PHOENIX LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Shelley Jamieson
Founder & Director - Leadership & Management
Shelley has worked as both teacher and senior leader in inner city schools for over 30 years. Born in Stoke on Trent, Shelley attended Thistley Hough High School & Stoke on Trent College before heading to Manchester Metropolitan University to complete a BEd Hons in Mathematics and Special Educational Needs. After qualifying she worked as a maths teacher in inner city schools for several years before moving on to her first Head of Maths role in 2001. Alongside her teaching career, Shelley also worked as a Leading Mathematics Teacher for Stoke on Trent City Council delivering training to maths teachers across the city. In 2004 she gained the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) as well as taking on her first Inclusion focused Senior Leadership role. Shelley continued to work in both mathematics and inclusion for a number of years, qualifying as a SENCO in 2007 and taking part in the DfES project “Exclusion of black pupils priority review: Getting it Right”. Having strong roots in Stoke on Trent Shelley is passionate about helping city children of all backgrounds to grow up with the belief, passion and drive that will allow them to be the very best they can be.
Neil Jamieson
Director - Leadership & Management
Neil has worked both as a Senior Leader and Headteacher in a number of schools and local authorities for over 30 years. Completing his teacher training at Keele University, Neil started his career as a History Teacher in Stoke on Trent before taking on a number of senior leadership roles in Stoke on Trent, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. His leadership responsibilities have included both pastoral and curriculum leadership, inclusion, data and intervention. In 2012 Neil established the first Alternative Provision Free Schools in the country, working closely with the DFE in the establishment of the AP framework. This school was judged outstanding within 18 months of opening and received recognition by the then Secretary of State for Education: Michael Gove and Prime Minister: David Cameron in a reception at No. 10. Neil's longest tenure was of Principal of a Secondary Academy in the Staffordshire Moorlands taking the school from Special Measures to Good in every single category within 2 years. After almost a decade as the school’s Principal, Neil has decided to return to his roots in Stoke on Trent and bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the team at Phoenix. He believes passionately that every child deserves a second chance and that with the right care support and guidance they can all achieve good outcomes and continue on their educational journey to college and beyond.
Stephanie Hardman
Principal - Phoenix Independent Shool - Designated Safeguarding Lead
Stephanie has extensive experience in the careers and recruitment industry as well as experience in the social care sector. Stephanie’s key role is in making sure the school runs smoothly to allow staff and students to be as effective in their roles as possible. Stephanie works closely with families and family support services to make sure that students and their families have access to any support needed. She makes sure that all students are signposted to appropriate external support networks. Stephanie also makes sure students have access to quality careers information and have secure plans for post 16 destinations.
Jacob Hardman
Director - Quality of Education - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jacob has a BA Hons in Business Management and a PGCE in Business & Economics and has spent several years teaching in mainstream schools across the 11-18 age range. Jacob achieved the NASENCO award in 2021 and is a strong advocate of education for all. Jacob’s strengths are in engaging young people in learning through making content relevant and interesting. His boundless levels of enthusiasm for what he does rubs off on students and he has a genuine desire to support young people to enjoy life to the full. His involvement in business start-ups and enterprise initiatives help him to bring real life experience to further stimulate interest. When not in the classroom, Jacob can be found exploring the great outdoors, in the gym or can often be found baking cakes with students after school in the Phoenix kitchen. Jacob is an avid travel and sports enthusiast and is keen to inspire young people through looking at the wider world. Jacob believes in empowering self-belief and high aspirations.
Claire Malhi
Principal - The Registry - SENCO & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Claire previously worked in a local mainstream secondary school for 21 years. During that time her career developed from being a Teacher of Design and Technology to becoming the school SENCo, Leader of Health and Social Care and then Assistant Principal.
Claire has a Science based Degree in Textile Design, along with two PGCEs, one in Design and Technology and the other in Special Educational Needs. She also studied at Cambridge University and completed a post graduate certificate in Education Enquiry which was a joint project involving a number of schools designed to raise standards in Stoke-On-Trent.
