Our People MAT Leaderships Team (ID 1231)

• Debra Rutley
  Chief Executive Officer
  Debra Rutley

  Debra admits that she didn't have a positive experience at school and that this has influenced the teacher and leader that she is today working within Alternative Provision. After graduating in Theology from Leeds University, Debra went into teaching, moving to Alternative Provision in 2002 as Deputy Head of The Wycombe Grange Pupil Referral Unit. Debra became Headteacher of Aspire Alternative Provision in 2012 when The Wycombe Grange merged with another Buckinghamshire PRU. In 2015, Debra was appointed Executive Headteacher of Aspire Schools, a Multi Academy Trust with, at that time, 4 sites, before taking on the role of CEO in 2021.

  Today, Debra is a part-time CEO and an advocate for Flexible Working, as well as a champion of Leading with Love in order to get the best out of children and staff.

• Morgan Bone
  Chief Finance Officer
  Morgan Bone

  Morgan joined Aspire Schools in September 2026. Having worked as a voluntary trustee for another education trust since 2022, he saw first-hand the positive impact that committed and strategic education management can have on the lives of children and young people. This experience inspired him to pursue a full-time career in education management.
  
  Morgan originally qualified as an accountant with PwC, working in the financial services sector, before going on to hold a number of senior positions at HSBC and Virgin. He subsequently moved into education and joined Aspire Schools.
  
  He is a graduate in Sociology and Politics. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys running and spending time learning more about the history and music of the blues.

• Alan Fletcher
  Deputy Chief Executive Officer
  Alan Fletcher

Trust Leads (ID 1269)

• Polly Kempson
  Executive Lead for Safeguarding
  Polly Kempson

  Polly started her teaching career as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher working across schools within the mainstream sector. In 2016 she moved into the special education sector becoming Deputy Headteacher of an outstanding specialist provision for children and young people with neurodisabilies, completing her NPQSL in 2020 and chairing the Pdnet Home Counties Group between 2017 and 2022.

  Joining Aspire in 2022, has allowed Polly to bring her SEND and safeguarding experience to support children attending our AP provision. She successfully completed her NPQH in December 2024.

  Polly believes that all young people should have the opportunity to explore their creativity and build agency to write their own story. Outside work, Polly is an active member of the Bucks Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, working to ensure that these traditional skills are kept alive and thrive.

• Kate Baptiste
  Trust Lead for Behaviour Management & Student Support
  Kate Baptiste

  Kate has worked at Aspire Schools for 16 years, serving 11 of those as Head of School at CSEC before stepping into the Trust Lead for Behaviour Management & Student Support. She is passionate about developing consistent, positive practices that help students thrive, drawing on both her professional expertise and her own personal experiences.

  Kate holds a MA in youth justice and criminology and is also a Designated Safeguarding Lead and an Intermediate Team Teach tutor for Aspire Schools.

• Tracey McNicholas
  Destinations & Careers Advisor
  Tracey McNicholas

  Tracey has been an integral part of Aspire Schools for many years, serving as our Destinations and Careers Adviser. She is deeply committed to guiding our young people as they take their next steps, whether that involves enrolling in a local college course, undertaking meaningful work experience, or pursuing an apprenticeship to further develop their skills. Tracey takes great pride in supporting each student on their journey, ensuring they have the confidence and opportunities to thrive.

• Andrew Burton
  Interim School Support Lead
  Andrew Burton

Our People Aspire AP School Leadership Team (ID 1235)

• Andrew Burton
  Executive Headteacher of Aspire Alternative Provision
  Andrew Burton

  Andrew Burton joined Aspire in February 2023, having served for over 20 years in mainstream and PRU/Alternative Provision (AP) settings around the UK. He began his educational career, as a Modern Foreign Language Teacher, and has held various roles within a school setting, including KS4 Phase Leader, Assistant Headteacher, Headteacher and Executive Headteacher of the City of Manchester Learning Partnership.

  Andrew has completed an MA in Educational Change Management and has achieved his NPQH with Ambition Institute. He is an Intermediate Team Teach tutor and has delivered support to mainstream Schools and PRU/APs on managing and understanding behaviour. He is currently undertaking the EMCC Practitioner Award in Coaching.

  Andrew lives in Buckinghamshire with his family. He enjoys playing golf and is a keen supporter of Aston Villa Football Club.

• Jessica Robinson
  Interim Headteacher of Aspire Alternative Provision
  Jessica Robinson

Our People Aspire AP site Leadership Team (ID 1267)

• Jessica Robinson
  Head of School - Blueprint
  Jessica Robinson

  With over 15 years experience in education, through both primary and secondary school settings, Jessica is well equipped to lead our Aylesbury site. As a qualified SENCO, she has been privileged to champion inclusivity and support for students with diverse needs. Jessica's passion lies in crafting a holistic educational experience that goes beyond textbooks - nurturing skills and values essential for life beyond the classroom.

