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Management Team

Management Staff

Making the impossible achievable.

Meet our Senior Leadership Group, Middle Managers Team and the Advisory Board here at Dovecote School.

Neil Gage

Head Teacher - SLG

01458 333127


NGage@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Mark Thompson

Deputy Headteacher - SLG

01458 333127

MThompson@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Julie Jackson

Designated Safeguarding Lead - SLG

01458 333127

juliejackson@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Rachael Auton

Assistant Head - Lower (Phase 1) - SLG

01458 333127

RAuton@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Nicki Maguire

Assistant Head - Middle (Phase 2) - SLG

01458 333127

nmaguire@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Ellie Chilcott

Assistant Head - Upper (Phase 3) - SLG

01458 333127

EChilcott@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Sian Gage

Senco - SLG

01458 333127

senco@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Leah Roberts

Family Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead - SLG

01458 333127

LRoberts@dovecoteschool.co.uk

Sam Andrews

HR and H&S Manager - SLG

01458 333127

SAndrews@dovecoteschool.co.uk

George Buckingham

Maths Lead Middle Manager

Lucy Hawkins

Arts Lead Middle Manager

Cheryl Moolman

Careers, Community and Work Experience Lead Middle Manager

John Virgin

Science Lead Middle Manager

Jack Bateman

English Lead Middle Manager

Antonia Hardcastle

Occupational Therapy Lead and CPD Coordinator Middle Manager

Emma Taylor

SaLT Lead and Student Voice Middle Manager

Claire Briffet

Family, Inclusion and Wellbeing Team Deputy Middle Manager

Daisy John

Exams Middle Manager

01458 333127

Neil Gage

Head Teacher - SLG

I am the Headteacher of Dovecote School. I have over 23 years experience of working with students with special education needs, including trauma informed practice, SEMH, ASD, ADHD, PDA to name a few. 10 of those years have been specifically dedicated to work at senior management level supporting families, staff and students alike, promoting inclusive practice in an environment where students feel safe and want to learn resulting in positive outcomes. I have a proven track record in registering and developing growth within special schools in the South West whilst maintaining a good strong vision for the school and sharing this effectively to the leadership team and teachers alike prioritising staff welfare and the wellbeing of our students.

At the heart of the school, I think we need to make our students feel safe within a fun, appropriate learning environment where students can make mistakes without prejudice and strive to be the best they can be through our delivery of a specialized, student-focused curriculum which will allow them grow into interdependent learners.

As a leader, I have been able to motivate my staff team and get them to work with me, I lead from the front demonstrating excellent teaching and engagement management skills, giving them the confidence that I still know what it’s like to be on the ground floor.

Mark Thompson

Deputy Headteacher - SLG

I have been teaching in a various setting for over 20 years. Over these years I have trialed, developed and attuned my managerial and leadership skills, including skills essential in supporting the running, development and growth of this new school. I am excited by the opportunities we can offer to young people and embed in our curriculum, that allow us to engage and stretch our students’ minds. Through Thrive practices, Sensory activities and diets and Autistic friendly approaches, we meet the needs of our young people, above and beyond so many other specialist schools. The school has a genuine family feel and the ethos we promote is child focused. Our facilities and the high calibre of staff, make the transitional steps easier for any young person on roll.

After qualifying in climbing, paddle sport and Mountain Leaders, I first worked as an outdoor activity Instructor, then as a field studies teacher, DofE assessor and Team building facilitator in various outdoor centres. Following completion of my degree and PGCE, I then moved into a post in a mainstream school (11-18). There, I delivered Geography (11-18) and initially through extracurricular activities, Outdoor Education. Over the years, I ran various trips, expeditions and programs both on the timetable and as extracurricular activities. As a successful and driven teacher, I became promoted to a middle leader role within the school, first improving the quality of education within Geography, and also its image and value within young people’s lives. Over time, I also undertook various other lead roles within the wider school community, including; Staff CPD co-coordinator, Coaching Lead and NQT’s/ PGCE mentor. Towards the end of my time at my first school (14 years), I became heavily involved in and started to specialise in SEN education.

