SLT (ID 1316)

• Simon Holliday
  Headteacher
  Simon Holliday

  As Headteacher of Castledon School since September 2018, I've led a community that values each young person's strengths and supports their needs. I believe every young person should learn life skills, pursue further education, and secure employment.

  My passion for improving young lives extends beyond the classroom through strong community links and enrichment programs. I am committed to building partnerships, networking with organisations, and seeking new ideas to inspire our students.

  Employability for young people is a top priority, and our school has been recognised by Challenge Partners for our efforts.

  Our motto, "Unlocking Potential," is a core belief I strive to instill in every student.

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• Jon Hazelgrove
  Deputy Headteacher & Safeguarding Lead
  Jon Hazelgrove

  I am one of the Deputies at Castledon School. I believe that a high-quality education is vital for all young people to enable them to unlock their potential and lead successful lives as adults.
  
  I have been working in education for over twenty years and have taught a variety of subjects across a range of ages. I have a broad experience of roles with schools spanning professional development, curriculum, and pastoral areas.
  
  I have been Deputy Headteacher at two schools as well as a SENCo within a mainstream primary school and hold both SENCo and Advanced SENCO Awards. My training and experience help me to understand what we can do to meet the needs of individual students.
  
  My role within Castledon School is Designated Safeguarding Lead. I work closely with the Family Inclusion Team providing support to families. Developing relationships with students, families, staff, and other professionals is at the heart of what I do.

• Janie Inglis
  Deputy Headteacher
  Janie Inglis

  I have been working in the field of education for over twenty years. During this time, I have had the privilege of working in a range of schools, both Primary, Secondary, and post-16 SEND provisions, with a diverse range of students including those with EHC plans, English as an additional language, and looked after children.

  My passion for teaching and inspiring others has been the driving force behind my career. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honours) in Secondary Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status from University College Chichester. I am proud to say that my unwavering dedication to unlocking potential has created numerous opportunities for my students and the wider Castledon community.

  I was also part of the team that opened the post-16 SEND provision in September 2017. This has been a particularly rewarding experience for me as I believe that everyone should have access to quality education and equal opportunities. My work has been recognised and commended by Essex in the Teacher of the Year Awards and I have also won various awards for SEND provision of the year, community achievement, and environmental practice at the Business Education Awards over the last five years.

• Kathryn Hemmings
  Assistant Headteacher
  Kathryn Hemmings

  I joined Castledon School in September 2010 as a class teacher, having worked previously in both a mainstream and an SLD setting and have experience of working with pupils between the ages of 3 - 16 with a wide range of needs, including children who are looked after and have previously been looked after. I attended Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford where I gained a BA(hons) Degree in Primary Education (Initial Teacher Training) with Qualified Teacher Status and have undertaken significant training to support children who may have experienced trauma and loss, particularly in relation to the social care system. I am passionate about developing practice to enable students to reach their potential.

  It is my passion that all students are given the best opportunities to reach their full potential and have the highest quality educational experience, both in their academic and personal, social and emotional development. I have experience in developing robust, engaging, and challenging curriculums to support pupils’ learning in line with their needs and differing learning styles and adapting these where necessary to support all pupils, including implementing individualised timetables where appropriate.

• Verity Mead
  Assistant Headteacher
  Verity Mead

  What drew me to Castledon School is its vision and values that support children with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs in education. I believe that education extends outside of the classroom and that every pupil has the potential to thrive.

  Before starting a career in education I worked as a Senior Support Worker for children with learning difficulties in respite care. Through my experience of supporting children with learning difficulties I became passionate about special education, which led me to train a teacher through the Colchester Teacher Training Consortium.

  At the 2018 Essex Teaching Awards, I was awarded the New Teacher of the Year award.

  Throughout my career at Castledon, I have had the privilege to work alongside other professionals who share the same enthusiasm towards supporting young people.

  As Assistant Headteacher for KS3, I can usually be found supporting classes and planning exciting developments for the phase!

  Student voice in education is important to me and I am proud to oversee the Student Council.

• Cherie Lashmar
  Assistant Headteacher
  Cherie Lashmar

  I am a passionate, motivated person with a positive belief that all young people despite their background should be given the opportunity to achieve their best and unlock their potential. I have been working within special education for over 12 years and am very proud to have joined Castledon School in 2024 as one of the Assistant Headteachers. In 2022, I successfully completed my National Professional Qualification for Middle Leaders (NPQML) and Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) status under the Mid Essex Teaching Alliance with my expertise of working with children and young adults with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and challenging behaviours. I am passionate about supporting schools to ensure they have an inspiring curriculum with therapeutic thinking at the forefront. I have worked with a wide range of ages and abilities both within the classroom as well as outside of the classroom delivering community learning, educational visits and work experience opportunities.

  In my spare time I enjoy being active, I am a qualified yoga instructor and often run wellbeing events which are inclusive to all. I love to travel and enjoy learning about new cultures. I have been lucky enough to work with children and adults learning English as an Additional Language in Laos and Japan.

