Our Staff Team
Staff list for 2024-2025 School Year
Senior Leadership Team
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Dr Elizabeth Smith MA BA Hons NPQH QTS Headteacher |
Education and background: I have a BA (Hons) in Music and Arts Education, and originally trained as a secondary mainstream music teacher before focusing on special educational needs and disabilities. I hold a Masters in Leadership and Management, NPQH, and a Doctorate in Education (EdD). My research interests include holistic assessment and music pedagogy for students with complex needs and I continue to conduct research through my role as an Affiliate Researcher with The Open University. I joined Marlborough as headteacher in June 2022, and I am very much dedicated to the long-term success of the school through working with the whole community. Teaching Philosophy: I believe that learning should be exciting, creative, and meaningful, building students enthusiasm for learning and helping them to grow and develop within a safe and supportive environment where everybody’s contributions are acknowledged and valued. I believe it is essential to be visible and approachable leader who truly champions our students and their many achievements. Special interests: Music and creativity, total communication, cultural development and enrichment, student voice, holistic assessment, research based on practice. Membership: Bexley School Forum - secondary special school representative South East London Music Hub Advisory Group - advisor Bexley Music Education Hub Advisory group - special school representative |
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Candice Smith MA BA CMgr FCMI QTS Deputy Headteacher
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Education and background: I have a BA in Primary Teaching Studies with Maths and over 17 years’ experience working with students with a variety of learning needs. I completed my NPQML in 2013, I have moved from middle leadership roles to senior leadership roles. I joined Marlborough in 2019 and completed my Careers Lead Level 6 training and was awarded the Careers Leader of the Year 2022 for London. In 2023, I gained a MA in Educational Leadership and a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship qualification from CMI. I am now pursuing both a Level 5 qualification in Positive Behaviour Support and a Level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. I am also a member of the 'Workforce Development, Succession Planning and Governance Sub Group'. Teaching Philosophy: Marlborough’s HEART values encompass many of my own philosophies around education. I believe every student should be empowered to achieve their full potential and learning should be fun and meaningful for the individuals. I also believe it is important to value Student voice and support the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of our students. Special interests: Careers and preparation for adulthood. Student voice and cultural development and enrichment. Working with professionals in order to establish a holistic approach. |
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Carol Walker MA BSc Hons FCMI QTS Assistant Headteacher |
Subject area: Computing Education and background: I gained a BSc in Psychology in 2011 and have worked in SEND education since then – working initially as a Teaching Assistant, then completing my teacher training and gaining QTS in 2015. I joined Marlborough shortly after and completed my NQT. Since then I have had to opportunity to undertake much CPD including being trained as Team Teach trainer. I also had the opportunity to complete NPQML. In 2023, I gained a MA in Educational Leadership and a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship qualification from CMI. I am now pursuing a Level 5 Diploma in Positive Behaviour Support Practice Leadership. Teaching Philosophy: Positive Behaviour Support is integral to my teaching and ensuring that students have a wealth of positive proactive strategies to support them to be happy and ready to learn is vital. High levels of engagement from pupils are at the forefront of my teaching at all times. As assessment lead, I believe that accurate assessment data can support teachers to know what the next steps are for each student therefore best promote progress. Special interests: Assessment/Recording/Reporting, Evidence For Learning, Behaviour for Learning, Positive Behaviour Support, ICT. |
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Helen Forbes-Green NASENCO QTS Assistant Headteacher |
Subject area: Maths Education and background: I have been teaching for 26 years, working with students with a variety of needs and learning styles. My leadership roles have focused on the provision for students with Special needs ensuring they receive the support and provision required to ensure they achieve the next steps in their development. I have a Batchelor of Education in Primary Teaching Studies and completed the NASENCo award in 2018. I am now pursuing an MA in Educational Leadership and a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship qualification from CMI. Teaching Philosophy: Marlborough's ethos aligns with my own personal beliefs that 'Every moment is a learning opportunity'. I believe every child should be given the opportunity to develop as a learner with plans and environments adapted in the moment to support their success. I believe students should be empowered and student voice encouraged throughout their time at school. Special interests: Enrichment and educational visits, accreditation, and student voice. |
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Kayla School Business Manger |
Education and background: I hold a National Diploma Level 3 in Hospitality and Event Management and a GNVQ in Business Studies. I bring over 14 years of experience working within the healthcare sector, where I progressed into clinic management and developed strong skills in leadership, operations, and service excellence. Although joining the education sector is a new and exciting step in my career, my background in managing complex services and ensuring high standards of safety, compliance and organisation provides a strong foundation for my role at Marlborough. Professional philosophy: I believe that a well-run school creates the conditions in which students and staff can thrive. Drawing on my experience in healthcare, I value safe, efficient and people-focused systems that support the whole school community. I am passionate about fostering a positive working environment, solving problems, being creative and ensuring that behind the scenes, everything runs smoothly so that teaching and learning can flourish. Special interests: Leadership, problem-solving, operational efficiency, and developing processes that make a meaningful and lasting impact. |
