Tessa Claridge

Principal

Tessa has been in education for over 20 years. Starting her career in further education and holding various senior leadership roles, Head of Department in Surrey, Head of College in Cornwall and as Head of Education and Pastoral Operations in Oxfordshire.

Tessa has used her varied experiences to inspire learners from different backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve and engage in education. Now as Principal of Stansfield Academy Tessa will be looking to bring her drive and passion to ensure an excellent student experience. In her spare time, Tessa likes to spend time with her family and dogs.

Emily Johnston

Vice Principal

Emily has previously taught in mainstream primary schools for fifteen years, teaching across all Key Stages including Early Years Foundation Stage. During this time, she held the role of SENDCo and Key Stage One Leader. Alongside teaching, her main focus was supporting individual children to develop their social, emotional and behavioural needs. Emily has been at Stansfield Academy for 5 years, initially as a Primary class teacher and Primary Lead for the academy. In 2017 Emily developed her professional role, becoming Vice Principal and later in 2019 became Head of School of Stansfield Academy. Emily prides herself on building positive relationships with children and their families to help individuals achieve their full potential. Emily believes that every child deserves the best education, and that every child's potential is unlocked by building relationships, offering quality teaching with high aspirations and developing confidence in our young people. In her free time Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has a love for the outdoors, including mountain climbing and spending her time in and around the sea! 

Paul Adams

Interim Assistant Head of School

More info coming soon 

Stacey Lilley

SENCO

I graduated in 2007 from the University of Plymouth with a BA (Hons) Design (Fashion and Textiles) followed by a PGCE in Secondary Education. I have worked as a secondary school Design and Technology Teacher for 13 years, teaching across all Key Stages including Sixth Form. During this time, I held the role of Head of Department, Assistant SENDCo and Head of an Autism provision.  

I am passionate about education and I have high and realistic expectations of every pupil, understanding the pupils’ needs to enable them to reach their full potential. I believe the primary role is to ensure all pupils develop positive self-esteem and have a rewarding and enjoyable experience as part of the academy community.  

When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family and friends, cooking, walking my dogs and being by the beach.

Alan Tozer

Pastoral Support Manager

Alan started his career as a commercial diver, following a move to Devon he changed direction to the building industry. Through his company he not only carried out property renovations but also housing developments.

Alan started his career with Wave in November 2018 as a teaching assistant in Construction.  This progressed to HLTA and led Outreach Instructor taking some of our students offsite in a mentoring capacity.  In 2022 Alan became a Family Support Worker, still mentoring students 1:1 but he also undertook Safeguarding training to Level 3 and looked after welfare.  In November 2022 Alan was appointed Pastoral Support Manager.  He relishes the challenge and is passionate about building positive relationships with all the students and their families/carers.  He strongly believes that all students deserve the best and are all given every opportunity to realise their potential.

In his spare time Alan and his partner enjoy spending time outdoors, walking the dog and supporting West Ham with trips to his homeland, the ‘East End.’ He also enjoys and supports rugby from grassroots to international level.