Mary Rome – Headteacher
Mary is an accomplished education leader with over 25 years’ experience across mainstream, specialist, and alternative provision settings; driving improvement, inclusion, and innovation at every level.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Geography, PGCE in Secondary Education, NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship), and NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership), and is an active member and trustee for a local school and SEND charity. Mary is currently undertaking a Level 6 Careers Leaders qualification.
Mary’s leadership is defined by her passion for creating vibrant, nurturing, and high-achieving learning communities. She has led major transformation projects, including the development of 3 SEND satellite centres, and securing over £13 million in capital funding for school improvement.
As a wife and mother of three neurodiverse children, Mary brings personal insight and deep empathy to her work. She is dedicated to unlocking every child’s potential and ensuring all pupils receive a bespoke, therapeutic, yet aspirational education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.
Julie Riches – Assistant Head
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Julie is a passionate and experienced education leader with extensive teaching and leadership experience across mainstream and specialist schools including roles such as Head of Centre for a 11-19 SEND School, Head of PSHE and RSE and valued member of the Surrey Healthy Schools Advisory Team. Julie has also been a member of the PSHE Association Advisory Panel
She holds BA(Hons) in Theology & Religious Studies, PGCE in Secondary Education, NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) and is currently completing the NPQSenco. She has also completed National PSHE CDP Level 6 training. Her career spans multiple leadership roles, and she is known for her calm, flexible, and solutions-focused approach.
Julie believes that every young person deserves access to rich, varied opportunities that build confidence, resilience, and skills for life. She is committed to ensuring the school’s vision and values are lived out daily by both pupils and staff. Her aspirational mindset and dedication to continuous professional development drive her work forward.
Outside of school, Julie enjoys dog walking and spending time in nature—activities she values for their contribution to wellbeing. She brings this same sense of balance and positivity into her professional life, helping to create an environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and inspired to build a bright future.
Rebecca Du Plessis – Assistant Head
Inclusion
Rebecca is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher with experience supporting learners aged 9–15, specialising in Mathematics and Science. She is committed to creating inclusive, structured environments where pupils feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.
Rebecca takes a trauma-informed and relational approach to teaching, believing that strong relationships, calm routines, and clear expectations help pupils feel secure and ready to learn. Rebecca is passionate about supporting both academic progress and emotional wellbeing and has extensive experience adapting learning for pupils with autism, SEMH, and additional needs. She works closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time.
As a lead teacher, Rebecca has worked collaboratively with colleagues, supported professional development, and contributed to curriculum development. From January 2026, she leads on whole-school Inclusion as Assistant Headteacher at Groveside. Originally from South Africa, she brings a global perspective to her role and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Psychology. Outside of school, Rebecca enjoys staying active and values time to recharge, bringing balance and positivity into her work.
Robbie Forsaith – Assistant Head
Curriculum and Teaching
Robbie is an experienced educator and senior leader with a strong focus on teaching and learning, curriculum design, and inclusive practice across mainstream, specialist, and alternative provision settings. He believes that high-quality teaching, clear structures, and strong relationships are central to meaningful learning.
Robbie holds a BA (Hons) in English & Film and a PGCE in Primary Education. Prior to joining Groveside, he worked in alternative provision and the charity sector supporting children and families who were struggling to access education. This experience continues to shape his relational, trauma-aware approach, ensuring ambition is always matched with care.
Since joining Groveside in 2024, Robbie has become Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Teaching & Learning and Curriculum. He leads the development of coherent, carefully sequenced curricula and supports colleagues through coaching and professional development. He is particularly passionate about structured planning, shared approaches, and evidence-informed practice that lighten workload while strengthening consistency and impact for pupils. Robbie is committed to staff wellbeing and to creating a culture where pupils feel safe, challenged, and inspired to thrive.
Dr Beth Johnson – Clinical Lead
Beth is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families across the NHS, private practice, and education. She is an experienced Clinical Leader overseeing therapeutic services, supervising multidisciplinary teams and driving whole-school mental health initiatives.
She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a member of the British Psychological Society, the Health Care Professions Council, and the EMDR Association.
Her clinical expertise includes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. Beth works closely with pupils experiencing anxiety, low mood, OCD, trauma, autism, and identity-related challenges. She is passionate about creating psychologically safe environments where students can thrive both emotionally and academically.
Beth brings warmth, leadership, and a collaborative approach to her work, with a strong focus on empowering pupils, staff, and families through accessible psychological support.
Sophie Wilkins – SENCO
Sophie Graduated from St Mary’s University, Twickenham with a BA in Primary Education with QTS. She has experience across primary and secondary education, including leading diverse KS1 classes.
In addition to her teaching career, Sophie has worked in a range of creative roles outside education, which strongly informs her approach to learning. She values creativity, flexibility and meaningful engagement, and brings these into her work with pupils every day.
Sophie has a strong understanding of Groveside’s ethos and relational approach. She uses empathy, playfulness, and calm, consistent boundaries to create a safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel regulated, supported, and ready to learn. She is passionate about inclusive practice and works closely with staff and families to ensure every young person feels understood and able to reach their full potential.
Sophie joined the Extended Leadership Team as SENCO in January 2026, championing Groveside’s inclusive, pupil-centred approach every day.