SLT (ID 1585)

• Dr Jeffery Quaye, OBE, PhD
  CEO
  Dr Jeffery Quaye, OBE, PhD

  In 2026, Jeffery was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Arco Academy. He is a highly experienced educational leader with a distinguished track record of driving school improvement and raising standards across complex educational organisations. Prior to this appointment, he served as National Director of Education, Standards and Quality for a multi-academy trust comprising sixteen primary and secondary schools.
  Jeffery has held several senior leadership positions at regional and national level, including Regional Chief Executive Officer and Director of Standards and Effectiveness. Earlier in his career, he served as Headteacher of the 11–18 City of London Academy (Southwark), where he led with a strong commitment to academic rigour, equity, and excellence, ensuring that all students were supported to achieve ambitious outcomes.
  A specialist in mathematics education, Jeffery is both an Advanced Skills Teacher and a Chartered Mathematics Teacher. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics Education from Brunel University London, alongside a Master of Arts in Education (Distinction). He also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and the Professional Qualification for School Inspectors. His academic work includes publications and peer reviews in leading journals, with research interests spanning Bourdieu's social field theory, and issues of social class, gender, race, and equity in mathematics education.
  Jeffery's expertise encompasses school improvement, curriculum design, assessment, teaching and learning, and leadership development. He is widely recognised for his commitment to improving educational outcomes, particularly for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and for championing high expectations and inclusive practice.
  At a national level, Jeffery has contributed extensively to education policy. He has served as a policy advisor to the UK Government at the Department for Education, contributing to key initiatives including the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, the Review of Behaviour and School Exclusions in England, and the development of leadership frameworks for multi-academy trust chief executives. He also has significant experience as a former Ofsted Lead Inspector and was appointed by the UK Government to Ofsted's National Expert Reference Group for Curriculum, Teaching and Assessment, where he contributed to the development of the 2025 Education Inspection Framework.
  In recognition of his expertise, Jeffery serves as an external expert in mathematics for Ofqual and as an external examiner for master's degree programmes at the University of Oxford and Coventry University. He is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and contributes to governance as both a trustee of a multi-academy trust in the East of England and Vice Chair of Governors of an academy in Kent.
  Jeffery's national impact has been recognised through the award of an OBE for services to education in King Charles III's first New Year Honours list, and the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Hertfordshire in 2023.

• Chelsey Leighton
  Principal and SENCO
  Chelsey Leighton

  Chelsey Leighton is the Principal of Arco Academy and brings over 15 years of experience across specialist and mainstream education. Throughout her career, she has remained driven by one unwavering belief: every child deserves ambitious opportunities, genuine belonging and the right support to fulfil their potential.

  Having begun her career supporting pupils in specialist education before progressing through teaching and senior leadership roles, Chelsey has extensive experience in safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum development and whole-school improvement. A qualified Mathematics teacher and NASENCO, she has previously served as Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, championing inclusive practice and ensuring the highest standards of care for vulnerable young people.

  Sport has played a defining role in Chelsey's life. A former Arsenal Women player and current grassroots football coach, she has experienced first-hand the power of sport to build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. This passion aligns closely with Arco Academy's holistic, therapeutic and sports-specialist approach to education.

  As Principal, Chelsey is committed to building on Arco's strong foundations, ensuring every student receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to succeed, while continuing to grow the academy's outstanding provision for young people and their families.

• Roxanne Osgood
  Vice Principal and Curriculum Lead
  Roxanne Osgood

  Hello! My name is Roxanne Osgood and I am proud to serve as Vice Principal at Arco Academy. I am passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every young person feels valued, respected and inspired to become the best version of themselves.

  Having worked across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, I have led Teaching and Learning, Curriculum, Assessment and Safeguarding, developing a strong understanding of how children learn and progress. My broad primary experience enables me to quickly identify gaps in knowledge and implement effective strategies to help students make strong progress. I am particularly passionate about supporting young people with diverse needs and ensuring every student has access to high-quality education and the support they need to thrive.

  I believe in the power of positive relationships and high expectations to help young people succeed. By working closely with students, families and staff, I strive to foster confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning. I hold a PGCE in Primary Education from theUCL Institute of Education, a BA (Hons) in History from Goldsmiths, University of London, the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and I am currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

  I look forward to working in partnership with our students, families and wider community to help every young person flourish and reach their full potential.

• Myles Burgess
  Assistant Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  Myles Burgess

  Hello! My name is Myles Burgess and I am proud to serve as Assistant Principal (DSL) at Arco Academy. I am passionate about creating a school where every young person feels safe, valued and genuinely believes they can succeed, no matter where they have come from or the challenges they have faced.

  Throughout my career, I have worked across secondary education as an English teacher, Head of Year, Head of Transition and Designated Safeguarding Lead. These roles have given me the privilege of supporting hundreds of young people through some of the most important and challenging moments in their lives. I firmly believe that behaviour is a form of communication and that, with the right support, consistency and care, every young person has the potential to thrive.

