Children’s Languages publisher Jolie Ronde Ltd proudly celebrates Faringdon’s Joy Jermy, who marks an incredible 30 years of service, shaping the future of language learning for children through her passion and dedication for inspiring linguists.
A qualified primary school teacher, Joy’s teaching journey began in the early 1980s, teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in her hometown of Bournemouth. Her career took her across the world, from Istanbul to Riyadh, where she taught the grandchildren of the then King Fahad, and later to Kuwait teaching in international schools, before returning to the UK with her young family.
In the mid-1990s, Joy, now based in Richmond upon Thames, sought a flexible teaching opportunity that would allow her to balance her career with family life. She discovered La Jolie Ronde Languages for Children and began by teaching French to a small group of children, including her sons and their friends.
Her fun and engaging teaching style quickly gained popularity, and soon, her classes expanded into schools and open centres across Twickenham, Teddington and Richmond. At her peak, Joy taught French and later introduced Spanish to over 500 pupils weekly while managing a team of ten tutors.
Beyond teaching, Joy played a key role in supporting fellow educators, becoming La Jolie Ronde’s first Area Support Advisor, mentoring tutors and helping the network grow.
Reflecting on her career, Joy shared: “People often ask if I regret not staying within the traditional teaching system, and my answer is always the same – not at all! While I may not have a funded pension or paid holidays, I have gained something far more special – the freedom and flexibility to teach while being the master of my own destiny.”
Joy was recently honoured at La Jolie Ronde’s annual network meeting in London, where she received a 30-year service award and a special gift from Colette Hallam, the company’s founder, who personally selected Joy all those years ago.
La Jolie Ronde’s General Manager, Steve Baker, praised her contributions, stating: “Joy’s commitment, passion, and dedication over the years are truly remarkable. Her enthusiasm for language teaching and her ability to inspire students have left a lasting impact. This milestone is a testament to her hard work and the positive influence she continues to have.”
Now living in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, Joy remains at the helm of her thriving language business. While her team of dedicated tutors continues to deliver engaging classes across her established locations, Joy remains actively involved, mentoring tutors and ensuring the continued success of the programme.
With her signature humour, Joy added: “Since I started teaching, Spain has had 5 prime ministers, France 4, and the UK 9 – but I’m still here!”
As she celebrates this milestone, Joy remains a passionate advocate for language learning, continuing to inspire students and educators across Twickenham, Teddington and Richmon
About La Jolie Ronde
La Jolie Ronde Languages for Children has been a leader in French and Spanish language learning for children for over 40 years. Offering structured, fun, and engaging language classes, La Jolie Ronde provides a proven methodology that helps children develop strong linguistic skills in an immersive and enjoyable environment.