Middle Leadership Team
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Lynne Walker Communication and Independence Lead SLT Link: Candice |
Strategic Areas of Responsibility:
Teacher biography: Subject area: English Education background: I have received a BA in Film Studies and English from London Southbank University in 2013. I went on to further studies and received a MA in Modern and Contemporary literature from Birkbeck the following year. Once I finished my Masters, I worked as a TA at a special school, and then went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary English from Goldsmiths in 2017. I taught English in a mainstream comprehensive secondary school for 3 years before I made the decision to return to SEN and started at Marlborough in 2020. Teaching philosophy: I believe that the foundations to good learning is built on strong and positive relationships with students and parents. Building from those relationships, nurturing high engagement in their own learning as well as building their independence in whatever task they are attempting. Special interests: Literature, film and media and social stories |
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Phoenix Gibbs Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Sensory Lead SLT Link: Candice |
Strategic Areas of Responsibility:
Teacher Biography: Subject area: PSHE Education background: I have a BSc in Psychology and a MSc in Mental Health. I joined Marlborough as a teaching assistant in 2015 and began working as a teacher after completing my PGCE in 2019. I have completed an NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture and have trained as a Team Teach trainer as well as sensory needs coordinator. Teaching philosophy: I believe that promoting student happiness and wellbeing leads to the best personal and educational outcomes for students. I use an inquiry approach in my teaching that enables me to provide individualised support for the students that laces them in the best position to achieve. I know that developing great relationships with students and their parent/carers enables me to provide the best quality education and develop student wellbeing. Special interests: Sensory support, Attention Autism, Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), Zones of regulation, SEMH. |
Class Teachers
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Class and Pathway Details |
Teacher Biography |
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Toni Hooton Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Carol |
Subject area: RE Education background: I joined Marlborough School as a teaching assistant in 2014 with the aim to learn about and understand autism. Within 2 years I qualified as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and began taking a lead within the classroom. In 2019 I began training to gain QTLS. Teaching philosophy: I believe that every child should have a voice no matter what their ability and that adults around them should encourage this. Children should also be given opportunities to explore the world around them however possible in a way that suit their needs. Special interests: Understanding Autism, Positive Behavioural support (PBS), Zones of Regulation and communication. |
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Sophia Loughnane Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Carol |
Education background: I have a degree in Dance Studies with Psychology from Roehampton University and a PGCE in Dance Teaching 11-18 from the Royal Academy of Dance (2008). I worked teaching Dance, Drama and Music in Secondary mainstream schools from 2008 to 2025, and it was here that I first experienced teaching SEND students within the mainstream setting. I was also a Head of Year for 9 years and during this time I gained lots of valuable pastoral experience. Teaching philosophy: I believe that teaching should always be adaptive and aim to bring out the individual strengths of the child. Special interests: Learning through movement, Dance, health and fitness, nutrition, Autism and ADHD. |
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Gemma Jones Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Carol |
Subject area: Science Education and Background: I joined Marlborough as a Teaching Assistant in 2015 before becoming a High Level Teaching Assistant and an Unqualified Teacher and now am a Teacher. I applied to join Marlborough as a TA after being in the same role in a range of mainstream primary schools and private day nurseries, it was while I was in those roles that I discovered my passion and pride in seeing those who needed additional support succeeding in tasks they believed themselves unable to achieve. During my time at Marlborough, I have achieved a BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies with Special Educational Needs as my specialism and have also gone on to achieve my PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status. I am also a MOVE Senior Practitioner. Teaching philosophy: I believe that learning should be accessible for everyone no matter what. I feel that any adaptations that are relevant to the students as individuals is what will help them achieve their full potential and strive to build this into our daily routines in class. I also believe that having a playful approach to teaching and learning will encourage students to engage with new and unfamiliar experiences. Special interest: Multi-sensory learning, Supporting communication for those with more complex needs, Supporting students with complex medical needs and PMLD, MOVE, Intensive Interaction, Sign Language and Supporting adults and students to learn through play. |
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Lillith Campbell Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Carol |
Subject area: RE Education background: I obtained a BA in Health and Social from London Metropolitan University in 2019 and a PGCE Primary SEND: Special Schools from the University of East London in 2023. I have worked in Education for several years and have gained vast amounts of experience working in a variation of Special Schools as a learning support assistant and a higher level teaching assistant. I have recently joined Marlborough School as an Early Career Teacher and look forward to developing my teaching practice and delivering creative lessons.