  I hold a BA (Hons) in English Literature, a PGCE in Secondary English and the National Professional Qualification in Behaviour and Culture (NPQBC). I am also a Level 5 trained Designated Safeguarding Lead and remain deeply committed to every young person.

  I feel incredibly proud to be part of the Arco Academy community and look forward to working in partnership with our students, families and staff to ensure every young person leaves us with the confidence, resilience and ambition to achieve their very best.'

• Kazia Fisher-Mantej
  School Business Manager
  Kazia Fisher-Mantej

  Kazia Fisher-Mantej joins Arco Academy as School Business Manager, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the education sector. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in school leadership, business management, and operations, ensuring that schools are well organised, efficiently managed, and able to provide the highest quality educational experience for every pupil.

  Kazia holds a Degree in Professional Practice, specialising in Special Educational Needs (SEN). This has strengthened her commitment to inclusive education and her belief that every child should have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, nurturing, and ambitious learning environment.

  As School Business Manager, Kazia is passionate about working collaboratively with pupils, families, staff, governors, and the wider community to ensure that Arco Academy provides an exceptional environment in which every young person can achieve their full potential. She is delighted to be joining the Arco Academy team and looks forward to contributing to the school's continued success and development.

Teachers (ID 1188)

Support Staff (ID 1242)

Lead Therapist (ID 1296)

• Susanna Frealand
  Lead Therapist
  Susanna Frealand

  Susanna Frealand is an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist with over 17 years' experience working therapeutically with children, young people and families across primary and secondary schools and specialist educational settings. With more than a decade of experience as an Integrative Psychotherapist, she also has expertise in organising and facilitating therapeutic nature-based sessions for school groups and looked-after children.

  Susanna takes a holistic, child-centred approach, placing the therapeutic relationship at the heart of her work. She provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment in which young people can explore and express their thoughts and feelings through conversation, creativity and play. Her approach aims to foster self-awareness, emotional understanding and a stronger sense of connection with themselves and the world around them.

  Susanna is passionate about working collaboratively with young people to help them make sense of their experiences, recognise and communicate their needs, and develop the confidence to advocate for themselves. She is also mindful of the influence of social identity on young people's everyday lives and is committed to ensuring that each individual feels understood, valued and supported.

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  Lucy Warren is a creative psychotherapist with a particular interest in how young people's environments, relationships and opportunities for connection influence their emotional wellbeing. She has experience working with children, adolescents and young adults aged 4–25 across educational, local authority and clinical settings.

  Throughout her career, Lucy has supported looked-after children and young people affected by, or at risk of, violence, as well as those experiencing complex emotional, social and relational difficulties. Her work focuses on understanding each young person's individual experiences and the wider factors that shape their emotional wellbeing, relationships and development.

  As a former gymnast and dancer, Lucy has a longstanding appreciation of the importance of sport and movement in promoting wellbeing. She also taught fitness for many years alongside her therapeutic work. This experience informs her interest in the relationship between physical activity, emotional expression and connection.

  Lucy is passionate about helping young people feel understood, develop meaningful relationships and access the support they need to navigate challenges and thrive.

• Lucy Warren
  Psychotherapist
  Lucy Warren

  Lucy Warren is a creative psychotherapist with a particular interest in how young people's environments, relationships and opportunities for connection influence their emotional wellbeing. She has experience working with children, adolescents and young adults aged 4–25 across educational, local authority and clinical settings.

  Throughout her career, Lucy has supported looked-after children and young people affected by, or at risk of, violence, as well as those experiencing complex emotional, social and relational difficulties. Her work focuses on understanding each young person's individual experiences and the wider factors that shape their emotional wellbeing, relationships and development.

  As a former gymnast and dancer, Lucy has a longstanding appreciation of the importance of sport and movement in promoting wellbeing. She also taught fitness for many years alongside her therapeutic work. This experience informs her interest in the relationship between physical activity, emotional expression and connection.

  Lucy is passionate about helping young people feel understood, develop meaningful relationships and access the support they need to navigate challenges and thrive.

• Cara Hawkins
  Speech & Language Therapist
  Cara Hawkins

Advisory Board (ID 1294)

• Dr. Verena West
  Chairperson
  Dr. Verena West

  Dr. Verena West is a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of education and psychology. As a qualified Educational Psychologist (EP), she currently works in a local authority setting, offering psychological services within educational environments. In addition to her work as an EP, Dr. West holds several advanced degrees, including an MSc in Psychology of Education, an MBA in Educational Leadership (International), and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

  Before transitioning to educational psychology, Dr. West had a long career in school leadership. She served as a Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, Assistant Headteacher, and Head of Year in secondary schools, and worked as a science teacher. Her diverse experience also includes teaching in primary schools and mentoring primary trainee teachers, where she worked as a University Supervising Tutor and lecturer.

