Simon Smith – Executive Headteacher
Simon comes to The Wenlock School with varying experiences of several educational settings. Simon has worked at The Wenlock School since the school opened in September 2018. He was Assistant Headteacher before becoming Deputy Headteacher in September 2019. From January 2022, Simon was Head of School before successfully becoming Headteacher in September 2022. Simon transitioned to the role of Executive Headteacher in March 2025. Simon is very much looking forward to working closely with the Head of School and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team in maintaining the Outstanding provision at The Wenlock School. The school is such a truly special and amazing place to work, and it is a pleasure to showcase this to anyone who visits the school.
Simon has completed a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Birmingham which has furthered supported The Wenlock School. In his previous role, Simon completed the NASENCO qualification and at Wenlock was the school’s previous SENCO so understands the needs of all pupils who attend the school and the support they require. Simon values the importance of every child and what each child can offer and achieve in the correct school environment. Simon not only enjoys the academic achievements of pupils but the personal development of pupils in supporting each pupil in becoming the best person they can be when they leave the school. Simon is looking forward to continuing the work that is already in place with all the pupils, families, and external agencies at The Wenlock School in the continued drive for excellence.
Raelene Austin – Head of School
Raelene has worked within mainstream education for over twenty years, before moving into the independent sector, where she started working at The Wenlock School in 2019. She rapidly progressed to the position of Head of Lower School, (2021) and then Head of English (2022), before becoming an Assistant Headteacher in September 2023. This role has allowed her to encompass the previous roles, as she assisted in developing the school in terms of its next phase in growth. She thoroughly enjoys being as operational as the jobs allows, to develop the all-important relationships with pupils and staff. The personal development of the child is of utmost importance to Raelene, as she grows with the children throughout each academic journey. Raelene was then successful in becoming Deputy Headteacher (Quality of Education) in September 2024 and rapidly progressed to becoming Head of School in March 2025.
Raelene has completed a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership, as well as a PG Cert in SEN and Inclusion, PG Cert in Inclusion within Education and has personal experience with her own SEN children. She is also the proud owner of Ollie, the school dog, who sometimes accompanies her to work at Wenlock School. Ollie makes a huge difference to both pupils and staff alike and enjoys spending time with everyone who will give him a fuss. Raelene feels highly honoured to be able to move the school into the next exciting phase and looks forward in working closely with the school community, and the fantastic staff team to continue the outstanding journey that the school is on.
Rachel Deeley – Deputy Headteacher (Head of Operations)
Rachel is privileged enough to work at The Wenlock School since it opened back in 2018 and has undertaken a range of responsibilities during this time. She initially started her journey in the primary phase before transitioning to Key Stage Three, where she delivered Mathematics. Throughout her time at the school, she has held several leadership roles which have allowed her to contribute meaningfully to school development. She enjoys having an integral and pivotal role in supporting pupils throughout their educational journey. The progress that she has witnessed across her time at school has been truly incredible.
In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she has completed the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership (NPQML) and the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO). In her role as SENCO, she worked closely with teachers, teaching assistants, and wider staff to ensure that SEND provision across the school adhered to best practice and meets the needs of all learners.
Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Headteacher – Head of Operations. She is responsible for both the strategic and operational planning, including the development of the school timetable and the coordination of key operational systems that underpin daily school life.
Chaumet Kenton – Deputy Headteacher (Quality of Education)
Chaumet Kenton is extremely proud to be Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education at The Wenlock School. She feels that The Wenlock School is a truly special place where both staff and pupils go above and beyond each day. Fourteen years ago, Chaumet began her journey in education within the post-compulsory sector and quickly developed a deep passion for creating inclusive and equitable learning experiences. Now, working in an environment where those values are truly embedded is incredibly fulfilling.
Her subject specialism is English, which is a core subject she thoroughly enjoys teaching due to its wide-ranging relevance and its power to shape thought and communication. Over the years, she has held several teaching and leadership roles, including Lecturer in English, Second in English, Head of English, and Assistant Headteacher.
She holds a Master’s in Education as well as the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development. Drawing on both research and practical application from these qualifications, she continually strives to ensure that curriculum planning, and delivery is ambitious, inclusive, and of the highest standard for every pupil. As well as this, she is also a trained Early Career Teacher mentor, supporting aspiring teachers in their development.
Andy Moore – Deputy Headteacher
I joined the Outcomes First Group in 2013 as a Teaching Assistant at The Grange Therapeutic School in Leicestershire. Across 6 years I held numerous positions including two years as Head of Key Stage 3, before joining The Wenlock School in 2019 as Head of Mathematics. I completed my PGCE qualification through Leeds Beckett University and have been awarded NPQSL certification (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) by the Department for Education. I am passionate about providing pupils will the best educational experiences and as Deputy Headteacher overseeing the Quality of Education, I am excited to support pupils to develop their confidence, build their knowledge and drive towards their aspirations.