Her passion for supporting students with difficulties is unwavering. She is a qualified Mental Health First Aider and very knowledgeable in all aspects of safeguarding. She is now excited to be the Principal at The Registry to provide the students with an outstanding educational experience.
Nicholas Roach
School Manager @ The Registry
Nicholas has spent close to 20 years working in educational settings with students across the city who have struggled to access mainstream school. Initially working as a Creative Practitioner, Nicholas used art forms including Music and Street Art to help students find their creative sparks and positively engage in education. He then went on to join a local Multi-Academy Trust, where during his time transitioned from a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant to a School Manager. The latter role had Nicholas spending four years developing and managing an Alternative Provision focused on educating up to 26 students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
Mental Health is something that Nicholas is particularly passionate about and has previously worked with leading Psychotherapists to devise and implement various strategies to support young people. These strategies and support mechanisms help students to learn how to effectively manage their individual mental health needs.
He is very proud to be the School Manager at the Registry Independent school to ensure students receive a first-class education and support each student with their personal development to help them go onto their next education setting with the qualifications and skills they need to be successful.
Debra Chawner
School Manager @ Phoenix Independent School - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Debra has worked in education for 23 years across primary and secondary mainstream settings. Initially in a mainstream primary school, Debra developed her knowledge and skills around SEND and safeguarding in her roles as Assistant SENDco, Home-School Link and Higher-Level Teaching Assistant.
Debra then progressed to a senior leadership role in a mainstream secondary school where she gained 17 years of experience leading across a number of areas. Initially holding responsibility for SEND provision and management of a large learning support team; Debra has also held responsibility for internal and external provision for students experiencing SEMH, including the development and leadership of the school's internal alternative provision. Debra is an experienced safeguarding lead and has held responsibility for whole school mental health provision and inclusion.
Prior to joining Phoenix Learning Communities, Debra has worked for a renowned children's charity, leading a Department for Education project to support young people back into education. This role further developed Debra's extensive experience of collaborative working with schools, medical, mental health and safeguarding services.
Debra is excited to be joining the team at Phoenix Learning Communities, and is looking forward to bringing her experience and passion for supporting young people to enable them achieve their best possible outcomes.
Megan Fuller
Senior Tutor - English and Strategic Leader of PSHE, Personal Development and Whole School Literacy
Megan is another one of our staff who was born and raised in the city of Stoke. She went to St Margaret High School before going on to complete her PGCE in 2019. Megan was attracted to the job at Phoenix Independent School due to the school focus on community between staff and students. Megan is a real lover of literature of all types and claims to be Stokes’ biggest Harry Potter fan. Megan’s interest and focus in school is around helping students to overcome barriers to success along with improving literacy though finding ways to increase engagement in reading and communication skills. In her spare time Megan can often be found watching football or rugby and going along to Vale Park to watch her beloved Port Vale. Megan believes that the key to opening opportunities for young people lies in developing their written and verbal communication skills. Megan hopes to inspire young people to maximise their potential for success by equipping them with solid communication and social skills.
Anne Fletcher
Senior Tutor - Mathematics and Strategic Leader for Pastoral Care, Tutoring and Careers - DDSL
Ann is another local girl who has worked in education for over 24 years and with high school students particularly for 20 of those years. Showing her 'Stoke' spirt, Anne is incredibly proud to have completed her BSc hons Degree whilst working full time. She enjoys family holidays and loves making a difference to student lives. As a child, Annie had a great love of reading and storytelling but didn’t enjoy maths so surprised herself when she decided to pursue a career as a maths teacher. Ann is also an extremely strong SEN practitioner with a deep understanding of how to remove barriers to learning to enable young people to access education and make progress. However, when she was introduced to students who struggled with the subject, she found herself wanting to help. Ann has high expectations and wants her students to develop the mathematical skills needed to succeed in their lives.