I am passionate and driven to provide high quality, impactful and meaningful education. Education that improves life outcomes and which all students can access. Dovecote School is that unique and amazing environment which has been specifically selected and designed to create the best supportive and encouraging atmosphere for students. With its focus on Autism, facilities and resources have been specifically selected to support students so that anxiety can be managed and progress can be made. I am excited to be a part of the team.

Julie Jackson

Designated Safeguarding Lead - SLG

I have worked in social care/education in a variety of settings for over 20 years, in the last 14 years l have worked in specialised education settings.

I enjoy learning and completed my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, prior to this l completed Level 3  NVQ Health and Social Care (Children and Young People).

I am passionate and driven to provide the best support to the children and young people and help them to understand how to keep themselves safe in the community and online.

Dovecote School is an amazing place to work and to see the young people thrive and learn in an environment that understands and adapts to individual needs makes Dovecote a safe learning environment.

In my free time l enjoy spending time with my dogs Tegan, Perry and Raven, going on walks in the countryside and spending time with my family. I enjoy F1 watching it and going to different races.

Rachael Auton

Assistant Head - Lower (Phase 1) - SLG

I have taught throughout the Primary Phase. I have also been a member of the Senior Leadership and been a SENCO. I have a real love for Maths and Science and have been curriculum leads for both of these subjects as well as working as a Maths Specialist for my local Secondary School, providing advice and workshops for feeder schools. I am passionate about making learning as interactive, engaging, inclusive and as ‘fun’ as possible!
After 22 years working in a small rural school, as Senior Lead, I jumped at the chance to work at Dovecote. It is a place where the children are able to Thrive due to its fun, individualised approach to learning, safe learning environment where mistakes can be made and where the children can just be themselves – without judgment. I love working with our young people, seeing them develop and grow as individuals. Dovecote truly is a special place!

Nicki Maguire

Assistant Head - Middle (Phase 2) - SLG

I am a middle school teacher in Weasel class and a middle manager with a focus on PDA.

I have been teaching for 25 years across both Secondary and Middle schools.  In my own time I enjoy going to the gym, trail running, paddleboarding, walking and exploring new places and watching Rugby and cricket!

The most enjoyable part of Dovecote is getting to spend every day with wonderful, funny, imaginative and creative children in a beautiful setting!  Oh, and the food is pretty amazing too!

I would like each child to develop meaningful friendships and develop independence.

Ellie Chilcott

Assistant Head - Upper (Phase 3) - SLG

I have worked within education for over 10 years and had the opportunity within a variety of roles across multiple year groups from Primary to further education. My experience varies from class teacher of early years, to GSCE English and A Level and BTEC lecturer. Since qualifying as a teacher, I have had the opportunity to lead, develop and support PSHE curriculum, pastoral care supporting parent and families and as Deputy Safeguarding Lead. Working alongside parents and families providing additional support for vulnerable children prompted my transition to Residential care, where I undertook the role of Therapeutic Support Practitioner & Co- Ordinator working closely with young children with ongoing trauma, responsible for strategies and intervention therapies. Having worked within many educational establishments I have identified the importance of continual development and learning, striving to provide the best environment possible for children and young people to be able to develop and become successful individuals. With this as a focus I am excited to be part of the Dovecote team to support an individualised therapeutic approach to learning.

Sian Gage

Senco - SLG

I have worked in education for over 14 years and have experience in primary, secondary and specialist schools. When I undertook my PGCE, I trained with special needs as a specialism and spent equal time training in specialist settings and mainstream settings. Since qualifying as a teacher, I have taught across a variety of age ranges in both key stage 1 and key stage 2 and have led a number of subjects including Computing and PE, as well as being a key stage leader. I have always had an interest in special needs, and I was able to work alongside the SENCo in my previous school and gain valuable experience whilst completing the SENCo award. I then went on to become the school SENCo and was able to use my training and experience to implement new systems and strategies to develop and improve SEN outcomes across the school.

