Abbot’s Lea School showcases commitment to developing talent from within

Abbot’s Lea School is celebrating the career progression of its staff, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting staff to progress their careers internally.

Over recent years, the Woolton-based school has supported a number of employees in developing their skills, gaining additional qualifications, and advancing into a variety of leadership, teaching and support staff roles across the school.

This approach reflects a strong focus on internal talent retention and career progression. It ensures staff have opportunities to grow professionally while continuing to contribute to the school community.

Many staff began their careers at Abbot’s Lea School in more junior roles. They then progressed through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience into a range of more senior or new roles across the organisation.

From teaching assistant to qualified teacher

Stacey Wilson joined Abbot’s Lea School in 2018 as a part-time teaching assistant after returning from maternity leave. With encouragement and support, she moved into a higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) role, which strengthened her interest in teaching.

She was then supported to complete her PGCE teacher training while balancing family life. This was an opportunity she had once felt was out of reach. After successfully qualifying, she secured a teaching position and is now an early career teacher (ECT).

Stacey commented:

“I genuinely love my job and feel very lucky to spend each day with such incredible children. It is especially meaningful that the students in my class have been with me throughout my journey – they have played a huge part in my development and my love of teaching.

“Looking ahead, I would like to keep developing, contribute to the future of the school, and eventually support student teachers as a mentor.”

Multiple pathways into teaching and leadership

A number of staff have followed a similar path and moved into teaching, including Richard Manley, Kelly Aldridge, Michelle McGawley, and Rebecca Ledward, all of whom began their careers as teaching assistants or in support roles.

Richard said:

“The thing I adore the most about my job is seeing the small differences we make. It could be something as simple as a student learning a new word, asking for a new activity or being able to access a new space with staff support. It’s seeing the difference we can truly make each day.”

Chloe Biggins is currently undertaking teacher training through the Schools Direct programme, while Ben Owen joined the school as a teaching assistant and left in 2023 to complete his PGCE. He has since qualified and returned to Abbot’s Lea School as a teacher.

Laura Cartwright also began her career at Abbot’s Lea as a teaching assistant. She progressed from class teacher to key stage leader, and finally to assistant headteacher, with responsibility for the primary department.

Growing expertise across specialist and support roles

In addition, Jonathan Plant and Donal McGrath have both evolved within the school’s Positive Behaviour Support provision. Jonathan is now a senior positive behaviour support assistant and Donal a positive behaviour support assistant.

Jonathan said:

“Abbot’s Lea has supported me by giving me lots of opportunities for continuing my professional development. The school has also funded me to do a postgraduate certificate in Leading Positive Behaviour Support in organisations through the University of Northumbria.”

Lisa Sharpe now serves as safeguarding manager, having developed through a range of pastoral and safeguarding positions within the school.

Headteacher of Abbot’s Lea School, Mrs Ania Hildrey, commented:

“Staff of Abbot’s Lea School are our greatest asset, and I am incredibly proud of our colleagues. Those who have advanced their careers within Abbot’s Lea School inspire us to see what can be achieved through hard work, commitment, and the right support. Investing in our staff not only benefits the individuals, but also strengthens the quality of education and care we provide as a specialist school.”

Deputy headteacher, Mrs Emily Tobin, added:

“I have had the privilege of watching so many colleagues develop in their practice, confidence and leadership, and this remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the role. Supporting staff as they grow professionally is every bit as fulfilling as seeing our students make progress; in fact, the two are inextricably linked.”