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.
Amanda Grimes – Deputy Head
Amanda is an experienced and passionate educator with a focus on teaching and learning. She has significant experience supporting children with a range of needs, including ADHD and ASD, and is committed to adapting her teaching to ensure every child feels valued and supported.
She holds a BA (Ed) in Art is an Accredited Professional Development Lead – National Centre for Excellence of Teaching Mathematics.
Amanda has a wealth of experience in developing and delivering high-quality professional development for teachers and teaching assistants, both within her schools and across the wider region. She has led research and innovation workgroups, designed and refined professional development programmes, and supported schools in implementing the mastery approach in mathematics.
Amanda’s commitment to education is rooted in her belief that schools should prepare young people to be skilled, confident, and ready for the challenges of the future, regardless of their background or needs. She is fully trained in safeguarding and understands the importance of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and multi-agency working to support children’s wellbeing.
Julie Riches – Assistant Head / SENCO
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.
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.