Having studied for a degree in English Literature at Royal Holloway, University of London, Stef has spent her career to date in communications, ranging from TV production through to print media. She now works for three small businesses in Plymouth and has an array of job titles! Her main role is Digital Director of YourSpeakingCareer.com, an online course designed to help aspiring speakers to become professionals.
Why speakers? That’s where Stef’s other jobs come in – she is Operations Manager for two speakers; one a Professional Adventurer, the other an expert in Diversity & Inclusion. In 2015, Stef organised the logistics for an all-female expedition across the Arctic Circle. Stef’s main skills lie in communications, marketing and logistics. Stef wanted to join the LGB at ACE to widen her understanding & contribution towards her local community here in Plymouth. She is eager to ensure that all children have access to high quality education that will set them up for a fulfilling adulthood.
Claire is a teacher of science at ACE. She loves working at ACE and wanted to joining the ACE governing body to represent all the staff in all the different areas. Claire has been a teacher at ACE for 3 years and a teacher of 11 years. Before teaching she was a mental health nurse. Claire enjoys learning about science and space and has a garden with lots interesting insects and plants.
Dene Terry is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and manages Behaviour Support at Courtlands Special School
Lee started his education career as an outdoor activity instructor for Plymouth City Council in 1995. He quickly realised that teaching children was a real passion, particularly less advantaged kids, so he retrained as a primary teacher. He believes that all children have hidden potential, and that our job as teachers is to help them let that potential out Lee completed a National Professional Qualification for Headship, after which he took on the leadership of two PRUs (pupil Referral Units), one of which was the first in the country to be given an Outstanding judgement in every area of an OfSTED inspection.
Lee Joined Courtlands in 2009, where he feels privileged to work with an amazing team of dedicated professionals. Lee is now expecting Courtlands to achieve an outstanding judgement from OfSTED, and is looking forward to the future and supporting the Trust to grow sustainably, with the focus firmly on the children.
Rachel is a teacher at Knowle Primary School and is passionate about ensuring that our SEND pupils are supported and reach their potential. She is married to Callum and has two small boys who keep her busy!
Ruth’s background in Systems Engineering in the tyre and food industries has been helpful in developing many of the ACE systems such as safeguarding and progress tracking. Having moved to Devon and taken on a smallholding, she completed a PGCE in secondary maths and has worked in a range of schools in the southwest before making the move to alternative provision with ACE. She loved it so much that she has stayed and progressed to the position of Acting Head Teacher.
Tom Whiteside is a Cluster Representative
Courtlands is an amazing place to come with a real feel of positivity, acceptance and camaraderie.
As a special school we cater for primary aged children who have Moderate Learning Difficulties, Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties, and other complex needs.
"The school's overall provision is outstanding! It is comprehensive yet still has a personal, family feel. We couldn't be happier with the school."
- Parent
"I feel confident and relaxed sending my child to Courtlands. My child always looks forward to going and enjoys the day and returns home happy and smiling."
- Parent
Courtlands School, Widey Lane, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5JS
Week Days: 08:00-16:30
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
©2017 Courtlands Special School