SLT (ID 1187)

• Lisa Miller
  CEO
  Lisa Miller

  Hello, and welcome to Arco Academy!

  I am Lisa Miller, the CEO of Arco Academy, and I’m passionate about helping young people become the best version of themselves. Drawing from my own experiences, I believe sports can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

  As a former international athlete, I had the honour of representing Great Britain in the 400m and 4x400m relay, winning several major titles. My journey in athletics was built on hard work, dedication, and the support of my family and an inspiring Deputy Headteacher. This has shaped my commitment to provide similar guidance and opportunities for young people at Arco Academy.

  With 24 years of experience in both the sports and education sectors, I am proud to set high standards for our students. In addition to coaching badges in athletics and basketball, I founded an inclusive athletics club in Catford that has developed national champions and medalists since 2010.

  I hold a BSc Honours Degree in Sports and Exercise Science from London South Bank University, alongside a National Diploma in Leisure and Tourism and an IAO Level 4 in Education and Training. I attended Auburn University in the USA on an athletics scholarship and was honoured as an all- American. In 2023, I earned an ISA certificate in Advanced School Leadership. Additionally, I am a 10KSB alumna of Saïd Business School, Oxford University.

  At Arco Academy, I am dedicated to fostering the same sense of determination and resilience in our students, whether they pursue elite sports or use sport as a tool to develop life skills, improve well-being, and enhance educational success. Welcome aboard!

• Fisayo Dacosta
  Assistant Head and SENCO
  Fisayo Dacosta

  Hello, my name is Fisayo Dacosta, and I am the SENCO at ARCO Academy. I support students with additional needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time, both in school and through external support. With a BA in Professional Practice - Child and Youth Studies and a PGCE (with QTS), I have developed extensive expertise in special educational needs, including safeguarding, social and emotional development, communication, and child mental health.

  My role involves working closely with students, parents, and staff to address each student’s individual needs, and I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. I am particularly drawn to ARCO Academy because of its holistic and student-centred approach, which aligns with my passion for providing tailored support and fostering each student’s potential. I also collaborate with local authorities, schools, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that each student receives the comprehensive support necessary for their success.

  If you have any concerns about your child’s progress or needs, I am here to help and can be your point of contact at ARCO Academy. I look forward to working together to support your child’s educational journey.

Teachers (ID 1188)

• Shelly Ann Peddie
  Assistant Head and QTS STEM Teacher
  Shelly Ann Peddie

  Hi my name is Shelly Ann Peddie and I am the Assistant Head in charge of Curriculum at Arco Academy where I strive to create a curriculum that fosters a learning environment that inspires curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking. My journey in teaching has been driven by a deep commitment to empowering students through STEM education, fostering both their academic success and personal growth.

  As a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Education, specializing in Biology and Mathematics. I bring a unique blend of subject expertise and strategic insight into curriculum design. My goal is creating a curriculum that meets the needs of diverse learners, integrates STEM seamlessly across subjects, and prepares students for the dynamic world beyond secondary school.

  At Arco we believe that a diverse and inclusive curriculum is essential for preparing students to understand and appreciate different perspectives, building a school community rooted in empathy, respect, and mutual growth. As an educational leader, I am dedicated to working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and parents to nurture a culture of excellence, where high expectations are balanced with compassion and support, allowing every student to thrive.

  At Arco our curriculum is both rigorous and responsive to the needs of our school community. I am enthusiastic about contributing to a culture of academic excellence, where every student feels supported and inspired to succeed.

• Kelliece Goldson
  QTS English and Humanities Teacher
  Kelliece Goldson

  Hello! My name is Kelliece Goldson and I am an English and Humanities Teacher at ARCO Academy.

  With a BA in History and having recently completed a postgraduate degree in education (PGCE), I bring a unique blend of academic expertise and teaching experience in my work with young people. It was whilst completing my PGCE that I had the invaluable opportunity to work in both a mainstream school and an independent provision for children with SEND. This experience was not only enjoyable but also critically enhanced my understanding of how to effectively address and accommodate the diverse needs of all students. Recognising the importance of providing specialised and compassionate education, I sought a role that would

• Christina Sarakanidi
  QTS SEN Teacher
  Christina Sarakanidi

  Hello, my name is Christina Sarakanidi, and I am a SEND Teacher at Arco Academy. With over 17 years of experience in education, I am committed to supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through personalised teaching strategies that foster academic success and personal development.

  I hold a Master’s degree in Linguistics and Paedo-psychology, which has provided me with a deep understanding of language acquisition and child psychology—critical tools in addressing the diverse needs of SEND students. My international career includes co-founding and serving as Director at an international school in Athens, Greece. This role honed my leadership skills and deepened my expertise in education on a global scale.

