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!

• Ben Anderson
  Vice Principal
  Ben Anderson

  Hi, my name is Ben Anderson, the Vice Principal at Arco Academy. My mission is to ensure all young people have the best start in life by developing a meaningful and relatable environment where they can thrive, using the mediums of sport and physical activity.

  I have been working in education for 13 years in various roles, but my passion lies in Physical Education. I hold a QTS in Science and Physical Education, in addition to, a BA in Physical Education, Sport, and Activity from Kingston University.

  My love for physical education stems from my own sporting experiences, having played semi-professional football and boxed at an amateur level when I was younger.

  I also have coaching badges in football through the Football Association.

  My extensive experience in sport and education has allowed me to develop a holistic, child-centred approach to young people’s education. This has enabled me to build positive relationships with students and empower them to become the best versions of themselves.

  At Arco Academy, we focus on helping students build resilience and a lifelong love for physical activity. By encouraging perseverance and a growth mindset, we aim to instil confidence and determination in our students. We believe that physical activity is not just about fitness, but also about fostering mental well-being and social skills. Through sports, students learn valuable life lessons such as teamwork, leadership, and the importance of setting and achieving goals. My goal is to create a supportive environment where every student feels valued and motivated to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle

• Fisayo Dacosta
  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.

• Benita Henry
  School Business Manager
  Benita Henry

  Hi my name is Benita Henry and as the School Business Manager at Arco Academy, I am deeply committed to providing our students with access to a wide range of opportunities that will support their growth both now and in the future. My dedication to the success and well-being of our pupils drives my passion for ensuring they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.

  I have been working as a School Business Manager for over 8 years. Outside of my professional role, I am a dedicated fitness enthusiast and competitive bodybuilder. Having personally experienced the transformative impact that sports and fitness can have on one’s life, I find great fulfilment in working at a school that integrates sports and fitness into its core curriculum. This unique alignment allows me to seamlessly combine my professional expertise with my personal passion, fostering a positive and holistic environment for our students.

  My goal at Arco Academy is to build upon the excellent work already achieved, while providing students, parents, and staff with enhanced resources and access to even greater opportunities. By doing so, I aim to lay a strong foundation for the future success of our pupils, shaping the next generation of accomplished and well-rounded adults.

Teachers (ID 1188)

• Shelly Ann Peddie
  QTS STEM Teacher
  Shelly Ann Peddie

• Kelliece Goldson
  QTS English and Humanities Teacher
  Kelliece Goldson

• 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 Greece and more recently, England. This time was invaluable in shaping my approach to differentiated instruction and classroom management, particularly with students facing behavioural challenges.

  In the UK, I have worked in both mainstream and specialist schools, always prioritising tailored support to help students with conditions such as ADHD and ASD improve their focus, self-esteem, and academic performance. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive, structured, and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Support Staff (ID 1242)

• Reece Deakin
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Reece Deakin

• Sakeela Bangura
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Sakeela Bangura

  Hi my Name is Keelah Bangura and I am one of the Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) 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. My experience in these roles has allowed me to guide students through challenges both inside and outside the classroom, ensuring they access and engage with their learning effectively. As a former Kent County Athletic Champion, I understand how physical health and wellbeing directly contribute to mental alertness and improved focus in lessons. I hold a Bsc in Sports Therapy, a National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, and a National Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, which give me a holistic understanding of the connections between physical activity, wellbeing, and academic success. My role is to provide tailored support to students, ensuring they not only stay on track with their work but also develop the resilience and confidence to overcome obstacles. I am here to ensure that every student can thrive, both in their learning and personal development.

• Shaquille Miller
  Teaching Assistant
  Shaquille Miller

  Greetings! My name is Shaquille Miller

  I am a Teaching Assistant and Mentor at Arco Academy, I thrive on the dynamic exchange of ideas and the opportunity to guide students through their academic journeys. My role involves not only supporting teachers in the classroom but also fostering a collaborative learning environment where every student feels valued. I take pride in mentoring individuals, helping them build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their personal and academic goals. Witnessing their growth and success is incredibly rewarding, and I strive to inspire a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. Together, we explore challenges, celebrate achievements, and cultivate a love for knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

• Sharon Simpson
  School Home Support
  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 now bring to my role as Arco's School Home Support Practitioner. I am committed to building strong relationships with both students and their families, 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 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.