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 – Deputy 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 as Assistant Headteacher in September 2022 and then progressed to Deputy Headteacher in September 2023 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!