Advisory Board

I am responsible for overseeing the post-16 provision at Grange Park and its partnership sites, working closely with students and staff at both the school and college locations. My 16 years of experience in teaching and senior leadership roles at a Further Education College have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to support Grange Park students in successfully transitioning to the next stage of their learning journey.

Having studied sports science at university, I remain passionate about personal and professional growth, regularly engaging in professional development opportunities to enhance my impact in the school environment. I am proud to be a member of the KSENT Leadership and Management Group, contributing to the advancement of leadership and management within the SEN sector in Kent.

Outside of work, I am an avid runner with a history of competing at the international level. I continue to participate in road and cross-country races, combining my love for sport with a commitment to personal fitness. My qualifications include NPQSL, NPQH, and serving as Chair of the KSENT Leadership Forum.

Dr Amanda Bates is a Chartered Psychologist and works in health and care research in addition to delivering Disability Equality training.

Amanda is an Ambassador for the charity Changing Faces and is involved with The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) and Face Equality International charities. Via these organisations, she has appeared on BBC World (live), ITV and Channel 4, as well as other media, to challenge pervasive beauty norms and resist negative societal perceptions of difference.

I am the co-founder and Principal of the Oaks Specialist College, the Oaks opened in 2018 with 10 learners, currently we have 126 young people on roll. Prior to setting up the Oaks I had 20 years’ experience of working with young people with SEN in a local maintained school. My first role was a LSA, I then moved on to cover supervisor/unqualified teacher and finally went on to train and qualify as a teacher.

For the last 6 years at the school I was head of sixth form and a senior leader.
My passion is to enable young people to achieve their goals and dreams so they can go on to live fulfilling lives, whilst challenging society to be more equitable.

Alongside my role as Principal I work closely with Natspec, recently I have been in conversation with the DfE around the blanket rules that affect English & Maths conditions of funding.

Away from work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling abroad. I have two grown up daughters and two grandchildren, I also have a VW camper van which I very much enjoy going out in. I’ve recently set myself a challenge to get fit and have signed up to the moon walk marathon next May!!

I am a recently retired bank manager of thirty nine years working within retail, corporate and wealth management. I live locally with my wife in Tunbridge Wells and have two daughters who also live in and around the town.

Now retired I spend my time helping friends with building projects as well as volunteering at a local charity, supporting people with debt and budgeting difficulties.

To relax my wife and I love to walk our dog and I like to play golf and tennis and watch football and rugby. I have known David and Nick for over twenty years and seen how they have helped so many students improve their education through their love for music.