The People Behind Edgewood
Passionate professionals committed to transforming outcomes for every child.
education
Kate Manning
BA (Hons), NPQH, NPQLT, Apple Teacher
Leading with Purpose: My Vision for Inclusive and Innovative Education at Edgewood Academy
As Headteacher of Edgewood Academy, I am proud to lead a school that is truly rethinking what education can be for children with SEND. My belief is simple but powerful: education should be centred around the individual needs of each child—not defined by labels or ‘special needs.’ Every student deserves an environment where they feel included, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
At Edgewood, we strive to build a culture that blends high expectations with creativity and inclusion. This means setting rigorous standards while recognising that each child learns differently and deserves personalised support. Inclusion is not just a policy for us—it’s a core value that shapes everything we do.
I am passionate about harnessing the power of innovation to drive learning forward. Our 1:1 Apple technology programme is integral to this vision. Technology is not an add-on; it is woven into the fabric of how our students explore, create, communicate, and develop skills for the future. Coupled with evidence-informed teaching practises, we create a therapeutic, child-centred environment where learning truly adapts to the child, not the other way around.
My journey as a leader is informed by a commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning. Holding qualifications such as NPQH and NPQLT, and serving as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, I also take great pride in supporting the development of our staff as an Early Career Teacher Tutor Lead and the National Centre Excellence Maths Personal Development Lead for Early Years. I believe that strong leadership is about impact—preparing our students with the skills they need to thrive beyond school and into their careers and lives.
Relationships and the learning environment are at the heart of successful education. At Edgewood, we prioritise emotional wellbeing and safety as the foundation for all learning. Our community is one where students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn, supported by staff who are committed to nurturing their growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
Leading Edgewood Academy is both a privilege and a responsibility. Together, we are building a new kind of education provision—one that is inclusive, innovative, and truly child-centred. My vision is for every student to not only succeed in school but to flourish in life.
“Education should be centred around the individual needs of each child—not defined by labels or ‘special needs.’”
Every member of our team shares a passion for empowering young people — creating a school where barriers become bridges and every child can shine.
— The Edgewood Team
Tom Bourne
Operations & Strategic Development
Building Strong Foundations: My Commitment to Pastoral Care and Operational Excellence in Education
As Head of Operations with a background rooted in pastoral roles across independent schools and extensive experience working within Stoke-on-Trent, I am driven by a commitment to create educational environments where every student feels supported, safe, and ready to succeed.
Having worked closely with students facing a range of challenges, I understand that pastoral care is not just about responding to issues—it’s about proactively building a culture of trust, respect, and wellbeing. This foundation is essential for students to engage fully with their learning and develop the resilience they need to thrive both in school and beyond.
Operational leadership plays a pivotal role in making this vision a reality. Effective systems and processes underpin the smooth running of a school, ensuring that staff can focus on what matters most: teaching and supporting students. My approach is to foster collaboration across all teams, from pastoral to academic, to create a cohesive and responsive support network that meets the diverse needs of our community.
Working within Stoke-on-Trent has also deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by students in areas of entrenched disadvantage. I am passionate about ensuring that our schools are inclusive spaces where barriers to learning are actively identified and removed. This means working closely with families, external agencies, and local partners to provide tailored support that empowers every child to reach their potential.
In my role, I prioritise professional development and wellbeing for all staff. By investing in training and creating opportunities for shared learning, we build a workforce that is skilled, motivated, and resilient. This not only improves outcomes for students but also helps retain high-quality staff who are committed to making a difference.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to an education system where operational excellence and pastoral care go hand in hand—where every child is seen, heard, and supported on their journey to success. It’s about building strong foundations today that will enable our young people to flourish tomorrow.
“Pastoral care is not just about responding to issues—it’s about proactively building a culture of trust, respect, and wellbeing.”
leadership
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
Come and meet the dedicated professionals who make Edgewood Academy special.