I firmly believe that education is not only about outcomes but about creating highly skilled and life ready individuals who are ready for the challenging world ahead, regardless of need or background. For me as a leader, this journey through education is fundamental and should be accessible to every child with each having access to the best opportunities to succeed and thrive. I am passionate about supporting young people and genuinely believe in the capacity of all to be successful even where adjustments may need to be made – I know that this drive and commitment to inclusivity and opportunities for all is integral to the role of SENCo.

Dovecote School provides a truly unique environment, both in the physical spaces that are available to enhance and facilitate educational and personal development opportunities, but also within the skills and experience of the staff team. I am in the fortunate position to work as part of a Therapy Team where our collective skills and knowledge can be used to support our students and their families to ensure that school is a safe and supportive place where they are welcomed and understood. As a therapy team we are able to support the wider teaching team in having the knowledge, training and resources to ensure that student’s needs are met, and they have the tools and strategies to succeed. An integral part of this success is working closely with our families to ensure that our student have the best possible outcomes.

Leah Roberts

Family Inclusion and Wellbeing Lead - SLG

Having accessed University as a mature student and scraped through an Honors degree in Psychology and Sociology, I had a long first career in Registered adult social care; in both middle and senior leadership. This gave me a wealth of experience working alongside and managing teams to support young and older adults with a range of learning differences to navigate life. I’m old enough to have been involved in the re-provision of services traditionally part of hospital care, to community care and supported living! Being involved in the final push for re-provision of the hospital care service in the Southwest taught me we can and should do more to support neurodiverse people to access opportunities through education which enable them to fulfill full potential and hopes and wishes.

This prompted a switch from care to education and I quickly started working in specialist education provision – somewhere I could use my skills and experience to best effect. I’ve taught classes of students with complex communication and social needs, including Autism, PDA, Attachment disorder and Trauma and through this became acutely aware of the meaning of inclusion in education. More recently worked as an art tutor and saw the benefits of engaging student therapeutically to support development of social and emotional skills. This brought me to Thrive Approach which has in turn been transformational for my practice and understanding of neurodiverse community. I came to Dovecote in 2022 with a deep and heartfelt understanding of Thrive and the impact it can have for everyone as a teaching tool, as a wellbeing tool and as a tool for life. I’m a licensed Adolescent Thrive practitioner, Thrive Family lead and Thrive trainer. In the last few years, I have worked tirelessly to embed the principles and practice of Thrive into education and am incredibly proud of the way in which we have embedded Thrive into our Needs Met curriculum. We are now a Thrive School of Excellence; celebrating that social, emotional mental health of our students, families and staff. This continues to be a high priority for our Family, Inclusion and Wellbeing team and for empowering resilience in life and learning.

Sam Andrews

HR and H&S Manager - SLG

I have worked in the social care/education sector; in a variety of settings, for over 18 years, with the latter 6 years being dedicated to HR, workforce development and H&S. I have many years’ experiences of managing a team; 10 of which have been at senior management level.  I am loyal, passionate, and driven to provide the best possible service to colleagues and the children and young people we work with.

I really enjoy working in multifaceted and fast paced environments that require effective delivery of projects and initiatives, which makes the environment at Dovecote School is perfect for me.

Dovecote School provides an amazing environment, with plenty of outside space including a farm, gardens, sports activities as well as on and offsite adventure activities to meet the needs of our students and help them achieve their true potential.  We are incredibly lucky to have an amazing; inclusive, team of educational and therapy specialists who are dedicated and passionate about making a difference for every child that attends Dovecote School, both now and in the future.

