SLT (ID 1316)

• Simon Holliday
  Executive Headteacher
  Simon Holliday

  I joined Castledon School in 2011 and became Executive Headteacher in September 2026, having served as Headteacher since 2018. I helped establish the school's sixth form, led the expansion of our specialist provision and secured significant investment in our facilities to support future growth. I am proud that Castledon was judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in 2025. It is a privilege to lead Castledon and remain committed to Unlocking Potential for every student.

• Jon Hazelgrove
  Head of School (Canvey)
  Jon Hazelgrove

  I am Head of School for Castledon Canvey, a new satellite provision for primary-aged pupils with severe learning difficulties and complex needs.

  I have worked in education for 25 years, including in senior leadership roles across mainstream and specialist settings. My experience includes working as a SENCo and working closely with therapists to support pupils with a wide range of additional needs. I have also led on safeguarding, behaviour and attendance, and have experience in curriculum development.

  I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing and ambitious provision where pupils feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to reach their potential. I also recognise the importance of working closely with families, staff and wider professionals to support each child's individual needs.

  At Castledon Canvey, we are developing a provision that reflects Castledon's values, while also meeting the individual needs of our pupils and families on Canvey Island and the surrounding area.

• Janie Inglis
  Deputy Headteacher (Curriculum)
  Janie Inglis

  I have worked in education for over twenty years across primary, secondary and post-16 settings, supporting a diverse range of learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). My passion for teaching and inspiring others has driven my career. I am also an Evidence Lead in Education (ELE) with the Essex Research School, championing evidence-informed practice to improve teaching, learning and outcomes for every learner.

• Kathryn Hemmings
  Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral)
  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 (Curriculum)
  Verity Mead

  I was drawn to Castledon by its inspiring vision and values in supporting children. I believe education extends beyond the classroom, and every pupil deserves the opportunity to thrive.

  Before teaching, I worked with children in respite care, supporting children with learning difficulties. This experience ignited my passion for special education and motivated me to train as a teacher through the Colchester Teacher Training Consortium.

  In 2018, I was honoured with the New Teacher of the Year award at the Essex Teaching Awards, a recognition that strengthened my commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education. In 2025, I successfully completed my National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

  Throughout my career, I have collaborated with dedicated professionals to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences. As an Assistant Headteacher for the curriculum team, I lead ICT and line-manage subjects such as Science and Creative Arts, while also supporting the development of other areas of the curriculum.

  I also oversee the Student Council, ensuring that pupil voice is heard and plays a central role in shaping their learning journeys.

• Cherie Lashmar
  Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum)
  Cherie Lashmar

  I joined Castledon School in 2024 after spending ten years working in SLD and PMLD education. Over the past two years, I have led the development of teaching and learning, while overseeing the implementation of an ambitious, inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.

  I am now looking forward to developing my leadership further within the pastoral aspects of school life, including personal development, safeguarding, behaviour and PSHE. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive, both academically and personally

• Paul Simmonds
  Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum)
  Paul Simmonds

   

  Following 10 years in mainstream primary education and gaining experience working as a SENCO, Inclusion Leader and Designated Safeguarding Lead I started at Castledon in 2024. I began my role as Lead Practitioner for mathematics and I am proud of  the developments we have achieved across the school and the progress our pupils make in the subject. I now look forward to working with the wider curriculum team in developing and supporting our pupils in a broader range of areas.

• Hannah Edwards
  Assistant Headteacher (attendance) and Lead Practitioner (autism and Outreach)
  Hannah Edwards

  Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to primary education with a particular passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), especially Autism. My work is rooted in a strong belief in inclusion and a commitment to ensuring every learner receives the personalised support they need to thrive. At Castledon, I champion a therapeutic, child-centred approach where we strive to adapt and respond to the unique needs of each child. My aim is always to unlock every child's potential and support them in becoming as independent as possible in their lives.

  I am proud to have worked at Castledon School for the past 15 years, where I currently serve asLeadPractitioner. I hold a First-Class Honours Degree in Primary Education, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and have completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT).

  To deepen my understanding and improve outcomes for Autistic learners, I have completed a range of specialist training, including TEACCH, Attention Autism, The Curiosity Approach, PECS, and Intensive Interaction. I am currently undertaking an AdvancedPractitionerin Autism course to further strengthen my practice. I believe continuous professional development is key to ensuring we deliver the highest standards of support and care.

  As theLeadPractitionerin Autism, my role extends beyond Castledon School to supporting best practice across the South of Essex. I am passionate about driving high-quality teaching, learning, and inclusive practices that place the child at the heart of everything we do.

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 (English)
  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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Key Stage Leaders (ID 1390)

• Danielle Fyfe
  Key Stage Leader (Primary)
  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.

• Louise Terry
  Key Stage Leader (KS3 & KS4)
  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.

• Jess Mills
  Key Stage Leader (KS5)
  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. I am the PSHE (including RSE) Lead for the school and am dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for adult life. I am also Castledon's Healthy Schools Coordinator.
  
  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.

School Improvement leaders (ID 1385)

• Martin Ing
  Physical Education Leader
  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.

• Danielle Fyfe
  Mental Health & Well-being Leader
  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.

• Vicky Thomas
  TA Performance and Development Manger/Trust TA Network Leader
  Vicky Thomas

  I have proudly worked at Castledon since 2012, with supporting students with SEND being my passion. I support 92 TAs across our Wickford and Canvey sites, ensuring students receive high-quality academic, emotional, and wellbeing support. I am committed to developing a skilled TA team that promotes independence and prepares students for adulthood, with our students always at the heart of everything we do.

