Headteacher
I have been a teacher for over 30 years and have had the privilege of being a Head Teacher in four previous schools over the last decade. 🏫 My last two headships were in special schools dedicated to young people with social, emotional, and mental health diagnoses, which is work very close to my heart. ❤️
I am incredibly passionate about ensuring that all young people—especially those with additional needs—are given the very best opportunities. 🌟 My goal is to empower our students to genuinely smash the glass ceilings that society can often place above them, so they can truly soar! 🚀🦅
I am thrilled to be the new Head Teacher of The Holden School, and I am so excited to meet all of our wonderful young people, our dedicated staff, and our parents and carers. 👋😊
Alan Harrison.
Deputy Headteacher
I am Richard, the Deputy Head for Behaviour & Attitudes. My role is centered on fostering a positive, respectful, and ambitious school culture, ensuring that our environment is one where every student feels empowered to make great choices. I am deeply passionate about the journey of our learners, and for me, the most rewarding part of my work is witnessing students make tangible progress as they grow into kind and well-rounded young people. 🌟
Outside of my professional life, I am a firm believer in staying active and enjoying family time. I am a keen sportsman, playing for a local football team and regularly visiting the gym and pool to stay fit. ⚽🏊♂️ Above all, I love making memories with my children, whether we are out bowling, climbing, or enjoying a family movie night together. 🍿🎳 I am incredibly excited to be part of the leadership team here, and I look forward to contributing to the growth, character development, and long-term success of all our students. 🚀🙌
Richard Gunby
Deputy Headteacher
I am Lyn Hackett, the Deputy Headteacher for Curriculum and Quality of Education. 🌟 My mission is to ensure that every pupil has access to a curriculum that is not only ambitious and engaging but remains deeply rooted in inclusive practice. 🤝
While I now work alongside our staff to shape high standards and evidence-informed teaching, my primary focus remains ensuring that every student feels supported to thrive. I am passionate about using thoughtful reflection to create an environment where both students and staff can excel. 🏫✨
The most rewarding element of my work continues to be witnessing pupils overcome significant barriers to learning. Seeing a child successfully engage with an ambitious curriculum and make tangible progress—regardless of their starting point—is what drives my commitment to the quality of education we provide! 🌱📈
Lyn Hackett
Assistant Headteacher
I am Abby Hill, the Primary Formal Lead for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) classes. 🌟 My mission is to ensure that every pupil in our SEMH provision has access to a curriculum that is not only highly ambitious and engaging but deeply rooted in trauma-informed, inclusive practice. 🤝
While my daily work focuses on leading our specialist staff to shape high standards, evidence-informed interventions, and adaptive teaching strategies, my primary focus remains ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, and fully supported to thrive. I am passionate about using thoughtful, reflective practice to create a nurturing yet aspirational environment where both our students and staff can excel. 🏫✨
The most rewarding element of my work continues to be witnessing pupils overcome complex barriers to learning and regulation. Seeing a child build emotional resilience, successfully re-engage with an ambitious curriculum, and make tangible progress—regardless of their starting point—is what drives my commitment to the quality of education and care we provide! 🌱📈
Abby Hill
Assistant Headteacher
I am Joe Holliman, the Assistant Headteacher here at Holden School. 🌟 My mission is to ensure that every young person in our care has access to a dynamic, supportive environment that unlocks their full potential, builds their confidence, and equips them with vital skills for the future. 🤝
While my daily work focuses on overseeing outdoor learning, coordinating educational visits, and championing robust health and safety practices, my primary lens is always on the holistic growth of our learners. Drawing on a decade of diverse experience within the Outcomes First Group—spanning outdoor education, post-16 provision, and nurture classes—I am passionate about implementing adaptive, specialized strategies that meet the unique needs of our ASC cohort and wider school community. 🏫✨
The most rewarding element of my work continues to be witnessing pupils break through barriers to develop true independence and resilience. Seeing a young person thrive outside the traditional classroom, engage with new challenges, and make tangible progress—regardless of their starting point—is what drives my commitment to creating positive, lifelong opportunities for every student! 🌱📈
Joe Holliman
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Assistant Headteacher
I am Kate, Assistant Head Teacher. 🏫 My role involves shaping our curriculum to ensure it provides a truly supportive and enriching environment for all our students. 📚✨
With a background spanning over 24 years in education, my career has focused on enhancing the learning experience for students, particularly those with SEND. 🌟 I have previously served as the curriculum lead for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Religious Studies, alongside having responsibility for student wellbeing across the school. 👋🧘♀️
I am so 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! 🌱🚀
Kate Coleclough
Assistant Headteacher
I am Megan Jones, Assistant Headteacher at The Holden School. 🏫 My leadership responsibilities are diverse, encompassing my role as Lead of Key Stage 3, the oversight of Health and Safety across the school, and leading our Outdoor Education and Forest School programs. 🌳🔥
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), I am dedicated to strategically developing our curriculum to include innovative “outdoor learning adventures” that challenge and inspire our pupils. 🧗♂️🛶 The most rewarding aspect of my role is the ability to launch and facilitate new opportunities for our students. 🚀 I am passionate about creating environments where every child has the chance to discover new interests and develop hidden talents through experiential learning! ✨🌱