  I am excited to be part of Castledon's leadership team, we have an amazing team of professionals that work incredibly hard to ensure that the pupils are at the heart of everything we do. I am enjoying working closely with the class teams to ensure our teaching and learning is as strong as it can be so that our pupils can go on to thrive and be as independent as possible. Our goal is for each individual to have the necessary life skills to lead an extraordinary life full of opportunities.

Extended SLT (ID 1384)

• Emily Welton
  Senior Leader for Admissions, EHCP Provision and Tribunals
  Emily Welton

  I have worked in various roles within Special Education for twenty years, initially qualifyingas a Lawyer in 2007 and working for a Children's Rights Charity, acting for vulnerable young people and their families. In addition, I have worked for Local Authorities, as well as Mainstream and Special Schools and have also acted as a Governor for a Special School.

  In my spare time, I am a mum of three children, one of whom has SEND. I love reading and enjoy time with my family paddle-boarding and kayaking.

  I am passionate about ensuring each and every young person, regardless of where they live or their background, is given the tools and opportunities they need to be successful and achieve their hopes and dreams. I am proud to be part of the Senior Leadership Team at Castledon and proud of the amazing things our students achieve.

• Helen O'Connell
  Lead Practitioner
  Helen O'Connell

  I have been teaching English for over twenty years and I absolutely love it! I have taught for fifteen years in mainstream secondary with various roles and responsibilities including helping to lead a successful team of English staff to deliver Key Stage 3, GCSE and A level qualifications. I have many achievements in my life: personally, I am a wife and mother to two boys and, professionally, I have qualifications in British Sign Language along with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honours) in English Literature and Qualified Teacher Status.

  I began working at Castledon in 2017 when its Sixth Form was opened. I was employed to teach English to the new 16-19 year old Key Stage 5 cohort and deliver key qualifications that would allow them to unlock their potential to access courses or work opportunities beyond Castledon. What began as a fledgling Key Stage 5 plan has now developed into a rich and varied English curriculum that spans all phases of the school. I am immensely proud of Castledon’s English curriculum; we are constantly revising, modernising and adapting it to ensure it meets the needs of all our students and appeals to their wide range of interests. We have students who achieve Entry Level qualifications and students who achieve GCSEs in English Language; all as rewarding and praiseworthy as the next. It has been a real pleasure to see Castledon grow and develop into the extended inclusive provision that it now is. I love teaching the students English as it is a crucial subject that underpins the fundamental skills of life. Significantly, I am passionate about communication - in whatever guise that takes - as it is an essential skill required to establish successes throughout life. Having recently taken on the role of Lead Practitioner of English at Castledon, I am excited for what is to come in English and the direction it will take. New texts, new reading strategies and new ideas are afoot and myself, along with the other English staff, are keen to continue to enrich the lives and minds of our super students!

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• Paul Simmonds
  Lead Practitioner
  Paul Simmonds

  I have been teaching in mainstream primary education for the last ten years, following my initial training in a special school. Unlocking pupils' potential has always been my passion, and I look forward to aligning this with Castledon’s vision. I have previously led Maths across a school and gained experience as an Inclusion Leader, with Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO responsibilities.

  As the Lead Practitioner of Mathematics at Castledon, I am excited to equip pupils with essential skills for their education and life beyond school. I believe all children can succeed and have developed my expertise in meeting their diverse needs.

  Building positive relationships with students and their families is key to educational success, and I aim to keep this at the heart of my practice. With the right support and enthusiasm, everyone can appreciate the importance and enjoyment of developing mathematical skills and knowledge.

• Nanette Waters
  Business Manager
  Nanette Waters

  After qualifying as an accountant I moved into working within education where I have been for over fifteen years. During this time I obtained my Certificate and Diploma in School Business Management and Administrative Management.

  I have had the privilege of working in a range of schools, both Primary, Secondary and SEND provisions. I have been involved in fundraising and overseeing school building work in many successful school projects over my time at Castledon.

  I am currently completing my Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honours) in Leadership and Management and will also obtain Chartered Status which is giving me a wider experience and knowledge of working as a Senior Leader.

Middle Leaders (ID 1385)

• Hannah Edwards
  Phase Lead
  Hannah Edwards

  I am a dedicated and experienced Primary School Teacher with a passion for supporting children and young people in their early education. With 14 years of experience working with SEND children in school settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role at Castledon School. Holding a first class honours degree in Primary Education, I have been a commited member of the Castledon team since 2015, where I currently serve as the Phonics lead and Primary Phase Lead. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, I have implemented the Education Endowment Foundations' methods to enhance the school's Phonics scheme and improve early reading provision for learners. I actively pursue further education and training opportunities, including certifications in Attention Autism, TEACCH, PECS, and an NPQ in leading teaching, which I integrate into my work to provide the best possible support for pupils. With a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, I am dedicated to ensuring that all students at Castledon School receive the quality education they deserve to thrive and succeed in their future lives.

• Martin Ing
  Phase Lead
  Martin Ing

  My name is Martin Ing and I am the Key Stage 4 phase lead at castledon School and College. I have worked at Castledon School for 9 years after previously working in an SEMH provision for 7 years, where I was assistant head for behaviour. I have undertaken various roles during my time at Castledon, including assistant head teacher, vocational lead, and P.E lead and educational visits coordinator. My passion in education is practical, community based learning which an area I encourage our students to develop is. Outside of education and the workplace, I love sport, especially football and running.

