Meet our Staff

Our staff team is highly experienced, suitably qualified and trained. Ultimately, they recognise and embrace the challenges associated with supporting pupils who have experienced disrupted education, have gaps in learning and whose needs were not met previously. We know that good quality, relevant education is key to improving pupil progress, personal development, well-being, and overall life chances.

Site Supervior

Stephen Pearce
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Hi, I’m Stephen. I am the Site Supervisor for Pennine School, a role I truly love.
My true passion has always been "fixing things" and solving problems. Moving into this role has allowed me to combine that passion with a supportive environment where I can help create a safe, well-maintained space for children to learn and grow. I genuinely enjoy being part of the school family and take great pride in ensuring our facilities are the best they can be for the students.

Nurture Teacher

Lindsey Clark
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I am a qualified teacher with a degree and the National Award for SEN Coordination, and a trained Nurture Practioner. My career began in pastoral support, where I developed a deep commitment to relationship-centred practice and inclusive provision. I'm proud to have worked my way from pastoral roles into leading nurture, and now into teaching, where I continue to champion emotional wellbeing alongside academic growth.

Teacher

Georgina Smethurst
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Hi, I'm Georgina. I'm a qualified teacher specialising in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs across mainstream and specialist settings. I've contributed to developing specialist provision, including curriculum design, policies and therapeutic environments, using a child-centred, relationship-focused approach to help pupils re-engage with learning and achieve their potential.

Teacher

Liz McDonald
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I have got 10 years expierence with pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). I have been an TA, delivering targeted intervention sessions helping bridge gaps in pupils learning. I've led enrichment activities in PSHE, RE , Food Techonolgy , Art ,Science.
I'm passionate about creating and engaging, supportive learning experiences and helping young people build confidence in their abilities. I'm excited to bring my skills and enthusiasm to the Pennine School and begin this new chapter in my journey.

Teaching Assistant

Courtney Taylor
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Hi I'm Courtney. I am a Performing Arts Specialist with experience supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
I support children using drama and performance techniques to help build confidence, self-esteem, and self-expression. I create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and able to thrive. I am passionate about helping young people grow both personally and creatively.

HLTA

Catarina Lopes
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I have over 11 years of experience working with children and young people in diverse educational settings. I'm passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel understood and motivated to learn. My approach centres on strong relationships, curiosity and creativity, designing engaging experiences that help pupils connect with learning, express themselves and build confidence. As an animal and nature lover, I embed environmental literacy into my teaching, encouraging students to connect with nature and understand their role in protecting our planet.

Chef / Cook

Lewis Barber
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Hi I'm Lewis the school cook at Pennine school, I have been a Chef / Cook for over 10 years, it's an role I'm proud to have. My passion for cooking started when I was young and I want to help others have fresh and nutrient meals, to give them the energy throughout day ahead.

Teacher

Amanda Gornall
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I began as a 1:1 Teaching Assistant before teaching in primary and secondary settings. I'm now a qualified English teacher and Literacy Lead with a Master's in Professional Studies (SEND) specialising in safeguarding. I also specialise in Nurture provision, supporting pupils' social, emotional and academic development.
I'm passionate about developing strong literacy skills and fostering a love of reading to help every pupil access the curriculum and achieve their full potential.

Teaching Assistant

Hannah Love
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Hi, I'm Hannah and I am a qualified Teaching Assistant with many years' experience of working with children with both SEMH and SEN needs. Throughout my years of doing this job, I have created a kind, calm and an understanding nature that allows me to build strong and trusting relationships with children. My aim is to help children to unlock their full potential and be the best version of themselves.

Teaching Assistant

Richard Peacock
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Hi, I'm Richard. I've joined Pennine School from the Smith Foundation, where I tailored support packages as a Learning Support Practitioner. My background in social care and independent living management has equipped me with transferable skills to support young people with social, emotional and mental health needs through positive behaviour support and a holistic approach.
As an outdoor enthusiast working towards fishing coach qualifications, I'm excited to create engaging outdoor opportunities for students at Pennine School.