Vikki Alden, Headteacher

A seasoned headteacher and leader specialising in trauma-informed education. Former leadership development coach at the National College for School Leadership. I have led English curriculum schools in the UK and overseas. Committed to staff development to best serve young learners' needs and to crafting innovative curriculum models. Proven track record in school improvement, ensuring students' safe and successful transition beyond school. It is a privilege to serve the Brunel School on our transformative journey to create a nurturing and aspirational environment. I am excited to embark on this journey with The Special Partnership Trust.

 

Caroline Kolek, Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo, Admissions, Assessment & Progress Lead and Designated Teacher for Cared For Children.  

Caroline has been in teaching for over 25 years, holding a variety of roles including Head of Year, Head of Department, SENDCo and Assistant Head in both Mainstream and Special Schools. She is currently completing the TISUK Diploma in Trauma and Mental-Health Informed Schools and Communities (Practitioner Status). Caroline joined Brunel in April 2022; she is passionate about all SEND pupils accessing a quality education where their needs are understood and met. Academic and therapeutic provisions go hand in hand, meeting needs, whilst ensuring pupils achieve the best possible outcomes.

 

Emily Johnston, Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Behaviour & Engagement Lead.

I have over 22 years of experience working in education across both Primary and Secondary. My teaching career started within Primary education, teaching across all year groups for over 15 years.  

Over the last 7 years, I have taught and been part of the Leadership team within an Alternative Provision for vulnerable pupils ages 4-16. During this time, I developed my trauma-informed practice which acknowledges the need to see beyond an individual’s presenting behaviours and ask “What does this child need?” I believe that building positive relationships with our children and the whole school community is the key to unlocking barriers, allowing individuals to achieve their full potential.  

I am incredibly proud to be working alongside our young people and families at Brunel School. My passion and aim is to support our school to provide the best possible environment for pupils to feel safe, learn and develop, as well as to cultivate a sense of wonder, empathy and understanding of the world around them.

 

Ben Clark, Operations Manager & Exams Officer.

Ben joined us at the beginning of 2023 from another local SEMH provision, and brings with him a deep knowledge of school administration, data coordination, compliance, accounts, leadership and project management. Ben oversees our HR, accounts, reception team, and all other aspects of operations, including premises and Health & Safety compliance. Ben and his busy team ensure the smooth running of our administrative and operational functions here at Brunel.

As the school's Examinations Officer, Ben also oversees the administration and coordination of exams, including timetabling, invigilation, and compliance with JCQ and Awarding Body regulations.

 

Ryan Distin, Lead for Behaviour, Attitudes and Welfare.

Ryan is incredibly proud to be part of our staff team and has been since the day he started, almost twenty years ago! Ryan began his career at Brunel as a Teaching Assistant, and quickly progressed to other roles, from teaching Music, to becoming a consistent member of the Behaviour Support Team. With Ryan's wealth of knowledge and experience at Brunel, he now confidently leads this team, as well as supporting the Safeguarding of our pupils as our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

Ryan is also a Trauma-Informed Practitioner, a practice that he is extremely passionate about, and plays a crucial role in training staff to embed this approach into everyday practice.