Enoch Mensah
Tutor - Lead for Sport Science
Enoch has incredible passion in working with learners who need something a little different to achieve their very best. Having spent over eight years working in schools in London teaching sport science along with a plethora of other subjects and co-founding and running a youth football academy, Enoch decided to relocate to sunny Stoke. Enoch’s enthusiasm for learning is evident in every interaction as is his commitment to promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and fostering inclusive environments. He believes strongly in the importance of tailoring learning to individual needs, and is passionate about helping every young person grow, improve, and succeed.
Waseem Yaqub
Senior Tutor - Lead for Science & ICT Development
Waseem was born and raised in Wolverhampton and has always had a love for the sciences. After leaving school and college he attended the University of Wolverhampton to pursue his scientific interests before working as a science teacher in Walsall and Birmingham for six years. He moved to Stoke on Trent in 2011 where he now lives with his wife and teenage, football loving children.
Waseem is another Phoenix football fanatic and a big Manchester United fan. Waseem is incredibly proud of his Pakistani origin and enjoys sharing knowledge and experience of his “homeland” with staff and students alike. He also has a great sense of humour and has fantastic relationships with students. He has high aspirations for them and really wants to make a difference in helping them to achieve successful futures.
Amy Dunbill
Tutor - Lead for Art & Creativity
Amy is a talented Art tutor with over ten years of experience in a specialist SEN school setting supporting young people with autism, communication difficulties and SEMH needs. As well as teaching Art, Amy has also taught a wide range of other subjects including including Performing Arts and Independent Living Skills. Amy feels strongly that Art should be accessible to all and that everyone can express themselves through their artwork. She is passionate about creativity and inclusion, and wants all students to be successful and happy, believing that any student can achieve whatever they set their minds to.
Sulinder Gill
Senior Tutor - English & Strategic Lead for
Sulinder is an experienced English tutor, having taught for over twelve years across a variety of secondary and post-16 settings. Sulinder has high expectations for her students and is passionate about developing the literacy skills of all students. Sulinder passionately shares her love of literature with staff and students alike and hopes that her students form the same love of literature that she has.
James Meredith
Senior Tutor - Mathematics and Sports Science
James is an experienced tutor of both mathematics and sport who brings with him a wealth of experience. After enjoying a very successful career in the armed forces, working as a training instructor of new recruits in his latter days, he moved on to working with young people in a variety of education settings. James taught a Uniformed Public Services course in a local college, before moving onto a Young Offenders Institute as a Maths tutor. James is experienced in teaching students with SEMH needs, and has an enthusiastic teaching approach centred around the needs of his students. James has high expectations for all students, and encourages students to display independence and take ownership of their learning. James enjoys developing the confidence of students and supporting their path to a brighter future.
Deanne Locke
Tutor - Art & Creativity
Deanne brings a wealth of experience of working with students with SEMH in her previous roles and this combined with her passion for Art has made her a valuable addition to the team. Deanne always wants the best for the students she supports and goes above and beyond to help them to overcome the difficulties they may face. Her particular talents around glass and ceramics allows the students to connect with some of our local history, which in turn supports engagement. She believes every student is capable of making progress in art and that they just need to tap into their hidden talents.
Lauren Gallacher
SEMH Specialist Practitioner
Lauren is an SEN specialist with experience across EYFS, SEN schools and Secondary Schools. Lauren became a SEMH practitioner because she believes in supporting students to achieve their goals, and holds a Level 3 qualification in Teaching and Education. Lauren is a passionate advocate of mental health support, and enjoys helping students with their confidence and to grow as an individual.
Stephanie Aspinall
SEMH Specialist Practitioner
Stephanie has worked in specialist and mainstream schools for the majority of her adult life. Stephanie is a qualified Primary School Teacher and is now enjoying her role as an SEMH practitioner. Stephanie has experience with SEMH, MLD and ASD students and shows patience and creativity throughout her role. Stephanie hopes that her students form resilience and positive relationships anf flourish as learners.