• Sarah Hassell
  Deputy Head & SENCo - Blueprint
  Sarah Hassell

  Sarah has been in mainstream education for 20 years and has extensive knowledge and understanding of supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities. She has been a qualified SENDCO since 2009 in two mainstream secondary schools across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Sarah is passionate about relational practice and removing barriers that help empower young people to achieve success.

• Polly Kempson
  Head of School - CSEC
  Polly Kempson

  Polly started her teaching career as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher working across schools within the mainstream sector. In 2016 she moved into the special education sector becoming Deputy Headteacher of an outstanding specialist provision for children and young people with neurodisabilies, completing her NPQSL in 2020 and chairing the Pdnet Home Counties Group between 2017 and 2022.

  Joining Aspire in 2022, has allowed Polly to bring her SEND and safeguarding experience to support children attending our AP provision. She successfully completed her NPQH in December 2024.

  Polly believes that all young people should have the opportunity to explore their creativity and build agency to write their own story. Outside work, Polly is an active member of the Bucks Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, working to ensure that these traditional skills are kept alive and thrive.

• Tracie Thompson
  Interim Deputy Head of School & SENCo
  Tracie Thompson

• Hannah Eley - (Currently on secondment from Aspire Schools for 2026-2027)
  Deputy Head of School & SENCo - CSEC
  Hannah Eley - (Currently on secondment from Aspire Schools for 2026-2027)

  Hannah moved to CSEC in early 2023 having previously held the role of Head of Maths for Aspire and had been based at Blueprint in Aylesbury for five years. Before this she has worked in special education and mainstream schools for over ten years.

• Tammy Nichols
  Head of School - The Wycombe Grange
  Tammy Nichols

  Tammy has worked for Aspire for over 12 years, spending most of that time as Head of School at The Wycombe Grange. She leads with a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), drawing from both her personal and professional experiences. A dedicated leader with a deep passion for creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. Tammy has spent those years to empower students who may not thrive in traditional educational settings. With a strong commitment to fostering resilience, confidence, and independence, Tammy is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom. Her own journey has shaped her passion for supporting students who face adversity, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has the tools to succeed.

  With a Post Graduate Degree in Careers Education and Guidance, Tammy has spent some time as Strategic Lead for Aspire, setting up a Careers Education Programme across the Trust to meet the needs of our diverse students which will empower them to go on achieve their full potential.

• Mark Collins
  Deputy Head of School & Senior Leader for SEND - The Wycombe Grange
  Mark Collins

  As the Deputy Head of School and Senior Leader responsible for SEND, Mark brings extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities. With a Science teaching background of almost 20 years, he is committed to raising pupil outcomes and driving school improvement.Working closely with the Head of School, Mark is eager to drive strategic initiatives, enhance the overall educational experience, and promote a positive school culture.He is passionate about fostering a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment that enables every student to thrive.

• Jessica Walker
  Interim Assistant Head - The Wycombe Grange
  Jessica Walker

  Jessica has worked in education for 12 years and is deeply committed to ensuring all young people feel a strong sense of belonging, are valued and are supported to achieve their full potential. Her career began as an Autism specialist within a specialist provision in a mainstream school, where she developed a passion for inclusive practice and student-centred support.
  
  She progressed into pastoral leadership, serving as both Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and Head of Year, gaining extensive experience in student wellbeing, behaviour, and safeguarding.
  
  Jessica holds the NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture, is a qualified Team Teach Tutor, and currently serves as Assistant Head and DDSL at The Wycombe Grange. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

Aspire AP Outreach (ID 1270)

• Sara Verity
  Outreach Team Leader
  Sara Verity

  Sara Joined the Outreach team at Aspire 10 years ago and has been Team leader for the past 8 years, she comes from a background in supporting children and young adults with learning needs and as a Pastoral Head of Year in mainstream school.
  Sara is committed to supporting young people who find mainstream school difficult to navigate, giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns and empowering them to make positive choices for themselves allowing them building their Oracy skills and confidence therefore enabling them to find their own voice.

Our People - Shortenills School SLT (ID 1274)

• Jake Brindley
  Headteacher of Shortenills Specialist Provision
  Jake Brindley

  Jake's career in education has always been rooted in relationships, creativity, and the belief that every child deserves a champion. He began teaching youth theatre at university before training in Nottinghamshire, teaching Drama and English in inner-city schools. After qualifying in a specialist school for children with Autism, he moved into SEMH and Alternative Provision, where he found his passion for creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can flourish.

