Welcome to Reddish Hall School
Reddish Hall School was opened in 2015 for children who have struggled to engage with mainstream education due to their complex learning and social needs. While learning is based on the National Curriculum, it is facilitated in a manner so that children who have found education previously difficult to access can engage.
We are proud of our school and our staff team, but most of all, we are proud of our pupils. Many children come to us having not accessed full time education for some time and have not had a positive experience of learning. As a team, we work with parents and carers to support our young people, and to help them to thrive, develop a love of learning and find their self-belief. Success for us is seeing our pupils develop their individuality and learn how to both live in and flourish in wider society as young adults.
Sarah Makin – Head Teacher
Sarah joined the team when the school opened in 2015 and has been our Headteacher since 2019. She has worked in education for over 20 years and has been a TA, a Primary Teacher, a Secondary SEN teacher, a Learning Support Leader, a SENCO, an Assistant Head and a Headteacher. Sarah helps everyone else in school be their best. In her spare time she can usually be found with a nose in a book, surrounded by her cats.
Veronica Duggan – Head of School
Veronica completed a degree in Philosophy with Education, and then undertook a PGCE in Secondary Religious Education before working at mainstream schools in Tameside, Glossop and Stockport. She has worked at Reddish Hall for more than half a decade, starting as our learning supporting teacher, moving into the role of assistant SENCO, SENCO, Assistant Head for SEND and then Head of School. She is a qualified SENCO amongst other things and also holds the Proficiency in Assessment for Access Arrangements (PAPPA), which enables the school to ensure that pupils receive the right level support for them in formal qualifications. In her free time Veronica likes to bake, which the staff team are VERY appreciative of, and to go on holiday as much as possible!
Colette Nuttall – Assistant Head Teacher (SEND / Health and Safety)
Upper School
Colette Nuttall is Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for Health & Safety, and Pupil and Staff Welfare (SEND), with oversight of Key Stage 4. She has over 22 years’ experience in mainstream secondary education across Manchester, including leadership roles in English, Media and SEND. She joined Reddish Hall in April 2023.
Cheryl Hunt – Assistant Headteacher (Quality of Education)
Upper School
Cheryl graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University before gaining her PGDE in Education in 2011. She has worked in education ever since. Initially teaching and co-ordinating programmes for young people with additional needs aged 14-19 in Trafford, she gained her passion in supporting children and young people with finding their voice. Following this she worked as Curriculum Lead and Exams Officer for an independent school as part of Manchester Secondary PRU for seven years. She started as Assistant Head at Reddish Hall School in 2022 where she continues her quest – to help children and young people have positive and successful educational experiences. When Cheryl isn’t geeking out about qualifications, she is either up a hill or admiring a food menu.
Martyn Taylor – Assistant Headteacher
Lower School
Martyn has recently returned to Reddish Hall as an Assistant Head with responsibility for years 7 and 8, and whole school Personal Development. This includes clubs/activities, charity and community work as well as careers and Learning Outside the Classroom’ (LOtC). Martyn has spent the last 25 years working within SEMH education, starting as a TA and across four settings within the OFG group. Martyn enjoys his food and a good film or TV box set. He is also trying to regain his failing fitness levels of his previous sporty lifestyle.
Tess Duggan – Associate Assistant Headteacher and assistants the Quality of Education Lead
Since completing her PGCE in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2020, Teresa has developed a broad range of experience within the school. During her five years at Reddish Hall, she has progressed through several roles, including Teaching Assistant, Teacher, and Nurture and Keystone Lead. Her experience across these positions has provided her with a strong understanding of supporting students with diverse needs while contributing to the continued development of high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
Jordi Roig – Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Humanities
Jordi’s career in education began through volunteering in schools and working as a teaching assistant, experiences which helped shape his commitment to supporting young people. He went on to teach History and Geography in mainstream schools in Manchester and Rochdale before joining Reddish Hall School in 2020. Jordi became Head of Humanities in 2021 and has since completed NPQs in Leading Teaching and Senior Leadership. He is currently also working as Associate Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education. When not in school, Jordi can often be found playing guitar or going on adventures with his dog.
Cath Ward – Operations Manager / Behaviours & Attitudes
Cath Ward has worked at Reddish Hall school almost since it opened. She’s supported a wide variety of young people in a variety of mainstream settings, with a couple of Reddish Hall staff being past pupils she worked with! Cath has been a classroom TA, head of key stage, senior TA and now leads on the operational running of the school as part of the senior leadership team. Outside of school she follows the misfortunes of Manchester City and enjoys holidays abroad with lots of sunshine.
Jane Neale – Designated Safeguarding Lead
I have worked at Reddish Hall School for 7 years. In that time, I started in the main office as administrator, then I became the Family Liaison officer and I am now in my current role as Designated Safeguarding Lead. In these seven years, I have got to know parents and students very well and built-up good relationships. I have two dogs and three cats, which keep me busy. I love playing darts and I am the captain of a ladies darts team. I also love to watch darts on TV and at live venues.
Chloe Unwin – Senior Administrator
I do my best to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. I’ve recently completed my Level 4 qualification in School Business Management, which I’m really proud of, and I enjoy bringing what I’ve learned into my role every day. Outside of work, I’m a busy mum of two and a dedicated football mum, usually found on the side lines cheering, whatever the weather! When I do get some downtime, I love nothing more than a low-key weekend spent with my family. I really enjoy being part of the school community and take pride in supporting both staff and pupils wherever I can.
Chloe Train – Welfare and Attendance Officer
I’ve recently joined the school after working as a mental health nurse, so supporting people and their wellbeing has always been a big part of who I am. I’m completely new to working in a school setting, but I’m really enjoying learning something new and getting to know everyone. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, making memories, and enjoying my time off — usually with a coffee in hand and a long to-do list that I may or may not get through.
Heads of Department
- Aimee Sargent – Head of English
- Connor Frater – Head of Science
- Emily Aris – Head of Careers and Destinations
- Jordi Roig – Head of Humanities
- Mel Dolan – Head of Art
- Sharron Mooks – Head of Maths
Deputy Leads
- Erik Merriman – Deputy English Lead
- Charlotte Cooke – Deputy Maths Lead
- Ruby Hassan – Deputy Science Lead
Year Managers
- Ellie Gowrie – Year 7
- Kaylie Berry – Year 8
- Josh Baldwin – Year 9
- Kayleigh Shenton – Year 10
- Maria Pearson – Year 11