The Russett School

I am Carrie Rowley, Chair of the Academy Council. I first became a governor at The Russett 10 years ago when my daughter joined the school. During that time it has been my privilege to be part of the school's journey through conversion into an academy, creation of the Russett Learning Trust and most recently joining the Shaw Education Trust. Outside of The Russett, I have a Masters Degree and PhD in Mechanical Engineering and have spent the last 20 years working in the nuclear industry. I am currently Director of Nuclear Safety at an engineering consultancy, Different by Design, where I am responsible for strategic leadership, technical oversight, mentoring my team, business development and recruitment. I feel incredibly honoured to be part of The Russett's uniquely welcoming, accepting and nurturing community, both as a Councillor and a parent. The Russett is a truly wonderful place, where pupils are celebrated for being themselves and encouraged to flourish. I am passionate about empowering young people with SEND to pursue brighter futures and I enjoy every second I spend working with the amazing staff and pupils at The Russett to achieve that.

Hi, my name is Cheryl Booth.  I am a retired Teacher and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo).  To be an Academy Councillor of a special school such as The Russett School is not only very important to me, but also a privilege.  I visit school regularly as I am the Safeguarding Councillor and value this essential role within The Russett family. I believe all children and young people should have the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.  They deserve be taught with understanding and encouragement, to ‘sparkle’ and be the best version of themselves and become a valued member of society. Since retiring, I have continued to support educational trips and I enjoy plenty of walks and rambles with my husband Mike.  I enjoy crafting, reading, knitting and lots of baking.  I am a musician and enjoy playing my flute or guitar as well as composing a few tunes. 

Hello, my name is Scott Davidson. I have worked in the utility sector for 11 years following my graduation from the University of Edinburgh with a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. I held various positions within United Utilities working across the northwest, most recently as a Regional Operations Manager. I transitioned to a career at Barclays, where am the technology sustainability lead for the supply chain, helping develop the strategic direction for the bank to decarbonize its technology footprint. During this tenure, I gained extensive experience in managing substantial operating expenses and capital expenditures, engaging a diverse range of complex stakeholders, and executing numerous transformation projects. My son, William, who is now four years old, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at a young age. We were fortunate to find the Russett School playgroup, which provided us with invaluable support. We received guidance on available resources, strategies for navigating challenging periods, and the opportunity to connect with other parents who shared similar experiences. I am deeply committed to contributing to this essential aspect of our local community. As an academy councillor, I am honored to support the Russett School, a team that provides an outstanding level of education, to the amazing children who attend. I am looking forward to assisting the school and its students in their journey through their time at Russett.

My name is Emma Leach and I am the Executive Headteacher and Ex Officio for the Academy Council. My career in Special Education started back in 2001 after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. The children sparked my passion for helping others to achieve and I spent many happy years within the classroom, truly devoted to my role of a Teaching Assistant. As an aspiring teacher, I went on to complete a Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching & Learning before subsequently completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Teaching Learning & Mentoring Practice and later gaining QTS. In 2014, I decided to take the step into school leadership after working at the Russett School as a class teacher and subject leader for English. Since this time, I have successfully completed two Deputy Headships across two local authorities before gaining the post of Executive Headteacher at The Russett School and Russett Learning Trust in 2021. I completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2018 and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) in July 2024. During my time in senior leadership I have led during schools Ofsted inspections in 2014,2018 and the latter in 2023 in which Russett gained its third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ judgement. In July 2024 I successfully led and managed the Russett Learning Trust’s conversion into The Shaw Education Trust, navigating system wide change in order to provide a sustainable and successful future for the academy. Over the years my inspiration has remained unchanged in my drive and unswerving commitment to make a difference for children and young people with Special Educational Needs. In that drive I hope to inspire and continue to mentor all staff to be the best possible practioners, where which they can share Russett’s vision for care and education.

Hi, I'm Marie Allen and I have been part of the school office team since 1997. Previously I worked for NatWest Bank and I then joined The Russett when the Local Authority began delegating budgets to schools. In 2008 I embarked on the new CSBM course (Certificate in School Business Managment) and in 2010 I went on to complete the DSBM (Diploma). I was part of the Executive Team when we converted to academy status and formed The Russett Learning Trust in 2015, and I joined CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) in order to complete the Certificate in Financial Reporting for Academies and undertake the role of CFO. Being part of The Russett Family for the past 28 years has been incredibly interesting, enjoyable and varied. I feel I have been able to support the amazing work of the teaching teams with our young students, and it has been a privilege to have witnessed so many of them accessing the wonderful facilities and inspiring teaching at this special place.

