'staff know the importance of the work they do' - OFSTED

LEAD FOR ENGLISH

Access Arrangements

With teaching experience spanning over twenty years and across the sectors, Bev leads and teaches English to GCSE level at Hopefields.

Passionate about providing young people with an engaging education and the opportunity to succeed, she has a wealth of experience teaching students with a range of abilities and needs. 

Committed to confidence building and improving skillsets, Bev encourages thought-provoking discussions and debates.

In her spare time, Bev likes walking her dog Bowie, and visiting new places.

LEAD FOR ENGLISH

Designated Teacher for CIOC

Keen to share her love of English and dedicated to supporting children reach their potential, Jo has over twenty years experience of teaching English in North East schools across a broad range of age and ability. 

Jo is committed to building young people’s confidence when using communication and analytical skills. 

In her spare time, Jo enjoys paddle boarding with family, travelling, walking her dogs and visiting the theatre.

LEAD FOR MATHEMATICS

Lead for Business Studies

An experienced mathematician, teaching in Mainstream schools for five years, Ben joins Hopefields to lead Mathematics and Numeracy across the school. Having completed a Masters degree in trauma informed education alongside his day job, Ben is passionately committed to improving the life chances and mathematical ability for all students. 

When not in the classroom, Ben likes to partake in any sporty activities but particularly likes to cycle and spend time with his family - including his dog.

LEAD FOR SCIENCE

Exams Officer

Following a long career leading teams within the automotive industry, David retrained 20 years ago as a teacher of science, specialising in Chemistry and Physics and undertaking leadership roles across the North East of England.  

David joins Hopefields as our Science Lead, teaching Entry and GCSE Science and is our resident tractor driver. 

Outside of Hopefields, David enjoys spending time at the shooting range, fixing ancient tractors, and is also interested in developing our green energy, sustainability guidelines and recycling usage.

LEAD FOR HUMANITIES 

Lead for Eco-School

Andy has over 20 years experience teaching humanities across Teesside to a range of ages and abilities.  His early career was spent at the British Geological Survey and within the civil engineering sector.   

Andy joins Hopefields eager to share his enthusiasm and build a wider connection with the world around us.  

An intrepid geographer and explorer, Andy enjoys hiking with family and friends; combining his love of travel and the natural environment.  

TUTOR OF WOODWORK/CRAFTS 

Site Support

Peter is our resident vocational tutor, and loves crafts and woodturning. Originally a scientist, after fifteen years teaching mainstream Science (and a further ten years as an Autism specialist) Peter has returned from retirement to help our students develop their own craft, building and horticulture skills. He has a wide range of knowledge and a thorough understanding of additional and complex needs. 

Peter is very patient and giving of his time, he makes learning fun in a way that all levels can reach. Peter is also known for his skip-diving abilities and as the Hopefields general handyperson. 

TEACHER OF HIGH NEEDS

Interventions Co-ordinator

After gaining a degree in Performing Arts, Steph worked for an Autism charity, which became the turning point in her career. Steph returned to University to study a PCET and achieved QTLS. 

With over six years of supply education experience, Steph has worked in over 30 schools from Newcastle to Northallerton and everywhere in between. 

Another animal-lover, Steph enjoys working at the farm and with all creatures, great and small.

Steph has a passion for the arts, literature and loves any sort of creativity. 

LEAD FOR VOCATIONAL LEARNING

Cameron worked as an electrician for 4 years before getting into teaching. He began his teaching career at an alternative provision, working with learners who had disengaged with education, alongside completing a degree in Sport. 

Cameron wishes to continue his own learning pathway, on route to completing a PGCE and developing as a teacher of learners with additional needs. 

In his spare time, Cameron enjoys playing rugby, as well as football, golf and swimming. Cameron also enjoys spending time on walks with his dog, Toby.  

LEAD FOR THE ARTS

A Fine Arts graduate, Charlotte leads Arts across the school and teaches all creative practices across the curriculum. 

With varied experience in marketing, design, retail (and even lifeguarding) Charlotte also supports learners on TMP, enabling students to consider their career choices and work skills. 

An avid animal lover and owner, Charlotte spends every moment she can with her native breed ponies (Tom and Dougie) and her house rabbits and can be spotted most weekends on the local showing circuit.

LEAD FOR TMP - ANIMAL AND EQUINE STUDIES 

An avid animal lover and horse owner, Clare brings a wealth of experience to Hopefields to teach the animal and equine care curriculum across the key stages. 

Teaching in colleges and schools has been Clare's life's work, alongside being a professional equine groom and teacher of young people with additional needs.

LEAD FOR CATERING

Possibly the favourite of the staff team, Claire's talents in the kitchen do not go unnoticed and are much appreciated by all. With over 20 years experience teaching design technology, Claire's expertise enables students to move on to catering college courses, straight into the hospitality industry or (most importantly) become independent and healthy whilst on their pathway to adulthood.

Cooking is everything Claire enjoys; even travelling to Thailand to improve her curry-making skills. 

In her spare time, Claire enjoys travelling and swimming.

TEACHER OF DT AND ART

Hailing from Edinburgh, after 23 years teaching Design, Technology and Engineering in secondary schools across the UK as far and wide as Birmingham and Edinburgh, Brooks joins Hopefields to engage students through teaching practical skills and problem solving. 

Brooks' passion lies in Computer Aided Design and manufacture, including 3D printing.

In his spare time, Brooks supports Hibernian Football Club and regularly travels back to his native Scotland to watch HIBS.