The Principal

My teaching career in specialised and mainstream education spans almost 30 years: from the early days of teaching at The Gatehouse, while studying for specialist qualifications at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, to my position as the first Head of Lower School at Thomas’s London Day School in Kensington.

The interest and passion I have for helping children with specific learning difficulties grew steadily. In 1988 I became a specialist teacher at the Dyslexia Teaching Centre (DTC) in Kensington. I went on to be co-director of the DTC, where I was able to explore the broad variety of difficulties experienced by children: dyslexia, dyspraxia and Asperger’s Syndrome. Together with my fellow co-director, I initiated a multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of specific learning difficulties, which was shared in a series of seminars and professional events designed to inform and advise both parents and colleagues.

After 14 years at the DTC I was delighted to accept the post of director at The Dominie and in 2007 became the school’s Principal. The Dominie pupils come for the experience of being taught in a school setting by highly motivated teachers and therapists who understand their individual requirements. Learning alongside others with dyslexia and dyspraxia provides the children with the opportunity to focus on their strengths and to experience the joy of success.

Anne O’Doherty