'leaders have united all staff in their vision'

DIRECTOR Headteacher

An experienced teacher of learners with additional and complex needs, Emily has a proven track record of quality first teaching and specialises in engaging those who are 'hard to reach and hard to place.' Proud to be from Teesside, and passionate about providing the best education for all young people in the Tees Valley, she is determined to 'narrow the gap' and create opportunities for all by implementing high standards and high expectations. 

Able to teach a number of subjects to GCSE Level, Emily believes in a creative, project-based approach to inspire learning for all young people. A Nurtured Heart Approach Practitioner, Emily is committed to social change through personal responsibility.

DIRECTOR Head of Operations

THE MONTANTA PROJECT LEAD

Ali has worked for over 20 years rehabilitating and training horses and their humans throughout the UK. 

Qualified to UKCC Level 3 in Western Riding (one of only a handful in the UK) and also an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Trainer, Ali's alternative techniques often open up new pathways for young people, helping them develop success with their horses that can pass into all other aspects of their life. 

Ali strongly believes that with the correct support, people can achieve beyond their imagination - horses can offer a fantastic platform for people to see this for themselves and develop with personal responsibility, confidence and self-belief.

OFFICE MANAGER / PA

With a varied career path including a number of years spent supporting the education of children with additional needs, Susan joins Hopefields as Office Manager and PA to the Directors. A 'normal day' involves bid writing and funding applications, being the first port of call on emails, and providing unwavering administrative support. In her spare time, Susan is a keen gardener, musician and craftsperson. 

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER

Designated Safeguarding Lead (1)

A recent head of an alternative provision, Craig has significant experience leading and supporting learners and staff to develop positive outcomes.

With an ambitious focus of wanting to be a teacher from a very young age, Craig decided to set his focus on becoming just that; completing a sport & exercise science degree at Sunderland University, followed by a PGCE. 

In his spare time, Craig enjoys playing sports, mainly football and golf. Away from his hobbies he loves spending time with his family. 

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (2)

Rachel is a qualified secondary teacher who has honed her skills both inside and outside the classroom. She has progressed from classroom teacher to senior leader, raising teaching and learning expectations among staff and students, creating a culture of high standards and success. 

Rachel is an advocate for learning for all, and passionate about developing others to realise their potential. Through recognition of her knowledge and expertise, Rachel has been invited to speak publicly about a number of topics such as: Curriculum Planning; Challenging Behaviour; Student Mental Health and Well Being; Women Leading in Education; Inspiring Early Career Teachers.

Rachel continues to offer strategic leadership support to other schools through her role as an Inclusion Quality Mark assessor, and as governor at two mainstream schools.

Outside of education, Rachel is a devoted mother to three boys and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, embarking on new experiences and visiting new places.

SENCo

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (3)

  Originally trained as a primary school teacher, Emily has in-depth experience of the primary curriculum and academic interventions. As the school SENCo, Emily is responsible for the strategic implementation of the specialist provision Hopefields' offer.

Outside of school, Emily enjoys spending time with her young family and has three horses; Gypsy, Rosie and Tilly as well as two spaniels and a flock of sheep. 

On weekends, she can be found in the local showing ring trying to win a rosette, or enjoying an agricultural show.