. His smile, encouragement and willingness to get involved have made him a much-valued colleague and an incredibly popular teacher.

Doug is stepping back from full-time teaching to spend more time caring for his family.  While the Trent community will undoubtedly miss his infectious enthusiasm, we wish Doug every happiness as he begins this next chapter.

Alex Lodge, Teacher of History & Politics

Alex joined Trent in 2022 as a newly qualified teacher and quickly established herself as a valued member of both the History and Politics Department and the wider pastoral team.

Supporting pupils academically, pastorally and through boarding life

Alongside teaching, Alex served as a Tutor, Assistant House Parent in Martin House, Assistant Head of Year and latterly Joint Head of Year in the Lower School (Years 7&8), supporting pupils well beyond the classroom.

Alex moves to Marlborough College to continue teaching History and Politics. We thank her for the commitment and care she has shown during her time at Trent and wish her every success in her new role.

George Dickinson, Teacher of Business Studies (OT, Class of 2018)

Returning to Trent College five years after he completed his Trent journey as a student, George brought with him not only subject expertise but also a genuine understanding and appreciation of the community that helped shape him.

From Old Trident to teacher; giving back to the school that helped shape his own journey

Since joining the teaching staff in 2023, George has taught Business Studies while also serving as a Tutor, Assistant Head of Year, Boarding Duty Tutor in Shuker House and Rugby Coach. His enthusiasm and understanding of the Trent experience made him a natural role model for pupils.

George now joins Dauntsey's School, where he will continue his teaching career, alongside former Trent College Head of Main School and now Deputy Head Academic at Dauntsey's, David Noble.

We also congratulate George and fellow departing colleague Alex Lodge on their engagement this summer. We wish them both every happiness as they begin this exciting new chapter together, both professionally and personally.

Jan Rigley, Teacher of Design & Technology, Head of Food & Nutrition

Jan joined Trent in 2013 and has played a leading role in developing the school's outstanding Food & Nutrition Department, helping establish one of the school's most modern and innovative teaching spaces.

Building a department that has become a valued part of the Trent curriculum

As head of a thriving department, Jan has inspired pupils to develop practical skills, creativity and confidence, while championing a subject that continues to grow in popularity.

Jan now moves into a role supporting young people with additional needs, a career path that reflects her longstanding passion for education and helping every young person reach their potential. We thank Jan for everything she has contributed to Trent College and our wider community, and wish her every success in her rewarding new role.
 

Claire Penty, Deputy Director of Sport

Claire became part of the Trent community in 2014 when she arrived with her husband, Bill, as he took up the Headship of Trent College. Together with their four children, all now Old Tridents, Trent became home for the Penty family for twelve years.

A passionate advocate for school sport whose enthusiasm, humour and competitive spirit have inspired pupils both on and off the hockey pitch

Claire joined the staff body in 2018, initially as Head of Sport at The Elms Junior School to Trent College before moving into the role of Deputy Director of Sport at Trent College. Alongside her work in the Sports Department, she has also been a valued member of the boarding community, as Duty Tutor in Shuker House, extending her passion for encouraging pupils to embrace challenge, develop resilience and enjoying the many opportunities that school sport provides.

       
(L) Claire being interviewed by BBC Radio Derby, during The Elms 'Red Nose Day' Swimathon Challenge (R) Pictured with Bill Penty, Speech Day July 2026

A passionate hockey player away from school, Claire has brought that same love of the game to Trent. As both a coach and mentor, she has inspired countless pupils through her enthusiasm, encouragement and infectious energy. Competitive by nature but always with a sense of fun, Claire has shown pupils that success in sport comes through commitment, teamwork and enjoying the journey as much as the result.

Claire pictured back row, second from right: OT 'All Stars' Hockey match, June 2026

As Claire and Bill begin an exciting new chapter together in retirement, we thank Claire not only for her dedication as a colleague, but also for the important role she and her family have played in the wider life of Trent College. We wish them every happiness as they settle back into their home in the south of England.

We also say farewell to...

This summer we also thank the following colleagues for their contribution to Trent College:

Federica Citro, Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and Tutor.

Liz Edwards, Teacher of English as an Additional Language, Tutor and Boarding Duty Tutor.

James Cottell, Teacher of Physics, Head of Physics and Tutor.

Anjanah Sivayoganathan, Teacher of English and Tutor.

Although their time at Trent has been shorter, each has made a valued contribution to school life. We thank them for their dedication and wish them every success and happiness in the future.

Every member of staff leaves their own mark on a school community. Some through decades of service, others through the enthusiasm, expertise and care they bring during a shorter chapter. Collectively, these colleagues have helped educate, encourage and inspire countless young people, enriching the wider life of Trent College in classrooms, boarding houses, on sports pitches and in the kitchen, and through the many opportunities that define a Trent College education.

On behalf of our alumni community, we thank each of them for their contribution to the life of the school and wish them every success, fulfilment and happiness in the exciting and fulfilling journeys that lie ahead.