  Dr. West's contributions to the educational sector also extend to governance, as she has been a member of several school governing bodies across nursery, primary, and secondary schools. She previously served as the Secretary for the British Psychological Society London and Home Counties Committee.

  In her personal life, Dr. West has a variety of interests, including travelling, swimming, and martial arts. These interests complement her professional expertise, contributing to her holistic approach to education and psychological practice.

• Ron St Louis
  Inclusion Lead
  Ron St Louis

  He has a BSc (Hons) Social Science degree with a Social Policy specialism from the London Southbank University. Ron was previously the Head of Inclusion for a large local authority and a senior manager in the Early Help Service. Ron also has experience in fostering and adoption, and is a trustee and panel member for an independent foster agency.

  He has a huge interest in the creative arts and has previously worked in music publishing. He is a keen Manchester United supporter but please don't hold that against him!

  To contact him, please email: [email protected].

• Ken Adams
  Health and Safety Lead
  Ken Adams

  Ken has a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Zoology, and a P.G.C.E., as well as an M.A., in Science Education.

  His extensive experience includes previously being a member of two school leadership teams in separate institutions for over twenty years, as well as being an I.S.I. Inspector for a decade.

  Since his retirement, Ken has done consultancy work for the I.S.A., and has the position of Vice-Chair of Governers at a school near Brighton for students with special educational needs.

  For recreation, Ken is a keen Parkrunner and squash player, and is a devoted allotment holder who is enthusiastic about sustainability.

• Sandie Quinn
  Advisory Board Member
  Sandie Quinn

  Sandie has been privileged to work with young people for over 15 years and in that time she has had many roles, all of them Pastoral.

  She is the Designated Safeguard Lead and Assistant Principal at a Lewisham secondary school and feels passionately that for a young person to fulfil their potential they need to feel safe, supported and listened to. Sandie works to encourage and help every young person that she works with, helping them to see there is always a positive choice to make and even when things may seem tough, with hard work and dedication they will succeed.

  Sandie finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be working with families finding solutions to help benefit their child. Being able to help young people through hardships and to encourage them that there are brighter days is something she strives to instil in every student she works with. Being a part of such a strong inclusion team allows her to enjoy her job that bit more as she knows that the people she is working close with share the same goals and ambitions as she does.

  To be able to provide a safe and inclusive environment for young people has always been a concern of Sandie's and having worked in a Lewisham secondary school for as long as she has enables her to fulfil this want to help young people and have picked up the key attributes that it takes to be successful when working with the younger generation of today.

• Sochi Henry-Uche
  Finance Lead
  Sochi Henry-Uche

  Sochi is a Nigerian-born British private banker, gallerist, and curator with over 10 years of experience in both the banking and arts sectors. Driven by a passion for making a difference in communities and promoting diversity and well-being through art, Sochi founded a Gallery. This gallery serves as a platform to showcase diverse artistic expressions and foster cultural exchange. Sochi's dedication to art, creativity, culture, and heritage is matched by a commitment to equality and mentoring.

  By supporting young people and bringing communities together, Sochi aims to create inclusive spaces that celebrate and elevate underrepresented voices. Sochi has worked with prestigious organizations such as Harrods, NHS, Adidas, Westfield and Coutts & Co.

  These experiences have equipped Sochi with a unique blend of skills and insights, allowing for innovative and impactful contributions to the art world and beyond. Sochi continues to champion the transformative power of Art, mentoring, striving to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life.

• Venisha Sawyers-Rhoden
  Safeguarding Lead
  Venisha Sawyers-Rhoden

  Venisha is an experienced safeguarding and pastoral leader with strong expertise in inclusion, wellbeing and statutory compliance. Her work across education and youth development has equipped her with extensive experience of managing high-risk child protection concerns, coordinating effective multi-agency responses and supporting vulnerable pupils across primary and secondary settings.

  She is highly skilled in safeguarding investigations, chronology development, risk assessment and the production of accurate, audit-ready documentation. Venisha applies trauma-informed, restorative and evidence-led approaches to supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH and complex needs. She is committed to strengthening safeguarding culture through effective staff guidance, professional challenge, robust systems and consistent alignment with statutory requirements and best practice. Through her governance role, she will support effective oversight, challenge practice constructively and champion high standards and positive outcomes for all learners

• Klaudia Ferrando
  Curriculum and Teaching Lead
  Klaudia Ferrando

  Klaudia is an experienced education professional working in teaching improvement, quality assurance and professional development across further education. She has a background in business and accounting, alongside extensive experience in vocational education and assessment. Her work also includes national assessment, qualification and resource development, and practitioner research. She has a particular interest in evidence-informed teaching and how professional learning translates into better classroom practice.

  Klaudia is committed to continuous learning and improvement, both personally and professionally. She believes every young person deserves access to a good education and meaningful opportunities, regardless of background or circumstances. She is particularly interested in how education can help learners build confidence, develop independence and prepare for their next steps.