George Buckingham

Maths Lead Middle Manager

As the Maths Lead at Dovecote School, I am committed to nurturing a deep understanding and appreciation of mathematics in all our students. I believe that maths is not just about numbers and equations, but about problem-solving, logical thinking, and discovering patterns that help us make sense of the world. My goal is to make maths accessible, engaging, and meaningful, so that every student feels confident and capable in their learning.
I strive to create a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as valuable steps in the journey to mastery. Whether through real-world applications, collaborative challenges, or creative investigations, I aim to show students that maths is a dynamic and empowering subject.
With a background in secondary education, I have experience teaching across a wide range of abilities and learning needs. This has shaped my inclusive approach to teaching and my belief in the importance of adapting learning to support every student’s progress and confidence.
In my role, I support staff in delivering a rich and balanced curriculum that builds fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. I work to ensure that teaching is inclusive and inspiring, helping students to develop resilience and independence in their mathematical thinking.

Lucy Hawkins

Arts Lead Middle Manager

I am the Arts Lead overseeing Art, Drama and Music across Dovecote. The Arts are an enriching part of our lives and are all around us – helping us feel, communicate and think in different ways.
I have been teaching art for 22 years in secondary school from ages 11 – 18, as well as running art projects in the community.
In my own time I like to paint landscapes, usually outside in nature. I like to sing with my choir to relax and enjoy playing the piano. I also like walking my two terriers in the Somerset countryside.
The most enjoyable part at the Dovecote is when I get to spend time being creative and making art with lovely and imaginative children.

Cheryl Moolman

Careers, Community and Work Experience Lead Middle Manager

I have worked in education for 14 years in range of support, supervising and teaching roles. During this time I have obtained an Open BA (Hons) degree through the Open University as well as a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Learning. I have worked with a variety of ages and abilities before realising my passion for the SEN environment. I hold strong that all learners should feel safe and secure in their environment and that learning is not just about academics but also about personal growth and achievements. The ethos of Dovecote School ensures that our learners are supported emotionally; something I hold at the heart of my practise. My role includes developing work experience and lived experiences for students as they grow through their adolescent years.

John Virgin

Science Lead Middle Manager

I have been teaching science for over 30 years across a wide range of schools, including grammar schools, secondary schools, and middle schools. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed inspiring students to explore the wonders of science and helping them develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of discovery.

Beyond the classroom, I am passionate about electronics and enjoy experimenting with projects that bring scientific principles to life in practical and creative ways. Outside of school, I spend much of my time outdoors, particularly trail running and fishing, both of which give me the chance to connect with nature and recharge.

My goal as a teacher is to share not only knowledge but also enthusiasm for science, encouraging students to see how it shapes the world around them and their own future opportunities.

Jack Bateman

English Lead Middle Manager

Hi, I’m Jack, and I am passionate about learning, exploring, and staying active. I have a real love for reading, as it allows me to discover new ideas and immerse myself in different worlds and perspectives. Alongside my interest in books, I am very enthusiastic about sports. Football is one of my favourite sports despite the fact that my favourite team hasn’t experienced any success in the past 20 years! I also enjoy watching tennis and ice hockey, I decided to follow slightly more successful athletes in these sports! I also enjoy playing pickleball and swimming regularly to keep fit and challenge myself.
Travel is another big passion of mine. I love experiencing new places and cultures, and I find it exciting to explore the world and learn about how other people live. Some of my favourite experiences have been watching football and tennis matches across Europe. It’s amazing to see world-class athletes compete while being part of the atmosphere in different countries.
I believe in making the most of every opportunity, whether that’s trying a new sport, reading a thought-provoking book, or travelling somewhere completely new.  I look forward to continuing to explore, learn, and share my interests with others in our school community.

Antonia Hardcastle

Occupational Therapy Lead and CPD Coordinator Middle Manager

I am Antonia and I’m the Occupational Therapist at Dovecote School. I qualified as an OT from Cardiff University in 2020.  

