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.
Jemma Lyons
Director Of Learning
Jemma has been a qualified teacher for 23 years and has spent the vast majority of her teaching career in SEND schools. She is Primary trained, but has worked with both Primary and Secondary pupils in schools and with adults with additional needs within a residential care environment. Jemma has worked in SEND schools that support a wide variety of complex needs and has also worked within schools that specialise in areas such as; ASC, PDA, SEMH, ADHD and Trauma.
Jemma has been a Senior leader within two other school settings prior to starting at WSAPC. She has also led on Communication within a school, including being a qualified Makaton Regional Tutor. Jemma believes that creative and personalised teaching can enable any young person to learn. She believes that we should support our young people with unconditional positive regard and enable and empower them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their future.
In her spare time Jemma enjoys spending time with her family, going camping, walking her dog, reading and watching movies.
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.