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Matt Hughes – Headteacher 

Matt is a passionate and experienced Headteacher with a track record of opening and leading specialist schools that change lives. With over a decade of leadership experience across primary, secondary, and specialist settings, he is committed to creating schools where students feel safe, seen, and successful—regardless of their starting point.

Before joining Oak Tree School, Matt led the launch and development of two new SEMH/SEND schools in the South West, building inclusive cultures, high-performing teams, and trauma-informed curriculums from the ground up. He brings a deep understanding of neurodiversity and a relentless belief that education should remove barriers, not reinforce them.

Matt’s leadership is grounded in values of trust, transparency, and belonging. He works closely with staff, families, and external partners to make sure every young person has the support they need to thrive—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and in preparation for adulthood.

Now at Oak Tree, Matt is focused on growing a school community where every student can find their voice, every staff member can lead, and every family feels part of the journey. He believes in getting the basics right, leading culture through people, and holding high expectations rooted in compassion.

Nancy Richards  – Designated Safeguarding Lead

Nancy is the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. She has a strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and the wellbeing of both students and staff. With 10 years of experience in education, Nancy previously worked in a mainstream school where she served as Pastoral Lead and Head of Pastoral. During this time, she supported students with SEN, helped manage student transitions, and played a key role in safeguarding.

Outside of work, Nancy is a  200 hour Yoga Teacher and enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs, and sea swimming.

Michael Abbott – Deputy Headteacher – Quality of Education

Mike qualified as a teacher in July 2015 after completing his training at St Helens College, where he worked in the Sport & Health and Social Care Department. In January 2016, Mike moved to Cornwall with his family and started working at Oak Tree School as a teaching assistant. Shortly after, he became a teacher at the school and later took on the role of head of the maths faculty.

In 2021, Mike left Oak Tree School to work at the newly opened OFG School Red Moor, located in Lanlivery, Bodmin, where he served as the assistant head in charge of the Quality of Education. In September 2024, Mike returned to Oak Tree School as the Deputy Head, overseeing Quality of Education.

Along with the rest of the team at the school, Mike strives to provide the best education for every child, ensuring they can be successful when they leave. He firmly believes in identifying children’s aims and ambitions and using this information to shape their futures, both during their time at the school and beyond.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, usually in the great outdoors.

Becky Turner– Deputy Headteacher 

Becky has an English and Classics degree and gained her PGCE in English in 1999. At the beginning of her career Becky worked in inner city mainstream Secondary schools in Birmingham and Bristol. Becky has always been passionate about supporting young people to achieve their very best, and has been lucky enough to have led Learning and Teaching and the curriculum as an Assistant Headteacher and then the Pastoral Team and SEND Team as a Vice Principal.
Becky moved to Cornwall in 2015 and began working as a SENDCo in an Alternative Provision, providing support to vulnerable students and families. Becky has always been a great champion of children. Above all she’s a passionate believer in the great and precious power we have as teachers, to improve the life chances of our students and do good as we go.
In her spare time Becky likes travelling the globe and experiencing new countries, cultures and traditions!

Barry Lea-Clark– Assistant Headteacher 

Barry has been with Oak Tree School since 2022, initially as a Tutor and Teacher, to then head of faculty and now as an assistant headteacher overseeing the day to day running of Oregon building.

Barry has completed his Master’s in Education in addition to his PGCE and BSc in Sports performance and coaching, and is continuing his professional development through the national professional qualification framework, having passed the NPQSL and now working toward the NPQH.

Barry has a deep-rooted belief in the power of education, both academically and socio-emotionally and is dedicated to the pursuit of successful outcomes for every student at Oak Tree School.

Ben Davey – Assistant Headteacher 

Ben is an experienced primary school teacher and leader who is committed to creating learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. Originally from Cornwall, he moved to North London to begin his teaching career. Over the years, he has taught children across the full primary age range and has worked closely with pupils with a wide variety of strengths, backgrounds, and complex needs. These experiences have shaped his belief in compassionate, relationship-centred practice and the importance of helping every learner feel safe and ready to thrive.
Throughout his career, Ben has led key areas of school development, including PE, Maths, and Assessment. Ben has also served as a headteacher in Essex, working alongside staff, families, and the wider community to build a supportive and nurturing school culture. In addition to his teaching experience, he was a foster carer, which further deepened his understanding of trauma-informed approaches and the vital role of stability and connection in children’s lives.
Outside of school, Ben enjoys spending time in nature. Walks along the beach or in the woods help him recharge and stay grounded, reminding him of the calm and curiosity he aims to bring into the school community each day.

Nina Pearson – Assistant Headteacher 

Nina has a degree in Psychology and gained her PGCE in 2013. She began her career working within SEND settings, supporting young people with a wide range of additional needs to achieve and thrive both academically and emotionally. Throughout her career, Nina has remained deeply committed to inclusive, relationship-centred practice and has been fortunate to lead Teaching and Learning, Assessment, SEND and Inclusion, alongside developing whole-school approaches as a Research Lead.
Nina has worked across a range of SEND and specialist settings, developing particular interests in SEMH, trauma-informed approaches, curriculum adaptation and staff development. With a background in mathematics leadership and quality of education, she is especially passionate about creative and individualised approaches to learning that help pupils feel successful, engaged and understood.  She also has a strong interest in educational research, evidence-informed practice and the use of innovative technology to improve accessibility and engagement within the classroom. She holds Chartered Teacher Status, has completed the NPQSL and also holds a Master’s degree in SEND Education, reflecting her strong commitment to research-informed practice and professional learning.
After returning to Cornwall in 2023, Nina continued her work supporting vulnerable young people and families, with a firm belief that positive relationships, consistency and calm, supportive environments are at the heart of successful schools. She is passionate about helping to create cultures where pupils feel safe, valued and able to reach their potential, while also supporting staff to feel confident, supported and empowered in their roles. Above all, Nina believes in the importance of seeing the individual behind the behaviour and in the power schools have to positively shape the life chances of young people.
Outside of work, Nina enjoys making the most of life in Cornwall and can often be found surfing, paddleboarding, sea swimming or walking coastal paths with her dog.

Julie Pearson – Business Manager 

Julie started at Oak Tree in 2024 as our Finance Lead. She has since progressed into Business Manager role alongside this, within the Senior Leadership Team.
She has a strong background in finance, operations, and organisational leadership and has worked in multiple different settings throughout Cornwall during her career. We are very lucky she has landed here at Oak Tree, as she is an imperative part of our team!
Julie oversees the strategic and day-to-day management of finance, HR, premises, and administrative services to ensure the smooth and effective running of the school.
In her spare time, Julie loves spending time with her 2 daughters and her dogs Ronnie and Esther.

 Michelle Salter – SENDCO Lead 

Michelle has worked in education for over 18 years and brings extensive experience in SEND, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice. SEND is a particular passion of hers, and she is committed to ensuring all children receive the understanding, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
She has led a nurture class for many years, where children were supported in a calm, caring environment that enabled them to build confidence, develop emotional wellbeing, and form positive relationships.
As Lead SENDCo, Michelle is dedicated to inclusive practice and to ensuring every child feels valued, understood, and able to achieve their full potential.
Born in Cornwall, Michelle has a strong connection to the area and loves everything about it. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as travelling and exploring new places.

© Outcomes First Group 2026