Special interests: makaton, sensory stories and creative play |
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Alison Copley Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Candice
Phoenix Gibbs Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Candice |
In progress
Subject area: PSHE Education background: I have a BSc in Psychology and a MSc in Mental Health. I joined Marlborough as a teaching assistant in 2015 and began working as a teacher after completing my PGCE in 2019. I have completed an NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture and have trained as a Team Teach trainer as well as sensory needs coordinator. Teaching philosophy: I believe that promoting student happiness and wellbeing leads to the best personal and educational outcomes for students. I use an inquiry approach in my teaching that enables me to provide individualised support for the students that laces them in the best position to achieve. I know that developing great relationships with students and their parent/carers enables me to provide the best quality education and develop student wellbeing. Special interests: Sensory support, Attention Autism, Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), Zones of regulation, SEMH |
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Maria Eleni Dimopoulou Orchard Pathway SLT Link: Candice |
Subject area: DT & Enterprise Education and Background: I gained a BSc in Psychology at the University of Crete in 2007. Whilst completing my placement in a special needs school, I became interested in working with pupils with autism; therefore I pursued and completed a Master's degree in Autism at Strathclyde University. I then went on to complete a MSc degree in Psychological Research Methods: Child Development. I have over 10 years of experience working with special needs, first as a support worker, then as a teaching assistant and lastly as a qualified teacher since gaining my QTS in 2017. I joined Marlborough School in January 2021. Teaching philosophy: I believe that teaching should be enjoyable and stimulating for both pupils and staff! The most exciting and fun lessons are the ones that the pupils can remember. Working with parents and allied health professionals is of utmost importance when working with pupils with special educational needs. Special interest: Autism, TEACCH, Attention Autism, Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), yoga and mindfulness. |
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Cheryl Hollands Meadow Pathway SLT Link: Candice |
Subject area: Art Education background: I have a degree in Surface Design from the University of the Arts London, and use my creative background in my role as Art and Enterprise subject lead. I joined Marlborough as a midday meals supervisor shortly after finishing my degree in 2010. The following year I took a teaching assistant post, and around two years later was employed as a HLTA. I worked for several years as the Food Technology lead before moving over to Post 16 as a class teacher. I began my teacher training in late 2020, and am currently in the last stages of qualifying. I've recently enjoyed moving into the Meadow pathway to expand my knowledge and expertise in PMLD teaching. Teaching philosophy: I believe that the role of the teacher is to capture the imagination, create irresistible opportunities to explore, foster a love of learning and endlessly champion their students. Special interests: Autism, Preparing for adulthood, Immersive environments, Imaginative play, Arts & crafts, Gardening & Horticulture, Cooking, Ecology and Environmentalism. |
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Maryam Ghadache Legacy Pathway SLT Link: Helen
Clare Chalaye Legacy Pathway SLT Link: Helen |
Subject Area: Humanities Education and Background: I hold a First Class degree in BSc (Hons) Business IT and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Kings' College London. With over 15 years of experience teaching in both mainstream and SEN schools, I thoroughly enjoy working with students with diverse needs. Teaching Philosophy: I believe every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has unique gifts to share with the world and deserves an education tailored to unlock their full potential. By creating an inclusive, patient, and structured learning environment that celebrates small victories and adapts to individual learning styles, I empower my students to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and experience the joy of personal growth. Special Interest: Arts,Crafts, Sensory Play, ADHD, Autism, Teaching Maths for SEN, Celebrating Culture and Diversity, Outdoor Play, Preparing for Adulthood, Life Skills and Astronomy
Subject Area: Humanities Education and Background: I hold a First-Class BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology, Qualified Teacher Status, a Master’s in Special and Inclusive Education, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). I have worked in specialist school settings for over 20 years as both a class teacher and a school leader, and I am passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs. Teaching Philosophy: My teaching philosophy focuses on meeting the holistic needs of every student, with well-being, academic learning, and preparation for adult life at the heart of everything I do. I strive to make learning fun, engaging, and accessible for all, inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Special Interests: I have a particular interest in developing students’ independence and practical life skills through educational visits and enrichment. Taking groups into the local community provides invaluable opportunities to put classroom learning into practice - such as handling money, making choices, working as a team, and developing social understanding. I believe that through their participation in the local community, our students inspire greater understanding and acceptance, helping to create a more inclusive society. Alongside my teaching, I contribute as a guest editor for PMLD Link, which helps me stay connected with the latest research and best practice relating to individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. |
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Sandie Cruz Legacy Pathway SLT Link: Helen |
Subject area: Music Education and Background: I graduated in July 2003 with my Bachelor of Arts with
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Izabela Wilgocka-Simpson Legacy Pathway SLT Link: Helen
Lynne Walker Legacy Pathway SLT Link: Helen |
In progress
Subject area: English Education background: I have received a BA in Film Studies and English from London Southbank University in 2013. I went on to further studies and received a MA in Modern and Contemporary literature from Birkbeck the following year. Once I finished my Masters, I worked as a TA at a special school, and then went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary English from Goldsmiths in 2017. I taught English in a mainstream comprehensive secondary school for 3 years before I made the decision to return to SEN and started at Marlborough in 2020. Teaching philosophy: I believe that the foundations to good learning is built on strong and positive relationships with students and parents. Building from those relationships, nurturing high engagement in their own learning as well as building their independence in whatever task they are attempting. Special interests: Literature, film and media and social stories |
Office/ Premises and Support Staff
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Admin |
Jessica, Nancy, Nicola, and Heather |
| Premises |
Matt Zambezi |
Teaching Support Staff
We have a brilliant team of specialist support staff at Marlborough. Please contact your class teacher if you want to find out more.