Megan Jones
Assistant Headteacher
I am Rebecca Birchall, Assistant Headteacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO) at The Holden School. 🏫 In my dual role, I am responsible for overseeing the strategic provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that every child receives the tailored support required to thrive academically and socially within our school community. 🤝✨
The most rewarding aspect of my work is collaborating directly with our children and young people to help them realize their full potential. 🌟 I am deeply committed to empowering students to believe in their own abilities and supporting them as they strive to become the very best versions of themselves! 🌱💪
Rebecca Birchall
Designated Safeguarding Lead
I am Dave Smith, the Designated Safeguarding Lead at The Holden School. 🛡️ My career working with children and families in local communities spans nearly forty years, and I am dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student in our care. 🤝
I am a retired Police Officer, having previously worked in inner-city Birmingham and Manchester. 🚔 I bring extensive experience and knowledge in multi-agency working, Child Protection, and Youth Justice. During my time with the police, I was seconded to the North Manchester Youth Justice Service for fifteen years. ⚖️
Following my retirement from the force, I have worked with the National Probation Service, a youth homeless charity in Manchester, and as a Diversionary and Preventative Practitioner in Cheshire. 🌟 I am now proud to bring that wealth of experience to The Holden School to support our young people and their families. 🏫✨
Dave Smith
Lead Clinician
My name is Kellyann Fletcher, and I am the Lead Clinician here at The Holden School. 🩺 As a qualified Child Psychotherapist in Play and Creative Art Therapy, I oversee our clinical team and serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). 🎨✨
My primary focus is to ensure that our clinical and educational departments work in close collaboration to provide holistic, integrated support for the diverse needs of all our pupils. 🤝 I believe it is a true privilege to support children and their families during their most challenging times. ❤️
The most rewarding aspect of my role is observing a child’s progress throughout their journey; witnessing the positive transformations and successful outcomes following therapy is truly special and remains the driving force behind everything I do! 🌟🌱
Kellyann Fletcher
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Susan Deacon – Pastoral Manager – Chapel Street Site 🤝✨
What is your role at The Holden School, and what is the best part of being a member of this team? I am the Pastoral Manager at Chapel Street, our secondary site. My role is to oversee all things pastoral, working closely with all the different teams across the school to make sure we are providing the best possible outcomes for our young people. 🌟
The absolute best bit about being part of the pastoral team is the people! We are all like-minded and share the same goals, but we have very different personalities that click together perfectly. It makes for a brilliant, supportive environment to work in every day. 🤜🤛
What is your favourite thing about working with our students? I love the fact that no two days are ever the same! I really thrive on seeing the young people we support progress and grow throughout their journey with us. No matter how busy my schedule gets, I always make sure to carve out time in my day to just sit and have a chat with our students—after all, they are the reason I’m here! 💬😊
What is one hobby or interest you have outside of school? When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find me at a gig! 🎸 I absolutely love listening to live music, and I’m a huge fan of rock and heavy metal. There’s nothing like the energy of a live show to recharge the batteries! 🤘🎧
What is your “top tip” for staying positive or looking after your wellbeing? My big tip is to practice “leaving your worries at the door.” 🚪 Try not to take school worries home with you, and try not to bring home worries into school. Instead, focus on being present and spending quality time with the people you are with in that exact moment. It makes a world of difference! 🧘♂️✨
Elisha Prescott – Pastoral Manager – Firs Lane Site 🤝✨
What is your role at The Holden School, and what is the best part of being a member of this team? I am the Pastoral Manager at Firs Lane, our primary site. My mission is to ensure that school is a place where every single student feels safe, valued, and genuinely cared for. ❤️ The most rewarding part of my job is being that steady hand of support, helping our young people navigate their challenges and, most importantly, celebrating their successes right alongside them! 🏆
What is your favourite thing about working with our students? It’s all about the relationships. 🤝 I love being someone the students can trust, talk to, and feel completely safe with. There is nothing quite like watching a student grow in confidence and seeing that “aha!” moment when they finally realise just how many strengths they truly have. Watching them flourish is what makes every day so rewarding! 🌟
What is one hobby or interest you have outside of school? I have a very special four-legged friend waiting for me after school! 🐴 I’ve owned my horse, Storm, for 18 years—she’s now a very grand 29 years old! We used to love competing in show jumping together when she was younger, but these days we much prefer spending our time “hacking out” and enjoying the fresh air. 🌳✨
What is your “top tip” for staying positive or looking after your wellbeing? My top tip is to get outdoors! 🚶♀️ For me, walking is the best way to clear my mind and manage stress. I love hiking in the Lake District with a friend and my two Dalmatians, Sky and Rip. 🐾🏔️
I am also currently taking on the Wainwright Challenge! I’ve completed 44 out of the 214 fells so far—I hear Miss Anneke is on 45, so the race is on! 🥾⛰️
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