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/Assistant Head
  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
  STEM Teacher and Assistant Head
  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

Support Staff (ID 1242)

• 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.

• Sakeelah Bangura
  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
  Sakeelah 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.

• Hamanne Keita
  Teaching Assistant
  Hamanne Keita

Facilitators (ID 1295)

• Kay Davis
  Art Facilitator
  Kay Davis

• Ryan Reed
  Chess Facilitator
  Ryan Reed

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