Our Leadership

Doug Thomas

Executive Headteacher

Doug has had extensive experience in the world of alternative provision and special needs both as a teacher in mainstream secondary settings and also as a leader in alternative provision settings.

He firmly believes that the school’s main focus is about opening doors to educational experiences and life experiences so that pupils can enjoy learning and make a habit of learning that will last a lifetime.

Doug has lived in Sussex since 1998 and has raised his family here.  His academic qualifications are from University of Kent ( BA) and Durham University ( MA and PGCE) as well as extensive specialist training in special needs and behavioural aspects to learning.  Doug also is a qualified ECB level 2 cricket coach.

Phil Edkins

Director Of Learning

Phil has worked in all phases of education for close to 30 years and joined WSAPC in 2019. Phil experienced his own challenges as a school pupil and had to reinvent himself in later years.

He cares deeply about young people having the right of opportunity to thrive and believes that every young person deserves to feel safe, happy and cared about. Phil started out as a Drama teacher, but in more recent times has specialised in SEND, in particular autism and SEMH.

Flexible, creative and good humoured, Phil enjoys being busy and finding opportunities to help young people.

Sam Channon

Chief Operations Officer

Sam joined WSAPC in March 2016 and has over 14 years’ experience working at a senior level in both the private and public sectors. Sam’s career started in media and TV where she gained a solid grounding in recruitment, policy development and budget management and, on completing an HR qualification (CIPD) she realised a passion for working within education and contributing to positive outcomes for young people. Sam holds a Certificate in School Business Management and is in the final stages of the Diploma in Schools Business Management.

Sam spends her free time with her family and she enjoys running and music.