Meet the Team

Daley Barber-Allen

Headteacher

For over 20 years, Daley has worked in the specialist education sector within schools and a further education college in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland and West Yorkshire. He has worked as a senior leader in specialist education since 2013; moving to headteacher of two different all-need schools in  2019 in Newcastle.
As a specialist school leader, Daley’s values are rooted in the belief that every child and young person can learn and achieve, whatever their abilities or circumstances may be. He is passionate about raising aspirations, changing perceptions and improving the future pathways of people with different abilities and is committed to creating the best possible education and school experience for the entire Newton Bridge community.

Rachael Bennett

Deputy Headteacher – Personal Development, Behaviour & Attitudes

Rachael has worked within the education sector in a variety of roles for over 25 years.
Developing a holistic approach to education and supporting every child to achieve their potential has been central to Rachael’s ethos, and this is evident within all the teaching, leadership and local authority consultancy roles she has held throughout her career.
Rachael has led on and supported the writing of national programmes to facilitate social and emotional development, including the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL) programme and the National Programme for Specialist Leaders of Behaviour and Attendance (NPSLBA).

Kate White

Deputy Headteacher – Quality of Education

Kate started teaching in 1998 and continues to be passionate about providing a balanced and holistic education for all of our learners.
She enjoys teaching across all key stages and has lead Early Years provision and communication across both sites for the last 3 years.
Kate holds a BEd (hons) teaching qualification and a postgraduate certificate in Autism from Northampton University.

Ollie Maltby

Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour & Attitudes

Ollie has worked at Newton Bridge since 2014. He studied Physical Education (BA Hons) at the University of Bedfordshire.
Ollie is a qualified Team Teach instructor and has supported schools across the Trust to provide a holistic approach to managing behaviour.
His working ethos is to promote physical activity in school due to the benefits on pupils’ mental health and well-being.
Ollie wants to develop a happy atmosphere in which all children are encouraged to cultivate pupils’ responsibility for managing their own behaviour in an appropriate manner to the various situations encountered.

Vicky Chapman

Assistant Headteacher – Quality of Teaching & Learning

Vicky has worked at Newton Bridge since 2013. She studied at Bishop Grosseteste University, obtaining a (BA Hons) Primary Education with QTS Degree.
Vicky has taught both lower and upper school pupils which supported her role as Curriculum Lead, ensuring that all pupils could access a broad and balanced curriculum in order to progress to the best of their abilities.
Vicky’s time and experience has allowed her to develop skills and expertise within specialist education. Her current role as Assistant Head continued to enable Vicky to have an impact on the teaching, learning and assessment of pupils ensuring that the very best provision is being provided.

Julia Kay

Assistant Headteacher- SENDCo

With 16 years teaching experience within both mainstream and specialist settings, Julia is a passionate and dedicated educator. Originally from Canada, she has been living and working in the UK since 2008, bringing a global perspective to her approach.
Julia has worked at Newton Bridge since 2020, fostering inclusive environments where every child can thrive. Julia has taught Key Stages 3-5, led English and Reading, led our UNICEF Right Respecting Schools Award work, mentored colleagues and supported pupils and their families. Julia holds the National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching and is currently working towards both the NPQ for Senior Leadership and the NPQSENCO.

Kathryn Betts

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Kathryn has worked at Newton Bridge since 2021 and in the safeguarding team since 2023. Before this, she held various management and administration roles within the utilities sector and NHS.
Kathryn is responsible for leading safeguarding and is passionate about working together with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people.

Jessica Newcombe

Assistant Headteacher – currently on secondment to another school within the Trust

For over 15 years Jessica has worked in the specialist education sector in the East Midlands. She has previously been Assistant Headteacher in two large specialist schools and has worked in both the primary and secondary phases.
Jessica’s specialism includes informal and pre-formal learning, and she believes that every child’s education should be fun, engaging, happy, exciting and relevant. Jessica considers everyone to be lifelong learners; there are always new practices and approaches to try which foster a love of learning.
Jessica holds a doctorate in specialit education and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) and has completed an instructional coaching course.