Mrs Shirley Shayler - Headmistress of Millfield Prep School
Shirley Shayler was educated at Carrickfergus Grammar School, Northern Ireland. She went on to gain a BSc (Hons) degree in Biology from the University of Stirling before completing her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) at Queen's University Belfast. She also has a Masters degree in Educational Management. As Headmistress of Millfield Preparatory School, Shirley is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, the Boarding Schools' Association and the Independent Schools' Council.
In terms of educational values, Shirley very much believes in educating the "whole" child and considers that whilst academics are important, other areas such as music, drama and sport make the child a more interesting all-round person in years to come.
Shirley is no stranger to Millfield, having previously taught at the senior school from 1989 until 2002. During these thirteen years she was a Senior Tutor, Assistant Houseparent and then a Houseparent (Abbey), as well as a Biology teacher and manager/coach to the girls' 1st XI hockey team. Being an adventure sports enthusiast, Mrs Shayler was also mistress in charge of waterskiing, parachuting and SCUBA diving as part of the Millfield Activities Programme.
From 2002 - 2006, Shirley was Deputy Head of Taunton School and was then appointed Head of Stonar School in Wiltshire. Her first priority at Stonar was to re-structure the boarding houses from horizontal to vertical and introduce a proper house system to engender a greater family feel, giving the older pupils more leadership opportunities and responsibility. During her leadership, Shirley presided over the expansion of the school's sixth form, which now offers a much-improved sixth form experience. This culminated in the creation of a new Sixth Form and Art Centre which was officially opened in September 2009 by Ann Daniels, Polar Explorer.
Personal and family life
Shirley is married to Gary, who is a Biology teacher and Deputy Head of Careers at Millfield Senior School. They have a daughter, Caragh, aged 11 who attends Millfield Prep. Shirley's hobbies include swimming, cycling, reading and the theatre when time permits. As a family the Shaylers enjoy skiing every winter and Shirley still enjoys hockey, both as a coach to younger pupils and of course as a supporter. Recently her science background was really put to the test when she helped the family Labrador deliver 7 puppies!