We are delighted to welcome Sacha Tuxford to the Aysgarth community. With fourteen years of experience living and teaching in London, Sacha has recently made the move to York with his wife to be closer to her family. He brings with him a wealth of experience in pastoral care, music, and Early Years education, alongside a true passion for the outdoors that fits perfectly with life here in North Yorkshire.
Tell us about your background and your journey to education.
I was born in the United Kingdom but moved to Auckland, New Zealand, as a child. That is where I undertook my primary and secondary education, as well as my first university degree, majoring in Anthropology at The University of Auckland.
After graduating, I spent a period travelling before moving to London. My career in education actually began in pastoral support roles in both secondary and primary settings. I found I loved the environment and the ability to support young people, which led me to complete my initial teacher training as a primary teacher.
Where have you been teaching prior to Aysgarth?
For the past fourteen years, I have worked in a Balham and Streatham-based London school. It was a wonderful environment where I taught in EYFS and Key Stage 1. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to coordinate and lead Music, PSHE, and our EYFS department across our two-site school.
I am a firm believer in lifelong learning; during my time in London, I undertook subsequent additional qualifications, including my most recent, a Master of Research in Education
What brought you to York?
Having lived and taught in London for nearly two decades, my wife and I decided it was time for a change. We made the move to York to be closer to her family, and we are already very much enjoying living in such a beautiful part of the country. The opportunities for exploring the outdoors here are fantastic and remind me of the love for nature I developed growing up in New Zealand.
What are your passions outside of the classroom?
I have a huge passion for music, particularly the creative side, writing and performing. I love the opportunities that music facilitates for children to express themselves and build confidence.
I also have a deep love for the sea. Having grown up in New Zealand, I always take any opportunity I can for a swim, a surf, or a sail, whatever the season! My wife and I also love to travel; we actually took a year-long sabbatical to travel around the world a few years ago. We love discovering new parts of the globe, though I must admit we have a favourite destination we keep returning to, Corfu's North East coast, which we’ve visited ten times. We also travel back to New Zealand annually to catch up with family.
