Meet our team

Welcome from the Headteacher

Castle Garden School is a truly special provision, dedicated to creating a supportive, happy, engaging and healthy environment where autistic children can thrive. It is a privilege for both myself and our staff team to be part of shaping a new school that is already growing into a strong, nurturing and ambitious community.

I have worked across multiple specialist education settings, including all-age through schools and a dedicated autistic provision. Before working in specialist education, I taught mathematics and computer science in mainstream secondary schools, following an earlier career in finance and IT. This breadth of experience has shaped my belief in the power of high quality, personalised teaching and strong, multi agency collaboration. It has also strengthened my commitment to building meaningful partnerships between children, families, clinicians, teachers, support staff and external agencies. Effective partnerships are built on trust—rooted in transparency and open communication—and these values sit at the heart of our school.

Safeguarding remains our highest priority, and every decision we make places the child at the centre. We are committed to asking and accepting pupils’ preferences, while supporting them to navigate the world with confidence and independence. Our curriculum is aspirational, enjoyable, broad and balanced — designed to meet pupils where they are, build on their strengths, and enable them to flourish.
Our pupils are supported by highly skilled staff with a growth mindset—professionals who continually refine and improve their practice so the school can evolve to meet the needs of the children we serve.

Since becoming the permanent Headteacher in January 2025, I have taken full ownership of the school’s direction. Through reflection, review and a deep understanding of our pupils’ needs, the leadership team and I have shaped a strong Vision and Mission to guide Castle Garden School from a new setting into a confident, established and thriving school.

Our Vision – To open the gateway to the wider world and give children and young people the life skills and knowledge to navigate it.

Our Mission – To inspire engagement through a breadth of experiences and opportunities that promote identity and independence.

Together, we will build a lasting and supportive community at Castle Garden School—one where every child is understood, celebrated and empowered to thrive.