It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the new Headteacher at the Holden School. I have been made to feel very welcome, and have enjoyed meeting staff and students. I am really excited about joining the school community, and am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all. I understand that there can be a lot of questions when a new Head starts at a school, but I am sure that parents and carers will soon get to know me. I plan to spend time between the two sites so that I get to see all of our students across the week.
This is my third Headship, having previously led two special schools in Greater Manchester. I am passionate about providing the best opportunities for young people, and want them to be inspired and hopeful about their future. I want students to be the best person they can be, and will strive to provide the best possible education for them during their time with us. I want them to enjoy learning, and have positive experiences in school.
I will do my utmost to keep our community informed of any changes, events or relevant news. I won’t pretend to be perfect, but I do want to get this right, so please get in touch if there is anything you wish to discuss. As a Leadership Team, we plan to add to the school calendar and want to invite parents and carers into school for a number of events, the first one being a ‘Meet the Teacher’ session, where I will try to speak to as many people as possible. If anyone is unable to attend, I am happy to make alternative arrangements to meet with you, so please get in touch via the school office.
So far it has been a really positive start for our students, and I hope they have enjoyed coming back to school. If you see me in or around school, please don’t hesitate to say hello.
Helen Birkinhead, Headteacher
I am your Deputy Headteacher, Hayley Marshall. I was a primary teacher with many years’ experience and have taught in all primary year groups and have led all Key Stages and many curriculum areas – English is my passion.
I have been a Deputy Headteacher in a large mainstream setting in Trafford for several years, a Deputy Headteacher in a Primary Social, Emotional and Mental Health school in Liverpool and Designated Safeguarding Lead at a Secondary Pupil Referral Unit in Manchester before joining The Holden School.
I am really pleased to be here – the children are delightful and I hope to share some of my skills, knowledge and experience to ensure all students reach their potential.
I am Kate, Assistant Head Teacher based at the primary site on Firs Lane with responsibility for shaping the curriculum and ensuring that it provides a supportive and enriching environment for our students. My background spans over 24 years in education, my career has focussed on enhancing the learning experience for students particularly those with SEND. I was curriculum lead for Personal, Social and Health education alongside Religious Studies and had responsibility for student wellbeing across the school.
I am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of all students at The Holden School.
Hi everyone, my name is Dave Smith and I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead at The Holden School. My career working with children and families in local communities spans nearly forty years. I am a retired Police Officer previously working in inner city Birmingham and Manchester with extensive experience and knowledge around multi agency working, Child Protection and Youth Justice. I was seconded from Greater Manchester Police to the North Manchester Youth Justice Service for fifteen years, after my retirement from the police have since worked in the National Probation Service, a youth homeless charity in Manchester and back into Youth Justice working as a Diversionary and Preventative Practitioner in Cheshire before moving to The Holden School.
Contact Us