I have previously worked in 52-week residential school for autistic children with learning disabilities and additional complex needs. In this role I worked with young people ages 11 years up to 18 years supporting and promoting their participation and engagement in both their education and home lives.  

Before completing my Occupational Therapy training, I had experience working in Dementia Services and Community Mental Health Teams.  

My aim is to build an Occupational Therapy provision that promotes our young people’s meaningful engagement in their learning opportunities as well as develop a healthy understanding of their strengths and needs. I hope this will empower our young people at Dovecote to feel safe having their needs met and feel confident to self-advocate to ensure their needs continue to be met when they move on from Dovecote School.  

I am passionate about embedding a neurodivergent affirming therapeutic model into Dovecote School and advocating for meaningful inclusion

Emma Taylor

SaLT Lead and Student Voice Middle Manager

I’m Emma and I’m the Speech and Language Therapist at Dovecote. I qualified from Greenwich University in 2014.  I have previously worked within several NHS Trusts with young people with a range of strengths and needs, including autism, developmental language disorder, stammering, speech sound disorder and situational mutism.  In my NHS posts I primarily worked with ages 2 years up to 11 years, across mainstream schools, special schools, specialist provisions and clinic settings.

Previous to completing my speech and language therapy training, I completed a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistic Studies.  I worked as an LSA in a mainstream school in between finishing my undergraduate degree and starting my speech and language therapy training.

My aim is to create a speech and language provision which supports our young people to use the most meaningful form of communication for them.

I am passionate about ensuring my practice is neurodivergent affirming, supporting our young people to self-advocate, problem solve and look at different perspectives.  Since having my own children, I have experienced the many challenges that come with trying to find the best possible support for their happiness and success, and appreciate how important it is to work with families.

Claire Briffet

Family, Inclusion and Wellbeing Team Deputy Middle Manager

I started my career in Education, as a Teaching Assistant to fit around my own children and have now been working within schools for over 19 years. I have the lived experience of parenting 3 children with a range of needs – ASD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia and as such wanted to know everything and anything linked to their diagnosis. We struggled as a family to be heard and had to fight daily for their needs to be met. I was determined to be their voice when they couldn’t. This has influenced my practice in and out of class assisting other children and parents find their voice.

I am trained as an ELSA, Learning Support Mentor and Childhood Thrive Practitioner and have worked with a range of students with Autism, PDA, Attachment disorder, Bereavement and Trauma. I am passionate about inclusion for ALL children. When I heard about the role of Thrive Practitioner at Dovecote School, I jumped at the chance to move to a more dedicated role that centres on the student’s wellbeing.

Daisy John

Exams Middle Manager

I’m Daisy and I’m the Assessment, Referrals and Transition Lead which means that I support families from their first initial contact with Dovecote to them coming on roll. I oversee the assessments and liaise with homes, current/previous education placements, any professionals and local authorities.
As a middle manager, I am responsible for overseeing the smooth running of exams, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly and that students are supported to perform at their best.
The site at Dovecote is just stunning, I walk around and feel like I can breathe. The staff are fab and we work together to create the best possible outcomes for the young people in our community.
I am dyslexic and the staff are brilliant at giving me extra time to process what’s been said and answer any questions I have, in case I haven’t fully understood!

Discuss a referral

For details of open mornings, to arrange a visit, or discuss our admission process, please contact:

Daisy John - Referral, Assessment and Transition Coordinator

djohn@dovecoteschool.co.uk

01458 333127

Referrals
Dovecote School
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Where the unimaginable is achievable.

Small class sizes with high staff ratios, integrated therapeutic curriculum, development of functional life skills.

01458 333127 reception@dovecoteschool.co.uk 21 Station Road, Shapwick, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9NJ

Cavdendish Education
Dovecote School is part of the Cavendish Education Group. Dovecote School Limited is registered in England and Wales. No 13699034. Registered office: 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ.
National Autistic Society
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