I’m a parent of two autistic children, one of whom attends The Russett School. I’m currently in my third year of studying Education and Special Educational Needs at Liverpool John Moores University and have past experience working in early years education. I’m passionate about celebrating the strengths and individuality of every pupil and believe that when we focus on what pupils can do, we create the best conditions for them to thrive. I’m a down-to-earth person who cares deeply about inclusion, wellbeing, and ensuring all pupils feel valued and supported..

Hi my name is Laura, and I have worked as a hairdresser for over 20 years. Since 2011, I have successfully run my own hairdressing business and also spent two years teaching hair and beauty in a school setting. I'm a proud mum to my son, Henry, who was diagnosed with ASD a few years ago. We were fortunate to find the Russett outreach play group, where we first got to know the school and instantly felt at home. Henry, who is now six, attends The Russett School and is absolutely thriving. I'm very proud to serve as an Academy Councillor and to support the school community in any way I can. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the fantastic work that makes The Russett School such a special place for our children. I'm passionate about promoting inclusion, celebrating every child's individuality, and working together with staff and parents to ensure all pupils Meet their full potential..

My name is Jessica Dennis and I am deputy headteacher, with responsibility for lower school at The Russett School. Having started my career at The Russett School in 2013, I have had the privilege of growing alongside the school, beginning as a class teacher and progressing through roles as a middle leader, Coaching for Inclusion Partnership lead and deputy headteacher. At each stage of my career, I have actively pursued continued professional development opportunities. I have gained National Professional Qualifications in both Senior Leadership and Headship. I am also trained as a Level 5, Positive Behaviour Support Practice Lead, enabling me to lead whole school behaviour with fidelity to a PBS model. Each stage of my career at The Russett has deepened my understanding of the school’s ethos and strengthened my commitment to working with pupils with special educational needs and Difficulties (SEND) and their families. In 2018, I was designated as a Specialist Leader in Education for SEND which enabled me to work alongside other settings across Cheshire, ensuring that pupils with SEND were supported effectively. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with a wide variety of staff members, to date, and pride myself on the relationships I develop and maintain with colleagues across all levels of our organisation as well as wider stakeholders.

My name is Kathryn Richardson and I am Deputy Head Teacher for the Upper School at The Russett School. Having joined the Russett School as an unqualified teacher in September 2015, I have been in the privileged position of developing my career within an outstanding school and progressed to become a qualified teacher. After two years as a qualified teacher I was successfully appointed as Deputy Head Teacher for Upper School at The Russett. During my career at The Russett School I have gained National Professional Qualifications in both Senior Leadership and Headship. As part of my role as Deputy Head Teacher I take responsibility for safeguarding as Designated Safeguarding Lead. Most recently, I qualified to become the Senior Mental Health Lead which supports in building a whole-school approach to wellbeing – one that protects mental health as seriously as physical safety or academic progress. I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with a wide variety of staff members and pride myself on the relationships I develop and maintain with colleagues across all levels of our organisation as well as wider stakeholders. I am also extremely proud to have worked alongside Jessica Dennis, Deputy Head Teacher for Lower School to complete the National Nurture Schools Programme to gain accreditation for the Russett School as a National Nurture School.

I currently hold the position of Head teacher at Dee Banks school in Chester and have been in post since September 2016. Dee Banks school caters for the needs of pupils with a very similar profile to the pupils at The Russett. I began my teaching career, in a mainstream primary school in Knowsley but my passion has always been around SEN. I subsequently studied for my Post Graduate Diploma in SEN and secured a position in an all-age special school in Knowsley. I also worked for 2 years in the Cheshire Autism Team, supporting pupils, families, nurseries, schools and colleges across Cheshire, before becoming a Headteacher for the first time at Rosebank school, a school for primary aged pupils diagnosed with autism. I am currently the Designated Safeguarding Lead in school and am a member of Cheshire’s Executive Safeguarding Board. Cheshire West special school headteachers meet regularly and strive to support each other in many ways. I hope my experience, skills and knowledge will prove to be an asset to the academy council and I look forward to working as part of this team to support the school moving forwards.