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Kerrie has almost 30 years’ experience working with young people who have disengaged from education, initially qualifying as a Special Education Needs Careers Adviser and then Careers Teacher, Kerrie decided to focus on behaviour within school settings, and with a master’s degree in SEND, she spent 15 years on the Senior Management Team of a large, all age Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) before joining Endeavour Academy.
Kerrie is committed to supporting students to regain their confidence in education and belief in themselves, that they can be successful. After training to deliver Resilience Programmes of Learning America, her passion for promoting positive mental health was evident in the partnerships she developed to establish a large network of Mental Health Champions, leading to named personnel within schools who were trained to facilitate change.
Timetabling the teaching of skills for life to enhance core curriculum subjects such as Mathematics, saw Kerrie’s work on Teaching Financial Capability recognised when she became the lead of the first PRU in the Country to achieve Centre of Excellence status, with published work including that in the field of SEND as well as resources for those not in education, employment or training.
Extremely proud of her own personal and professional journey, Lesley has close to 25 years of experience working with secondary school children from across the County Durham area. She has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds and has successfully navigated various educational settings, including mainstream, SEBD, SEMH, and Alternative Provision, where she has honed her skills in implementing restorative approaches to foster a safe and inclusive environment. Lesley is deeply committed to nurturing young minds, delivering a resilience programme, and cultivating a culture that embodies kindness, tolerance, and equity. Through her dedication to incorporating Making Every Contact Count (MECC) principles and restorative practices, Lesley empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By equipping young people and families with personalised coping strategies and fostering healthy relationships, she plays a pivotal role in empowering others, shaping a positive school, home, and community environment, prioritising the well-being and safety of all individuals.
Deputy Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) / SENDCO
Jonathan is a highly experienced professional bringing to his role as Teaching and Learning Lead a wealth of knowledge accumulated over 20 years in the field. His diverse teaching background spans mainstream, PRU, and alternative educational settings, with a primary focus on assisting young individuals with special educational needs, mental health complexities, and challenging behavioural patterns. Possessing credentials as a dyslexia instructor and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo), Jonathan has a notable 15-year tenure within the SENDCo domain. Additionally, he has assumed responsibilities as a Science subject lead and Key Stage 4 progress coordinator, demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to advancing student progression. Jonathan’s unwavering passion lies in empowering young learners to overcome obstacles, fostering an environment where they can thrive and achieve success in their future academic pursuits.
Deb is an esteemed professional within the educational sector, currently holding the key roles of Personal Assistant to the Head Teacher, Data Manager, and Examinations Officer at Endeavour Academy. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the field of education, Deb brings a profound wealth of experience and expertise to her diverse roles. Her responsibilities encompass crucial school governance support, where she plays a central role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of administrative functions, providing essential support to the school’s leadership team. Deb’s unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and exceptional organisational skills make her an indispensable asset to the school community, driving forward its success and continual advancement.
Receptionist / Administrator
Prior to starting at Endeavour, Emma has over 20 years’ experience working in Customer Service. This includes roles at two busy GP surgeries within the NHS as a medical Receptionist/Administrator. Emma’s extensive background equips her with a diverse skill set, encompassing the efficient management of front desk operations, coordination of administrative tasks, and provision of exceptional customer care. With a strong focus on communication, she excels in building rapport with individuals and delivering professional services. Emma consistently demonstrates her proficiency as the primary point of contact, ensuring a welcoming and efficient experience for all she interacts with.
Laura, a graduate from The University of Sunderland with a 2:1 BA Hons in English Literature and Creative Writing, went on to obtain her PGCE and qualified teacher status. Following a short experience in mainstream education, Laura has found her passion in special educational needs provision, currently serving as an assistant SENDCO and English Literature Teacher. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to supporting learners in achieving their full potential. Laura fosters a ‘can do’ attitude among her students, aiming to create an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.
Family Liaison Worker
Alison brings over 30 years of experience in working with young people, beginning her career as a qualified Youth and Community Worker and later transitioning to a significant tenure in the Early Help Team. Her vast wealth of knowledge and expertise equips her to address a diverse array of challenges effectively.
Having served in East Durham for many years, Alison has fostered strong partnerships with external agencies to implement interventions that bolster family support systems. Her focus on collaborative efforts, community initiatives, enhancement of parental and carer mental well-being, as well as the facilitation of connections between home and school underscore her commitment to holistic and impactful educational practices.
Prior to joining Endeavour Academy, Louise attended East Durham College to pursue her career in Performing Arts after leaving school. She then continued her academic journey at The University of Sunderland, where she achieved her BA Hons degree. In 2017, Louise furthered her education by studying for her PGCE, specialising in SEN.
