Senior Leadership Team (ID 1367)

• Beckie Deacon
  Headteacher
  Beckie Deacon

  Beckie is the dedicated and visionary Headteacher at Melksham House, where she leads with a commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing, and innovative learning environment.

  With extensive experience in education both in Primary mainstream and all 4-16 special, Beckie is passionate about supporting both pupils and staff to achieve their full potential.

  Beckie believes in fostering a culture of respect, curiosity, and personal growth, ensuring that every pupil at Melksham House is empowered to succeed.

  Beckie's leadership is characterised by a focus on academic excellence, authenticity, well-being, and the development of strong, collaborative relationships within the school community.

• Stephanie Berry
  Deputy Headteacher
  Stephanie Berry

  Stephanie works alongside the leadership team to ensure an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for both pupils and staff.

  With a strong background in education and leadership, Stephanie is passionate about empowering pupils to achieve their personal best while fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.

  Through her work as a SENCO, she is particularly focused on improving teaching and learning, ensuring high standards to enable children and young people are maintained across all areas of the school.

  Stephanie's collaborative approach, combined with her commitment to promoting pupil voice, plays a key role in the development and success of Melksham House.

• Ash Wadland
  Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo
  Ash Wadland

  With a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, Ash serves as an Assistant Headteacher- Secondary EBSA and SENCo.

  With over 20 years' experience, Ash has dedicated his career to empowering pupils with diverse needs and ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive both academically and personally.

  Outside of school, Ash enjoys a variety of sports, travelling, and spending time with his family and friends.

• Kathryn Payton
  Assistant Headteacher - Primary
  Kathryn Payton

  Kathryn works alongside the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the children of Melksham house obtain the bespoke, broad and varied primary curriculum that they deserve.

  With 20 years of experience in education and leadership, Kathryn brings a dynamic element to the team and her passion and enthusiasm for supporting the needs of children is paramount.

  uring her time as SENCo and assistant head teacher for inclusion she has enjoyed working collaboratively with parents, children and outside agencies inspiring individuals to reach their full potential whilst in her care.

  Kathryn's creativity will be key when working in this unique and bespoke school where there are no barriers to learning, only potential.

• Darren John
  Assistant Headteacher - Partnership Development and Relational Practice
  Darren John

  With over 20 years in education, Darren is committed to empowering learners and families to achieve their goals. At Melksham House School, he leads on partnership development and relational practice, with a strong focus on building meaningful, supportive relationships that drive student success and contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture.

  Darren is passionate about fostering respectful, trusting connections with pupils, parents, and partner schools—always rooted in kindness and shared purpose. He believes that collaboration, compassion, and strong family engagement are essential for helping young people thrive.

  Beyond school, Darren has recently retired from playing rugby but continues to support the sport through local youth coaching. A devoted family man, he values quality time at home, stays active, and is a regular gym-goer.