Leadership Team
Adam Booker – Headteacher
I have been a headteacher in Special Education for nearly 23 years, 10 of them at Applefields. My role is to ensure that everyone in our school community has the tools to learn, achieve and succeed; we want our young people to lead fulfilled lives that prepare them for adulthood and for our team members to be able to thrive in the work they do.
I also follow poor performing sports teams.
Our school community is unique and uplifting – get in touch and come and visit!
Andy Kemp – Assistant Headteacher for Transition and Pupil Welfare
I lead on transitions into school, working with young people, their families, and their schools to ensure the best possible start to their time at Applefields. I also lead on pupil welfare, coordinating interventions delivered by our school wellbeing and regulation and behaviour teams. Using a graduated approach and the input of a range of professionals, we ensure that all our young people are well regulated and ready to learn.
Sam Hepworth – Assistant Headteacher for Futures, Preparation for Adulthood and Personal Development
I support students transition out of school, helping them to find the right place at a time that’s right for them. This involves working with pupils, teachers, families, career advisers and multiple post school provisions across different authorities, all with the aim to teach students to ‘Own Your Future’. I lead on Careers, Post 16 and the Preparation for Adulthood Curriculum.
Across the school I manage pupil enrichments, SMSC and British Values, and the learning intentions for educational visits. I offer guidance to Early Careers Teachers, placement/work experience students and volunteers. I also support staff at Applefields and at the Minster Provision.
Lydia Waites – Assistant Headteacher for Curriculum and Assessment
I am responsible for curriculum design, delivery, and assessment across the school. I work closely with the formal, semi-formal, and informal pathway leads, and coordinate subject leadership responsibilities for teaching staff. I manage assessment through Evidence for Learning, using a range of personalised assessment frameworks. I oversee the INSIGHTS programme, conducting termly analyses of data drawn from pupils’ EHCP outcomes, and use additional tools such as Small Steps and Open Awards to monitor achievement.
I meet regularly with teaching staff to review progress and learning journeys across all broad areas of need. Working alongside the leadership team, I undertake fortnightly learning walks to ensure high standards are maintained across all sites.
Justine Ashton – Lead Practitioner for Wellbeing
As the Lead Wellbeing Practitioner at Applefields, supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of our young people. I work closely with pupils, families, and staff to provide early support, targeted interventions, and guidance that helps pupils understand and manage their feelings, build resilience, and develop positive relationships.
I coordinate the work of the wellbeing team and work alongside colleagues across school to ensure that emotional wellbeing is embedded within our wider approach to regulation, behaviour, and learning. Using a range of therapeutic and supportive strategies, I aim to create safe spaces where pupils feel listened to, valued, and supported to thrive both in school and beyond.
Rory Sanderson – Lead Practitioner for Regulation and Behaviour
I am the Lead Practitioner for Regulation and Behaviour, providing expert support for pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs. I lead the school’s behaviour strategies, mentor staff, and oversee Individual Behaviour Support Plans, Risk Assessments, and co-lead the Bespoke Plus Provision. As the school’s Lead NAPPI (Non Abusive Psychological and Physical Interventions) Trainer, I ensure safe, trauma-informed approaches are consistently applied, while using PBS data and reflective practice to drive whole-school improvement. I work closely with staff, families, and external agencies to create a cohesive, inclusive environment where every pupil feels safe, understood, and supported to thrive.
Sam Willsden – School Business Manager
As School Business Manager, my role is to make sure our school runs smoothly behind the scenes so that teachers and support staff can focus on what matters most which is helping our students to thrive. I look after the school’s resources, finances and day-to-day operations, always with the aim of creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for every child. Working closely with families, staff, and the wider community is really important to me, and I’m proud to play a part in making sure our young people have the very best opportunities to succeed.