Natalie

Deputy Headteacher

(SLT)

Since 2018, I have dedicated my career to working in Special Educational Needs (SEN), progressing from a Teaching Assistant to my current role as Deputy Headteacher. Supporting young people through education is a deep passion of mine, and I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces where every pupil can access learning, feel valued, and thrive.

I have been part of The Tower School team since 2021, where we work tirelessly to provide a nurturing and structured environment tailored to the needs of our pupils. Our aim is not only to support academic development but also to prepare our young people for life beyond school. We focus on helping our pupils become ready, respectful, and safe — principles that underpin their ability to reach meaningful outcomes and grow into confident, independent adults.

If you’d like to connect or just say hi, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Madeleine

Assistant Headteacher

(SLT)

My passion for inclusive, empowering education has led me to work within mainstream and specialist settings, to complete a Master’s in Teaching & Learning at the University of Oxford and to qualify as a SENCo. 

As Assistant Head for Curriculum and Exams, I’m committed to ensuring every pupil has access to a personalised, accessible and meaningful education. I care deeply about the holistic progress and wellbeing of our pupils and work closely with families to ensure the right support is in place at every stage.

The Tower School is a place where everyone is seen and valued for who they are, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works together to celebrate and unlock the full potential of every individual.

Aygul

Administration Manager

(SLT)

As the Administrative Manager at The Tower School, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operational functions that ensure the school runs efficiently and effectively. My role involves providing essential support so that both staff and pupils have access to the resources necessary to facilitate a positive educational experience.

What I find most rewarding about working at The Tower School is witnessing the meaningful impact we have on our pupils’ development. Observing their growth in confidence and life skills is a powerful reminder of the value of our work and the difference we make in their lives.

I am dedicated to maintaining a supportive and well-organised environment that enables our pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

(SLT)

With many years of dedicated teaching experience, I have built my career around supporting children with special educational needs and fostering inclusive, experiential learning environments. I am passionate about creating opportunities for every child to thrive, I combine my expertise in SEN education with a deep commitment to outdoor learning—believing strongly in the power of nature to inspire, regulate, and empower young minds.

Working with students who have additional needs has taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and empathy. I take pride in creating inclusive learning environments where each child can progress at their own pace, feel safe, and develop confidence in who they are. Beyond the classroom, I advocate for accessible education and work closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each student receives the support they deserve.

I continue to develop my practice through ongoing training in environmental approaches and inclusive practice. My work reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity, always guided by the individual strengths and needs of the pupils.

Clinical Lead and OT

(SLT)

I’m passionate about helping children and young people build the tools they need to feel regulated, confident, and understood so they can access learning in a way that works best for them. My background includes working in both mainstream and specialist settings, supporting students to develop their confidence, independence, and sense of wellbeing. I’m really happy to be part of such a supportive and inclusive school community.

At The Tower School, my role involves helping young people develop the skills they need to feel calm, confident, and ready to learn through an Occupational Therapy lens. I enjoy focusing on the whole person, addressing their needs, motivations, and helping them thrive. I work closely with staff to ensure that therapeutic strategies are embedded into daily routines and the wider school environment. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside young people, helping them navigate their school day and reach their goals in a way that feel meaningful to them.

As a Clinical Lead, I support the therapy team in creating a joined up,  pupil-centred approach across the school. I believe that small adjustments can make a big difference, and I’m especially committed and passionate about neuroaffirming practice and creating spaces where every young person feels understood, respected and celebrated.

Senior Leader

(SLT)

It has been a great pleasure to recently join the Senior Leadership Team at The Tower School, whilst awaiting the forthcoming launch of a new Options Autism school in Essex. This will be a new school in Colchester called River Mill School, which I am privileged to be the Deputy Headteacher for.

On joining The Tower School, I quickly realised that it was a very special place to be and I am so thankful to all the staff and pupils for the warm welcome shown; it says so much about the kind and wholehearted nature of the school. Being immersed in the openly outstanding practice and culture has made my time at Tower so far a complete joy.

My background in specialist teaching started nearly 19 years ago, in a large all-through special school for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. A few years later, I moved into a leadership position at the school, where until recently I worked for 14 years as Head of Learning for Early Years, Primary and Pre-Formal/Informal Learning Pathways. I also specialise in Early English and Phonics and I am a SEN Specialist Leader of Education, which has enabled me to provide outreach support to mainstream settings where needed.

I have always been continually inspired by the children I work with, who I have never stopped learning from. It is my motivation to provide the very best education for every single child, preparing them for life and giving them the best possible opportunities for their bright future. I am driven by the ambition that every child has the right and the potential to thrive at school, in a happy, therapeutic, aspirational environment, underpinned by respectful and trusting relationships.

Alison

Positive Behaviour Lead

Hema

Family Liaison Officer

Ellie

Positive Behaviour Practitioner

My journey into teaching has been a long one. Just over 30 years ago I decided to dedicate my life to the world of Education….and if I had the chance to start all over again, I would not change a single thing. Over the years, I have worked in Primary, Secondary and Adult education and taught English, Maths, Ethics & Philosophy and ASDAN. My specialist area is SPLD in Dyslexia and learning difficulties and I am a qualified OCR examiner in psychometric testing.

