Craig Abbs – Headteacher 

Craig has been in teaching for over 15 years and is passionate about teaching, learning and the social and emotional development of the students and recognises and values the opportunities provided by a collocated specialist SEMH and SLCN provision with a short break (respite) residential facility.

For over 12 of those years, Craig has taught in Alternative Provision and Special schools.   He is passionate about the pupils getting local high-quality provisions that will meet their needs. He has held Leadership roles for over 9 years in a variety of provisions.

He has lived in South Gloucestershire for much of his life and previously worked in Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

Craig will often be out running, cycling or walking the dog. He is keen on sports, having completing the Cotswold 70.3 Triathlon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine Roberts - Deputy Headteacher

Catherine completed her BA(Hons) and PhD in Modern Languages before completing a PGCE at the University of Bath. She worked in mainstream schools as a teacher, residential tutor and middle leader for over a decade before studying for an MSc in Psychology of Education at Bristol.

Since completing her masters, Catherine has worked in the SEN sector. She is passionate about enabling pupils to attain academically and supporting them to develop the social and personal skills they need to become positive and productive members of their communities.

 

Andrew Welsh - Assistant Headteacher - SEMH

Andy worked in the supported housing sector before becoming a mainstream secondary school teacher in 2008. Working in Bristol and Gloucestershire as a middle leader, he developed an interest in and commitment to supporting young people to overcome barriers to their engagement with learning.

After completing a postgraduate course in the Psychology of Education, Andy taught in a pupil referral unit for several years before moving into senior leadership, joining Soundwell Academy when it moved to its new site in 2021.

 

Martha Green - Assistant Headteacher - SLCN

Martha gained her undergraduate degree in Disability Studies from the University of Bedfordshire and completed a PGCE with a specialism in SEN at Bath Spa University. Since becoming qualified Martha has taught and worked as the Family Liaison Support Officer within  Special Needs  Education as part of The Bath & Mendip Partnership Trust. Then following her completion of the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination from Bath Spa University, Martha served as SENDCo within Soundwell Academy. With experience teaching pupils across three different key stages, in mixed aged and ability classes from reception to year 8, allowing her to work closely with a variety of different cohorts of pupils and develop teaching techniques and strategies to provide children with an inclusive and accessible education.