• Mark O'Connell
  Phase Lead
  Mark O'Connell

  Before becoming a teacher, I pursued film and TV production, developed at the Central Television Workshop in Nottingham. I hold a BA in Film, TV, and Radio Studies from Staffordshire University and an MA in Film and Television Studies from the University of Westminster. I also worked in TV production for the BBC and ITV.
  
  I began teaching in Further Education, leading vocational media courses and a part-time HE course in video production. I then taught A Level Media, Film Studies, and BTEC Media in secondary school, where I first encountered Special Education. After teaching in primary and secondary education for many years, I joined Castledon in 2018, specialising in IT, photography, and graphic design.
  
  At Castledon Sixth Form, I introduced Google Workspace and Chromebooks, leading the school’s transition to online learning during COVID. Working with Castledon students is incredibly rewarding, and I feel at home in special education!

• Louise Terry
  Phase Lead
  Louise Terry

  I have been a teacher for over 25 years working across a variety of primary schools in Essex. I have always loved working with pupils with special educational needs and have previously been a SENCo and Additional Resourced Provision Manager. I feel very privileged to work at Castledon not only as a teacher but as the Key Stage 3 phase lead.

  I am a mother of two very sporty boys! One is hoping to become a professional boxer and the other is a keen footballer; so they keep me and my husband extremely busy. I love to read, I love a bit of house music, I love football; especially West Ham and most of all I love to spend time with my family.
  
  The best thing about working at Castledon is watching our amazing students develop and grow into the most amazing individuals.

• Michelle Belsey
  Subject Lead
  Michelle Belsey

  As the Careers Lead for the past five years, the focus has been on enhancing employability by raising pupils' aspirations, broadening their experiences, and developing a curriculum that fosters resilience, self-belief, and community inclusion. This has created a supportive environment where students can explore various career paths, gain valuable insights into the world of work, and build essential skills for future success. By integrating real-world experiences and fostering strong community connections, students are empowered to reach their full potential and confidently pursue their career goals.

• Jess Mills
  Subject Lead
  Jess Mills

  I have worked as a SEND teacher for over 18 years in various schools and colleges. Joining Castledon in 2018, I primarily work in the sixth form. Since 2022, I have been the PSHE (including RSE) Lead for Upper Secondary and the Sixth Form, and I also oversee the Life Skills curriculum for older students. I am dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for adult life. I have also served as Castledon’s Healthy Schools Coordinator for six years.
  
  As a neurodivergent adult and SEND parent, I am passionate about inclusivity and have high aspirations for all our learners. My personal understanding helps me be an empathetic and compassionate teacher and leader, supporting the families of my tutees each year.
  
  On a personal note, I am a mother of two young adults and enjoy spending time with my family. I love being outdoors, walking my dog in all weathers, and enjoying theatre, especially musicals. I have supported school residentials and love being part of the extracurricular activities, which create special memories for the students.

• Vicky Thomas
  Trust Teaching Assistant Network Lead
  Vicky Thomas

  Working with SEN students has always been my ambition, and I am extremely proud to be part of Castledon. The dedication and passion of the staff are evident, and students are at the centre of everything we do. Seeing their daily progress is heart-warming.
  
  I have been at Castledon since 2012, mentoring new and existing TAs to ensure consistency and outstanding practice. As the Zenith Trust Lead for TAs across five schools, I support their development and enthusiasm.
  
  I love my job and feel privileged to witness the growth of countless students, from primary to Sixth Form, as they continue their education or pursue careers.
  
  On a personal note, I have two daughters: one completed a degree and master's in science at Oxford and is starting her PhD, and the other is studying Criminology at Kent University. I am extremely proud of both.

• Danielle Fyfe
  Class teacher, Mental Health & Welbeing Lead
  Danielle Fyfe

  I have over 17 years of experience working with children across education and sports, including the last 11 years as a teacher in a variety of primary settings. My journey began in Nottingham, and I am now proud to be working here in Essex. My passion for working with children was sparked by my early career as a gymnastics coach, where I worked with children and adults, often accompanying young athletes to regional competitions across the UK. I was also fortunate to spend a summer in America as Head of the Gymnastics Department at a summer camp.

  Building on this foundation, I pursued a BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology and Sports in Liverpool, followed by a PGCE in Education in London. This combination of academic study and practical experience has shaped my approach to teaching and learning.

  I officially joined Castledon School in June this year and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a fantastic team. It has been a privilege to see our children thrive both academically and personally.

  Alongside teaching, I have a deep passion for supporting mental health and well-being. As the Mental Health and Well-Being Lead at Castledon, I believe that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Supporting our learners, their families, and our staff is a key priority, and I am committed to continually developing this area at Castledon. One of our shared goals is to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their true self—something I believe is fundamental to good mental health.

  Outside of work, I am kept busy by my two young daughters, who bring endless energy and joy to our lives. As a family, we love spending time outdoors and engaging in sporting activities. In my own time, I enjoy practicing yoga, swimming, and going to the gym.