  In addition to my leadership experience, I spent several years teaching primary and secondary students in Gr

• Suzan Henry
  QTS STEM Teacher
  Suzan Henry

  Hello! I’m Suzan Williams-Henry, a dedicated STEM teacher at Arco Academy. With a BA in Education and over 20 years of experience, I have developed a strong commitment to fostering student growth and success. Throughout my career, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of diverse learning styles, allowing me to create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where every student feels supported.

  I am passionate about encouraging critical thinking and personal development, helping students build skills that extend beyond academics. My teaching approach is centered on adaptability, ensuring that each learner’s unique needs are met while promoting independence and a lifelong love of learning. Committed to continuous professional growth and educational excellence, I strive to empower my students to succeed in both their academic and personal journeys.

• Sharon Simpson
  QTS Teacher
  Sharon Simpson

  Hi, my name is Sharon Simpson. With 35 years of teaching experience in challenging schools across Greenwich, Southwark, and Lambeth, I've held rewarding leadership roles. My pastoral leadership experiences have deepened my knowledge, understanding, and passion for supporting young people and their families, which I brought to my previous role as Arco's School Home Support Practitioner. In addition to my teaching role, I am committed to building strong relationships, providing practical help and emotional support.

  What makes Arco special is the dedication of SLT and staff, who are fully committed to every student's growth. Personal development is at the core of every decision, laying the foundation for academic success. With a personalized curriculum focus and support, Arco ensures students get the attention they need to thrive.

  Supporting students in becoming the best versions of themselves is a goal every parent shares. Working closely with students and families to achieve Arco’s mission, has been a truly rewarding experience, and empowering students while collaborating with their families has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.

Support Staff (ID 1242)

• Sakeelah Bangura
  School Home Support Practitioner
  Sakeelah Bangura

  Hi, my name is Keelah Bangura, and I am the School Home Support Practitioner at Arco Academy. With a background as a Behavior Manager and Head of Year, I am deeply committed to supporting students’ academic progress and personal wellbeing, as well as working closely with parents, families, and carers. My experience in these roles has enabled me to assist students in overcoming challenges both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring they engage effectively with their learning.

  I provide personalized support to students and their families, ensuring that any barriers to learning whether related to home life, attendance, or emotional wellbeing are addressed. I work closely with parents and carers to create strategies that support students’ academic success and overall development. By offering guidance, advocating for resources, and connecting families with relevant support services, I help ensure that students not only stay on track with their work but also thrive in all areas of their lives.

  I am passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can reach their full potential, both academically and personally. I look forward to working with you all.

• Hamanne Keita
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Hamanne Keita

  Hello! My name is Hamanne Keita, a dedicated Higher level teaching assistant at ARCO academy. I have loads of experience as a behaviour mentor/ teaching assistant. I am dedicated and compassionate behaviour mentor and teaching assistant with a strong commitment to supporting children in their academic and personal development. I have hands-on experience working closely with children, fostering a nurturing environment, helping students navigate both behavioural and educational challenges. I am Passionate about making a positive impact, tailors support strategies to each child’s unique needs, encouraging confidence, growth, and learning. A natural communicator and empathetic listener, deeply committed to empowering children, ensuring they feel valued and capable of achieving their full potential.

Facilitators (ID 1295)

• Kay Davis
  Art Facilitator
  Kay Davis

• Ryan Reed
  Chess Facilitator
  Ryan Reed

• Roger Brown
  Photography Facilitator
  Roger Brown

Advisory Board (ID 1294)

• Ron St Louis
  Chairperson
  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: rstlouis@arco.academy.

• Ken Adams
  Education and 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
  Safeguarding Lead
  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.

• Natalie Roberts
  SENCO Lead
  Natalie Roberts

  Natalie is a qualified teacher and a qualified SENCo she is currently completing an MA in Special Educational Difficulties with Level 7 Advanced Teacher Status. She has experience teaching in both primary and secondary settings; and has experience working within alternative provisions.

  Her experience has allowed her the ability to assume the roles and responsibilities of a Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) Teacher, Head of English and Literacy and SEN Teacher. She has gained a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills working within alternative provisions. As such, she understands the importance of supporting pupils with special educational needs holistically. She used this experience to inform practice in mainstream settings I.e., Restorative Justice, Action Behaviour Consequence Chart (ABC Chart), Positive Handling. She has also developed SEMH Mentoring Programmes and oversaw SEMH intervention programmes such as Drawing and Talking Therapy, ELSA, A Tummy Full of Fireworks and Big-Fish-Little-Pond.

  Natalie is enthusiastic, creative and committed to supporting all students with SEND in reaching their potential and achieving well, preparing children/young people for the next transitionary phase i.e., primary to secondary, Post-16, alternative/specialist provisions, employment. Her experience has enabled her to develop as an empathetic, competent and reflective practitioner.

• 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.

• Dr. Verena West
  Advisory Board
  Dr. Verena West

  Dr. Verena West is a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of education and psychology. As a recently 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 (for a split site), 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.