Staff Profiles

Kerris Hinton: Headteacher

Kerris has years of SEND experience working in a variety of educational institutions. A former Head of PE, DSL and Pastoral and Behavioural lead, Kerris guides the school in its journey overseeing all areas of development.

Will Norman: School Development Manager

Will has years of experience with SEND and is head of pastoral support. Will is a qualified gym instructor, as well as an experienced water sport, cycling and climbing coach. Will deals with all aspects of student and staff 

welfare.

Sean Palmer: Lead RSL Music Teacher 

Sean is a musical instrument tutor with over 20 years of experience teaching drums, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, and 

music production sessions, as well as leading band performance sessions and organizing student showcases for both

 mainstream and SEND students. He has worked in various settings, including one-to-one, paired, group, and full-class 

instruction. Sean has a proven track record of guiding students through RSL exams, with a 100% pass rate from debut to grade 8, consistently achieving high merit and distinction marks. As a musician, Sean has played in various bands, from rock to function bands, and is signed to multiple record labels, with his music featured in television and film.

Helen Kneller: NCFE Lead Teacher

Helen has decades of experience in mainstream, SEND and the independent sector. She covers the whole curriculum, with her main focus on leading the NCFE Functional Skills courses in PSHE, Maths and English. Helen is the school's Designated 

Safeguarding Lead.

Natalie Goddard: School Teacher

Natalie has considerable SEND experience. Although primary trained, she has worked with all Key Stages across the curriculum, covering core subjects and life skills. Natalie is the schools deputy designated safeguarding lead.