I am now on my 3rd year at The Tower School, and my pedagogical journey is growing and developing every day. As Lead Teacher in Maths and a Middle Leader of the school, I feel I have fulfilled my goals. I enjoy working at this level and being supportive and resourceful to all members of staff.

Most of all, the Tower children are an inspiration to me and they have been very rewarding to teach. I cherish every day, like my first, and I endeavour to make every step of their journey, a memorable one.

Danielle

English Lead and Middle Manager/PSHE Teacher

Gemma

English Teacher

My teaching career started many years ago after working in the banking industry for nine years. I soon realised I had found my right path, never looking back from my move to a teaching career which I have found entirely rewarding.

Interested in learning how teaching with outstanding outcomes occurs in other cultures, I taught abroad in Singapore and Shanghai, China. On moving back to England, my teaching led me to teach across Comprehensive Schools and Grammar Schools, where alongside teaching English I also worked as Head of EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Whole School Literacy Coordinator. Additionally, during Covid, I merged both my banking and teaching skills together to deliver Corporate Training.

I have been at The Tower School for almost four years, starting just a few months after it first opened. It has been wonderful to be a part of the school changing and growing over the years. I teach English at the school and seeing the pupils progress and develop brings so much personal and professional fulfilment.

Caitlin

English Teacher

Mary

SEN Teacher

I joined The Tower School in 2021 and it has been a genuine pleasure to see the school grow and go from strength to strength in this time. It has been wonderful to see the school flourish and become the Outstanding provision that it is.

My journey in specialist education started over 20 years ago. Prior to Tower, I worked as an Executive Head across two special schools, focusing on vast school improvements and raising standards.

Moving to Tower enabled me to focus on what is most important – the quality of teaching and learning and all-important family time. I am now delighted to lead the Nurture provision in Lantern Class. We focus on life-skill development and learning outside of the classroom, supporting pupils to reach their potential and become independent young adults.

Evie

SEN Teacher

Megan

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

I come from a background working in respite foster care and SEND in the Early years. This experience, combined with knowledge gained from my Psychology degree, means I bring with me a particular understanding of trauma informed care. It is this practice that is prioritised at Tower that drew me to work here.

I joined The Tower School in 2022, starting as an Autism Practitioner in Key Stage 3 before moving into my current role as HLTA. I also work within the Inclusion Team providing pastoral sessions to our pupils that centre around mental health and well-being. Additionally, I am the schools Designated Mental Health Lead and am qualified in Mental Health First Aid, dedicating my practice beyond our classroom; extending to staff, parents and our wider community.

If you are passionate about the school’s commitment to being a mentally healthy provision or would like to be a part of our growing Mental Health Action Group, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Everybody that walks through our doors; pupils, staff and visitors are welcomed for who they are and who they want to be. I believe that each individual pupil has something unique and wonderful to contribute to the world and that The Tower helps them learn the skills to share that with others confidently.

Chloe

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mia

Autism Practitioner

Jake

Autism Practitioner

Lizzie

Autism Practitioner

It has been wonderful dedicating my career so far in supporting pupils with SEN. I completed a Level 3 T-Level qualification in Childcare and Education, which led me to supporting children with additional needs across school and nursery settings.

I then joined The Tower School two years ago, where I have found it so rewarding to support the pupils to progress and hit their targets.

I have worked in most classes over the years and I am now based in our Nurture provision. This focuses on the development of life skills, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am really looking forward to starting my third year at Tower, supporting Lantern class.

Yulia

Autism Practitioner

Daniel

Autism Practitioner

Archie

Autism Practitioner

Kerri

Autism Practitioner

Morgan

Autism Practitioner

Taylor

Autism Practitioner

James

Autism Practitioner

Samantha

Psychotherapist

I am a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist, having completed my training in 2014. Since then, I have worked in a range of settings, including schools, the NHS, and end-of-life care, with a particular focus on supporting emotional wellbeing in challenging environments.

I have been part of The Tower School since it first opened and continue to feel privileged to work with such a diverse and inspiring group of young people. I’m passionate about helping pupils thrive by creating a safe, supportive space where they feel seen, heard and empowered. I believe every child has the potential to grow and succeed when given the right environment, and I am committed to supporting each one on their unique journey.

Victoria

Therapy Assistant

Sharon

Administrator

Allison

Administrator

Tosun

Facilities Manager

With a background that spans over a decade in the police force, followed by running my own construction business, I later found my passion in education, working as a teacher supporting young adults with ASENT and special educational needs. I taught DT, Sport, Maths, History, and Health and Nutrition, gaining valuable insight into how to support diverse learning needs.

I joined Tower just over a year ago as Facilities Manager, where I am also responsible for the health and safety of the entire school, ensuring that both pupils and staff are supported in a secure and compliant environment.

Working at Tower is genuinely a pleasure, it’s an amazing place filled with dedication, care, and a strong sense of community. I feel proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference in the lives of the pupils. I take great pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-organised environment that allows every pupil to thrive. I believe that when children feel safe, respected, and supported, they’re empowered to achieve their full potential.

Yassine

Chef

Lucy

Kitchen Assistant