During her time at Endeavour Academy, Louise has not only grown professionally, but also personally, attaining Level 6 Careers Advisor status, her confidence and abilities have developed significantly. Her vibrant presence in the classroom has earned her the affectionate nickname ‘The Rainbow’, symbolising her radiant personality and engaging teaching style. Louise’s dedication to education and her commitment to her students make her a valuable asset to the school community. Louise leads on post-16 transition, work experience, and travel training, she also delivers weekly Employability lessons and provides personalised support to each learner throughout their time with us.
Gillian is a natural caregiver, she has developed a strong knowledge base encompassing Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Gillian is adept at providing tailored support to individual learners.
Having attained a Level 3 qualification in Counselling skills, and more recently undertaking Mental Health Lead training and Mental Health First Aid, Gillian is equipped with the expertise to understand and address the unique challenges faced by students. Furthermore, she has enhanced her skill set by pursuing training to deliver First Aid training to others, which brings her great satisfaction. Gillian’s commitment to continuous professional development and her passion for nurturing students’ holistic development has been evident in her growing competence and confidence throughout her tenure with Endeavour.
Steven is a dedicated educator with a background in Crime Scene Science from Teesside University, graduating in 2010. With a focus on the intersection of science and maths, Steven has been imparting his knowledge as a teacher since 2011 across various schools in the North East, engaging with students of diverse backgrounds. In the classroom, Steven instills the importance of the subjects by illustrating their relevance to a multitude of career paths, fostering a broader interest in science and maths. Encouraging a mindset of personal best rather than comparison, Steven cultivates a supportive learning environment. Beyond academics, Steven’s enthusiasm for games has led him to establish and lead extra-curricular clubs within schools, contributing significantly to the social, literacy, and numeracy development of students.
Valerie is an experienced educator with a background in biochemistry, she obtained her degree and doctorate in the 1990s, gaining valuable experience through hands-on developmental biology laboratory research in both the UK and the USA. After taking a career break, Valerie pursued a new path, achieving her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in secondary science. She is committed to inspiring pupils by connecting them with the world around them and showcasing the everyday relevance of science. Valerie’s teaching approach is characterised by creativity and imagination, allowing students to explore and understand complex scientific principles in engaging ways. Her passion for science education drives her to create an enriching learning experience that empowers students to embrace the wonders of the natural world.
Michael is a dedicated education professional specialising in teaching students with learning difficulties and disabilities, he holds a PGCE with Distinction. His experience spans across mainstream, PRU, and alternative provision schools, advocating for a diverse, engaging, and student-centered curriculum that prioritises inclusion and achievement. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment, Michael integrates his passion for sports into his educational practice by organising extra-curricular activities for both staff and students, emphasising the importance of promoting health and well-being. With a proven track record of bringing out the best in his students, Michael stands as a knowledgeable and compassionate educator dedicated to the success and well-being of all learners.
Ruby is an experienced educator with over 20 years of dedicated service in a variety of Early Years, Primary, and Secondary schools across Scotland and England. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with students and families facing diverse additional needs such as ASD, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy, displaying a high level of skill and compassion. Ruby holds an HNC in Early Education and Childcare from Edinburgh College and has actively pursued continuous professional development through various training courses focused on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), managing challenging behaviours, and providing classroom mentoring. Since joining the school, Ruby has demonstrated significant growth in various professional aspects and exhibits unwavering commitment towards personal growth and facilitating success for both herself and others.
Learning Mentor/LSA
Georgia is a dedicated performing arts teacher with a BA Hons degree in Dance from Sunderland University. She possesses over five years of experience teaching students of various age groups at PQA. Currently, Georgia is thrilled to extend her expertise to all the students at Endeavour Academy. Primarily situated within the Science department, Georgia also actively participates in supporting the Student Council, organising Prom events, providing travel training, the school breakfast club, and student rewards. With a strong commitment to fostering holistic student development, Georgia brings creativity and passion to her role, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education enriched with opportunities for growth and success.
Learning Mentor/LSA
Sherri holds a BSc in Sociology and an MSc in Criminology from Teesside University. Her professional journey led her to a specialist SEN school, where she honed her skills in catering to a diverse range of learners, with a particular focus on individuals across the autism spectrum and those with ADHD.
Recognised for her passion for acknowledging and incentivising student progress, Sherri’s approach resonates well with learners, fostering motivation and engagement in the classroom. Committed to advancing her career within the realm of education, Sherri is dedicated to continuous professional development and the enhancement of learning outcomes for her students.
Learning Mentor/LSA
Paul has a wealth of experience in the field of education, spanning over 30 years. His career includes significant roles at the Department for Education and a prestigious multi-academy trust. Currently, Paul is a dedicated member of the pastoral team at Endeavour School, where he focuses on enhancing student engagement in lessons and fostering positive behaviours.
Although still new to the classroom side of education, driven by a profound passion for his work, Paul is committed to ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. He believes in creating a nurturing environment where students feel supported and motivated to excel academically and personally. Through his dedication and expertise, Paul strives to inspire a love for learning and a desire for growth in all students under his care.
A Free School providing, safe, supportive care for young people experiencing social and emotional issues in mainstream education.