  He has held leadership roles across a Trust in Lincolnshire and, more recently, within Aspire Alternative Provision as the Director of Learning and now as the Headteacher of Shortenills. He is always driven by a commitment to inclusive practice, high expectations, and the power of positive relationships. Jake believes that trust and care are the foundations of learning, and that with the right support every young person can succeed.

  Jake has recently achieved his NPQH with Best Practice. Outside of school, he is a keen reader, lifelong learner, and devoted dog lover.

Shortenills Leadership Teams (ID 1253)

• Jo Hodge
  Head of School - Shortenills Abbey
  Jo Hodge

  Jo joined Aspire in September 2022 at Shortenills in Chalfont St Giles. With 24 years of experience in mainstream schools, she has recently focused more on the pastoral side of education as a Head of Year. Jo finds it a privilege to work with such amazing young people in a small, relationship-driven environment. She supported the first cohort on the FMV curriculum for a term and now continues her Aspire journey as Head of School for the newly opened Shortenills Abbey which opened in April 2024. Jo is excited to see this provision grow and watch the pupils flourish.

• Liz Wolfenden
  Head of School - Shortenills Forest
  Liz Wolfenden

  Liz has almost 20 years of experience in teaching and senior leadership across two mainstream secondary schools. She has been a qualified SENDCO since 2016 and is passionate that all students have the right to an education that allows them to feel successful. She joined Aspire as a class teacher and SENDCO in January 2023, and from January 2024 takes up the position of Head of School, to continue in her endeavours to provide the students at Shortenills with excellent child-centred education.

• Natalie Griffiths
  Deputy Head of School & SENCo - Shortenills Forest
  Natalie Griffiths

  Natalie is an experienced educator with over 10 years working in alternative and special education. Qualified as a SENCo in 2022, she is dedicated to supporting all students in accessing education, while developing their personal and social skills in a nurturing environment. With a background in science teaching, she continues to foster curiosity, achievement, and confidence through both practical and traditional learning approaches. As Deputy Head, Natalie is committed to working with both staff and students to create a strong sense of belonging and enthusiasm to come to Shortenills each day.

• Vicky Mote
  Interim Deputy Head of School - Shortenills Forest
  Vicky Mote

  Vicky has 14 years of experience in secondary education across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including over 10 years working in middle leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting pupils to achieve their potential and develop confidence in their abilities.
  
  She completed her NPQ SENCO training in 2026, further developing her knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and how best to support every child to succeed. Vicky has been part of Shortenills for the past two years as a class teacher, where she has enjoyed building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
  
  She is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, encouraged and able to thrive. Outside of work, Vicky enjoys running and yoga.

• Rachel Arthur
  Interim Deputy Head of School - Shortenills Forest
  Rachel Arthur

  Rachel has worked in education for over 10 years, gaining experience in teaching, middle leadership, and senior leadership across two mainstream secondary schools. Throughout her career, she has championed the pastoral wellbeing of pupils and, as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, served as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Rachel is a strong advocate of a child-centred approach, ensuring that every pupil feels valued.
  
  Rachel joined Shortenills Forest in September 2025 as a Class Teacher. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where all pupils can reach their full potential. With a strong focus on high-quality teaching and learning, Rachel strives to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

• Rebecca Brooks
  Head of School - Shortenills House
  Rebecca Brooks

  Rebecca's education journey started 29 years ago at Amersham College, teaching BTEC and A-Level Media and Communication Studies. After moving to Harrow College in 2001 and Tring Secondary School in 2008, she took a break in 2015 to work with CWP, supporting teachers in drug and sex education. In 2018, Rebecca joined Aspire, teaching PSHE and becoming PSHE Department Head and Mental Health Lead at Blueprint. By 2022, she moved to Aspire's Medical Provision as Teaching and Learning Lead, developing PSHE programs. In January 2024, Rebecca became the Interim Head of School at Orchard House followed by a joint appointment as Head of School with Anna Newbold from September 2024. Together, they passionately support their students and strive to provide exceptional, personalized education at Orchard House.

• Anna Newbold
  Head of School - Shortenills House
  Anna Newbold

  Anna began her teaching career in 2008 with Teach First after volunteering in Ethiopia, where she discovered the power of education. She started as an English teacher in Ealing, quickly advancing to deputy head of English and Head of Learning, focusing on pastoral care. In 2013, she transitioned to Medical Alternative Provision in Barnet, establishing a teaching base for secondary students with mental health challenges. Promoted to Assistant Head and Head of School, she led Teaching and Learning across an academy trust. After relocating to Buckinghamshire in 2022, she joined Orchard House as an English teacher, and by September 2024, became Head of School alongside Rebecca Brooks. Together, they nurture and support students to re-engage with education, enhancing their well-being and self-esteem.