Simon Smith – 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 is very much looking forward to the opportunity of driving the school forward especially around the vocational and academic offer of the newly established sixth form.
Simon has recently completed a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Birmingham to further support The Wenlock School during the next exciting phase of the Wenlock journey. 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.
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.
Patrick Holness – Head of Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
Patrick joined the Wenlock school in 2019, having many years of previous experience of working in a college setting with teenagers and young adults. Patrick offered the students support with identifying their skills needed to progress and achieve their individual needs. Patrick welcomes all positive change and is enthusiastic to be a part of the safeguarding and pastoral team engaging with a holistic and person-centred approach.
Patrick has completed his Masters in Mentoring and Coaching which has helped in identifying, developing and supporting children in their life journey. Patrick recognises the importance of partnership working for children and families to achieve the best outcomes for pupils. Patrick values the importance of safeguarding and the protection of children at all times whilst maintaining a good balance, socially and emotionally. Patrick is excited to be a part of the positive changes at The Wenlock School and is keen to continue to build on the already forward thinking changes made.
Raelene Austin – Assistant Headteacher
Raelene has been teaching at The Wenlock School for the last three years. She has arrived with a vast wealth of knowledge of teaching and learning, and how to encompass the needs of all to ensure an educational, yet inspiring environment for all. Raelene has worked as a teacher before moving to the position of Head of Lower School, and then Head of English in September 2022. She started has Assistant Headteacher in September 2022 which has encompassed her previous roles whilst allowing her to assist in developing the school in terms of its next phase in growth.
Raelene is currently completing a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership to allow her to develop as a professional and make effective contributions to the Senior Leadership Team. She is also the proud owner of Ollie, the school dog, who accompanies her to work daily and makes a huge difference to both pupils and staff alike. When Ollie pops up on TEAMS briefing each morning, it puts a smile on the staff faces, and he is always ready to greet the pupils each morning. She is also the proud mum of teenagers, so is kept on her toes at all times – be it at work and at home!
Courtney Ballard – Assistant Headteacher
Courtney arrived at The Wenlock School in 2021 after spending many years within mainstream education. During his time within mainstream Courtney held various roles across varying settings, but Courtney made the choice to join The Wenlock School and has not looked back since. Initially joining to support the growth of the school and establish the new sixth form, since then Courtney has gained a position as Head of Upper School and now Assistant Headteacher.
Courtney is passionate about the outcomes of our students and their overall learning journey, which ties in well with our developing sixth form. Courtney has completed his Masters in Education and Sport from Newman University and has recently completed a PGA in Careers Leadership via the University of Warwick. Courtney combines his experience with his knowledge to help the school grow during this exciting period.
Courtney focuses on the whole journey of the student from the moment they join The Wenlock School until the moment they leave, ensuring that the student reaches a destination they intended to and were aiming for. Preparing students for the rest of their lives is central to Courtney, so drawing upon the Local Authorities, Colleges and Universities, as well as employers helps students and their families to plan and prepare for the rest of their lives.