Meet the Senior Team

SLT RWO

Mr Richard Woolley BA (Hons), MA (Ed), QTS, AST, NPQH
Headteacher

Mr Woolley is a values-led education leader with over 25 years’ experience in schools, including more than 17 years in senior leadership roles across mainstream, Church of England and specialist autism and SEMH settings. Throughout his career, he has led schools and provisions where young people with complex needs feel safe, supported and able to achieve their very best. His approach combines high expectations with excellent safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and an ambitious, engaging curriculum, creating calm and nurturing environments in which students thrive.

Mr Woolley is proud to lead Sunnydown School and shares its commitment to helping students grow in confidence, develop independence and prepare for life beyond school. He believes that when students are known and valued, they flourish, and he works closely with staff, families and governors to ensure that every young person at Sunnydown feels supported, challenged and celebrated as part of the school community.

SLT JLO

Mr Jez Lord BSc (Hons), PGCE
Deputy Head

Mr Lord began his teaching career in Physical Education before becoming a Head of Sixth Form in Middlesex. He joined Sunnydown School in 2011 and has since dedicated over 15 years to supporting young people with special educational needs. Combined with 12 years of pastoral leadership in mainstream education, he brings a wealth of experience in helping students thrive both academically and personally.

Mr Lord is passionate about supporting young people as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of adolescence. He is committed to helping students develop confidence, resilience and independence, while recognising and celebrating the strengths that neurodiversity brings.

SLT JWE

Mrs Jo Wermig M.Ed, BA (Hons), PGCE, NASENCO
Deputy Head

Mrs Wermig joined Sunnydown School in the summer term of 2022. Having lived locally for most of her life and taught across London and Surrey, she brings a breadth of experience from both single-sex and mixed school settings. As a mother of four sons, she offers a deep understanding of the developmental and pastoral needs of young people.

With over 25 years of teaching experience across primary and secondary phases, including more than 15 years in senior leadership and previous headship roles, she has developed a strong commitment to supporting pupils with special educational needs. Her passion for nurturing each individual and responding to a wide range of learning differences has led her to Sunnydown, where she is proud to be part of a vibrant community and to support the learning journeys of all students.

SLT BWR

Mr Ben Wright
Assistant Headteacher

Mr Wright joined Sunnydown School in 2006 as a Residential Care Officer and has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the school community over nearly two decades. He began his teaching career at Sunnydown in 2010, teaching Physical Education and mathematics, and quickly established himself as a dedicated and highly valued member of staff.

In 2015, he became Key Stage 4 Coordinator, taking on responsibility for careers education alongside pastoral care and behaviour, where he played a key role in supporting students’ personal development and preparing them for life beyond school. In September 2024, he joined the Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher, continuing to lead on careers and behaviour.

Mr Wright’s long-standing service reflects his deep understanding of the school, its values and its pupils. His consistency, loyalty and genuine care for young people have made a lasting impact, and he is widely respected for the strong relationships he builds and the positive difference he makes to students’ lives.

SLT HGO

Mrs Helen Gower
School Business Manager

Mrs Gower joined Sunnydown School in 2019 and became School Business Manager in November 2021. She brings extensive experience in finance and risk management, having spent 14 years working within the banking and financial institutions sector as an Associate Director of Credit and Senior Analyst.

She is passionate about supporting the effective and efficient running of the school. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching films and baking, with a particular speciality in lemon drizzle cake.