Our team
At Amberley Court, every adult is known as a Coach, because we believe in guidance, partnership, and walking alongside our pupils, not leading from above. Our team brings together experienced educators, therapists, and support staff who share a deep commitment to helping every child feel safe, understood, and able to grow.
We work collaboratively, reflecting together, learning from each other, and placing relationships at the heart of everything we do. Through consistent support, curiosity, and compassion, our staff create the trust and stability pupils need to re-engage with learning and build confidence in themselves.
We are trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and always learning. Whether offering a calm presence, adapting a lesson, or supporting a child through a tough moment, each Coach plays a vital role in helping our pupils shine.
As a new school, we are still growing our team. We are carefully building a staff community that reflects our values and brings the right mix of experience, compassion, and curiosity to support our pupils from day one and beyond.
James Eagle
Headteacher and Proprietor
James founded Amberley Court with a clear purpose: to create a school where children are understood, supported, and given the chance to succeed on their own terms. With experience in both mainstream and specialist education, he brings a calm, thoughtful approach to leadership. James is deeply committed to building a safe, inclusive environment where pupils feel secure, staff feel valued, and everyone is able to grow. His vision and values, compassion, curiosity, and belonging guide every aspect of the school.
Claire Collacott
Deputy Head Teacher/SENCO
Claire oversees SEND provision and leads on Teaching and Learning at Amberley Court School. She is dedicated to ensuring every pupil receives the personalised support they need to thrive. With extensive experience supporting learners with a wide range of needs, Claire champions inclusive, relational practice across the school. She works closely with families, coaches, and professionals to create clear, consistent plans that help each pupil feel secure, understood, and ready to learn.
Ben Kinslow
Deputy Head Teacher/DSL
Ben is dedicated to empowering pupils to reach their fullest potential. As Deputy Headteacher for Behaviour and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, he plays a key role in creating a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where every child can grow and succeed. Passionate about supporting young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, Ben helps pupils find direction, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of self, preparing them to thrive both in school and beyond.
Jo McKenna
Pastoral and Inclusion Lead
Jo is at the heart of pupil wellbeing at Amberley Court. She leads on regulation, Thrive interventions, and therapeutic support, helping children build emotional resilience and trust in adults. With her calm presence and deep empathy, Jo creates a safe base for pupils who may have struggled to settle in school before. She also supports staff to embed trauma informed approaches across the setting.
Maisie Gardener
Support Coach
Maisie has worked in education supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs for the past five years. Throughout her career, she has built strong, trusting relationships with pupils, helping them develop the confidence and resilience to thrive both in and outside the classroom. Maisie is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels understood, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.
TBC
School Coaches
As a new and growing school, our team is still coming together. We are carefully building a community of skilled, compassionate professionals who share our vision and values. Check back soon as we update this page.
If you are interested in working at ACS please look at our work for us tab for current vacancies.