Senior team

Cheryl Stepton
Managing Director
Proprietor

Hi, my name is Cheryl Stepton. I am Managing Director and Proprietor of Cavendish School and Lady Gomm House. I set up the school in June 2000, based originally at Surrey Dock Stadium SE16. My role here is to manage the commercial side of the school and to administer the financial control. I also advise on the general running of the school. But by far the best part of my job is to sit back and appreciate and encourage the professionalism and dedication of our very impressive staff team

Sara Craggs
Head Teacher

My name is Sara Craggs and I am the head teacher of Cavendish School. Cavendish School is a lively, vibrant place to be. We aim to be supportive in the care and education of our children and provide and environment that is stimulating, informative and fun.

Our staff team are dedicated and work hard to meet the needs of each child. We are flexible in our approach to education and do not believe that one size fits all. Our motto is everyday is a fresh start and we encourage our children to aim high as together we believe we can all make a positive impact on a child’s education and ultimately their future.

Jason Dornelly
Head of Student Welfare
Learning Support Coordinator
PE Coordinator

Hi, my name is Jason Dornelly, and I have worked at Cavendish for the last six years. I am a learning support assistant, as well as a P.E coordinator. This role is important to me as we plan out PE sessions, and try to promote healthy living.

Cavendish School is a very rewarding place to work, but it can be very challenging at times. I like the challenge, as every day is different, and you never know what to expect.

Schools like ours should get more recognition for the outstanding work they do. Special students deserve specialist teachers.

Anne-Marie Beale
Deputy Head Teacher
Head of Curriculum
English Coordinator

Hi I’m Anne-Marie and I teach science to the majority of the students. I favour the biological sciences and am keenly interested in environmental issues. I have worked at Cavendish for five years, and firmly believe that young people should be aware of how science however small, impacts on their life. It is challenging and rewarding to know you can make an impact on their development.

Pat Shaw
Assistant Deputy Head
PSHE Coordinator
Art Therapy
Science Teacher
SENCO

Hello my name is Patricia Shaw. I was born in London and have been teaching for over 20 years. I’ve taught mainly in inner city multi-racial schools and colleges with secondary age students. I am a well experienced and well qualified teacher, and over the years have gained a great deal of experience in teaching in the field of Creative Arts.

I came to teach at Cavendish School three years ago. My role here is to run Art Therapy sessions and teach Personal Social and Health Education. I am in senior management and am also the Special Needs Coordinator for the school.

Cavendish is a lively and interesting place to work, with a dynamic and dedicated staff team. My main aim here is to provide the students with a stimulating, challenging, creative and safe environment; in which they can learn and achieve some of their early educational foals in life and spur them on to continue their education, beyond their time with us.

Debbie Sycamore
Human Resources Manager

Hi, my name is Debbie Sycamore. I was appointed in June 2007 by the Managing Director as Human Resources Manager to assist the team with taking Cavendish into the 21st Century!

This is my first role within a school based environment for 26 years, although I have over several years experience of working within a Human Resources role, namely within the London and Ambulance Service and hotel industry.

I am married with two children and a dog! Life has taught me that every moment is precious and not to be wasted. My family tell me I’m a workaholic, I would say I enjoy working and am dedicated to ensuring I do my job well. I enjoy being in the company of others, reading, swimming, walking and working towards being a few stone lighter!

Cavendish School has been an eye opener; the staff are fantastic, the head teacher is amazing and the students incredible. Each day brings new challenges; in the short period of time of being here I can see that each and every staff member is dedicated to meeting the needs of our students.

As Human Resources Manager it is my duty to ensure that the school complies with all employment law and Health and safety regulations; recruiting new staff members, management of staff documentation, training, introducing new and updating policy and procedures, management of health and safety within the school and staff welfare to name but a few.

My personal aim is to undertake and complete the CIPD course (Certificate in Personnel Development), which I should have done years ago.

My aim for the school is to become an investor in people; people are an organisation’s greatest asset, and we all know that for an organization to succeed everyone has to perform well. To achieve this, people need the right knowledge, skills and motivation to work efficiently.