• Lucy Avery
  Humanities and Topics Leader
  Lucy Avery

  I completed the final term of my SCITT at Castledon and was immediately inspired by the staff's dedication to building strong relationships that support the progress of all pupils. Since then, I have successfully completed my ECT programme at the school and continue to be part of the team in Key Stage 3 as a class teacher. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and adaptable learning environment to best support my students in achieving their potential.

  Before joining Castledon, I studied History and Politics at the University of Nottingham and went on to obtain QTS in Secondary History. With my background in Humanities, I am excited to contribute to the development of the Topics and Humanities curriculum at Castledon, creating meaningful and memorable experiences and opportunities for our students

• Nichola Plane
  Lifeskills Leader
  Nichola Plane

  I have over 12 years of experience working with children across education and through holiday clubs, including the last 6 years as a teacher specialising in Primary Special Education. Prior to working in schools, I worked in the community supporting vulnerable adults before pursuing a career in education. This began with a role as a Learning Support Assistant, which sparked my passion for teaching. I went on to complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Education, Early Years and Playwork through Anglia Ruskin University's open learning route while working full-time, before undertaking teacher training and achieving Qualified Teacher Status in July 2022.

  Alongside my teaching career, I have completed a range of professional development courses to strengthen my practice and support the children I work with. I am a Paediatric First Aider, Lifeguard and Therapeutic Thinking trainer. During the COVID pandemic, I was also recognised with a certificate from the BBC's One Show, after being nominated by parents for a Lockdown Hero award.

  Outside of school, I enjoy swimming and walking, and I continue to support children through holiday clubs and activities.

  Since joining Castledon in September 2025, my focus has been on helping students develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to thrive. I believe that by building strong foundations in education and personal growth, every child has the opportunity to move forward as an independent and successful adult.

• Katie Marsh
  Phonics Leader
  Katie Marsh

  I began my teaching career in a mainstream junior school after gaining a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with an English specialism. I have been in the teaching profession for 19 years, with a clear and sustained commitment to Special Educational Needs (SEN), and I am now entering my 14th year working within SEN provision.

  I have been a member of staff at Castledon School for the past seven years. Although I am primary-trained, I began my journey at Castledon, working in Key Stage 4, and have since worked predominantly across the upper key stages, from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 5. This breadth of experience across phases has strengthened my understanding of progression, transition, and curriculum adaptation for pupils with complex and diverse needs. From the outset of my career, including during my university placements, I actively sought opportunities within specialist SEN provision, demonstrating a long-term commitment to inclusive education and specialist practice.

  During my time at Castledon, I have had the privilege of leading the development and implementation of the Castledon Reads initiative. This involved promoting a whole-school culture of reading, supporting staff with consistent approaches, and improving access to literacy for pupils with additional needs. This work aligns closely with my current role as Phonics Lead, where I draw upon my English specialism to drive improvements in early reading, intervention strategies, and staff confidence in phonics delivery across the school.

  I am currently studying for the NPQ SENCO qualification, which I will complete in October. This is further strengthening my expertise within the SEN sector and enhancing the leadership skills that are integral to my role.

  Outside of school, I am a mum to a two-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old son, both of whom bring me immense joy and continually reinforce the importance of inclusive, nurturing education.

• Sara Taylor-Baggot
  Creative Arts Leader
  Sara Taylor-Baggot

  I am deeply passionate about the Arts and firmly believe that every pupil is creative. My role as a teacher is to build confidence, remove barriers, and empower each learner to achieve their full potential.

  I have over 25 years' experience teaching across a range of mainstream secondary schools in Oxfordshire, Essex, and the Midlands. Throughout my career, I have taught Creative Arts across multiple disciplines, including Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Products, and Textiles. I began my career as a Design and Technology teacher specialising in Graphic Products and, within two years, was appointed to lead Graphic Products from GCSE to A Level. I later went on to manage a large department.

  In 2005, I completed a Master of Arts in Surface Pattern at Birmingham UCE. This led to the establishment of my own creative business, designing for a wide range of gift products including wrapping paper, greetings cards, clocks, china, and tiles. My work has been exhibited at SURTEX in New York, New Designers and Top Drawer in London, and I was selected by the Design Factory to take part in a design mission to Japan, exhibiting at the British Embassy in Tokyo. I was also commissioned to create a large-scale artwork, which is currently on display at the Midlands Art Centre.

  Following the birth of my second son, I relocated back to Essex in 2013 and took up a post at William de Ferrers School, where I further developed my practice as an art teacher. I have always had a strong commitment to working with pupils with special educational needs. This was particularly shaped by working with a student who had lost her sight and lacked confidence in her own creativity. Supporting her journey into believing she could create was pivotal in leading me to specialise in SEND art education..

  I joined Castledon School in 2018, initially employed to deliver BTEC Art at post-16 level. Since then, my role has developed significantly, and I now teach Art across all Key Stages. In 2022, I successfully introduced GCSE Art to the curriculum. In our first cohort, one student achieved a Grade 9. A selection of KS2 pupils' artwork has been featured on the Sky Arts Channel after winning the Sky Arts Competition, highlighting the quality and impact of the art provision across the school. In 2025, a selection of pupils' artwork was awarded first prize in the Into the Wild Art Competition. In the same year, one GCSE student won Silver in the UNIQUE Art Award for his self-portrait and went on to achieve a Grade 8 at GCSE.

  In recognition of my work, I was awarded the Art Teacher in Special Education Award in 2024. This year, I was proud to be appointed Creative Arts Lead at Castledon School, a role in which I continue to champion inclusive, aspirational, and meaningful creative opportunities for all learners.