Headteacher – Krishna Purbhoo
Amelia Lawrence
Business Manager
I joined New Barn School in 2023 and am proud to serve as the School Business Manager. My role is all about making sure the school’s operational side runs smoothly, from finance and compliance to health and safety, recruitment, and facilities management.
Before joining New Barn, I worked in a variety of administrative and operational roles, including managing electrical office operations and front-of-house services. These experiences helped me develop a practical, solution-focused approach and a passion for organisation and efficiency.
I enjoy finding ways to improve processes, supporting colleagues, and ensuring that staff have the resources they need to provide the best possible experience for our pupils. Being part of a team that makes a real difference to young people’s lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
Fun Fact: I love spending time with my dogs.
Teresa Norris
Assistant Headteacher & DSL
Paul Clark
Facilities Manager
I have worked in site and facilities management within schools for a number of years, having held caretaker positions at a number of local primary schools. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive experience in maintaining safe, secure, and welcoming learning environments for pupils, staff, and visitors.
I enjoy the variety that comes with working in education, from overseeing site maintenance and health and safety compliance to supporting the day-to-day operations that help schools run effectively. I take pride in being organised, proactive, and ensuring that facilities are maintained to a high standard.
I enjoy being part of a school community and making a positive contribution behind the scenes to ensure pupils have the best possible environment in which to learn and thrive.
Fun Fact: I enjoy DIY projects, spending time watching football, and spending time with my grandchildren.
Site Heads
Annabelle Lowe
Riverview Head of School
I am a dedicated and experienced school leader with over 18 years of experience in education across both the UK and international settings, specialising in inclusion, SEND and school improvement. I am currently the Head of School at River View House, here at New Barn School, and have worked here for almost a year to date.
My career has included a range of leadership roles, including Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, Acting Deputy Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Head of Extended Learning Needs Programmes. Throughout my career, I have championed inclusive practice and worked to ensure that every child feels understood, valued and supported to reach their full potential. I firmly believe that education should focus not only on academic achievement, but also on developing confidence, resilience, independence and a sense of belonging.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Distinction), the NASENCO qualification and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). These qualifications, alongside extensive practical experience, underpin my commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive education and creating positive outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.
Fun Fact: When I’m not at school, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking in the countryside, swimming in lakes, training for a running event or exploring new places, being outside helps me recharge and find inspiration for the week ahead.
Abi Davies
Riverview Deputy Head
I am the Deputy Headteacher at the Secondary site of New Barn School, with a particular focus on trauma-informed practice. Over the past year, I have helped build our whole-school, trauma-informed approach to behaviour from the ground up, and I lead on keeping every student, and the adults around them, feeling safe.
I hold a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Transformational Leadership, which looked closely at how psychological theory translates into everyday practice with young people. I’m endlessly curious about what actually helps students with social, emotional and mental health needs thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.
I believe a calm mind learns best, and I try to bring the same calm to how I lead, even on the busiest days (and in a school like ours, there are plenty of those!).
Fun fact: I’m a keen hiker and runner. Ask me about the time I submitted Scafell Pike in under fours hours!
Eleanor Hickey
Riverview Assistant Headteacher
I am the Assistant Head at River View House, New Barn School. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to support children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their own unique strengths and needs. My experience spans both primary and secondary education across mainstream schools and alternative provisions both in England and overseas.
Most recently, I oversaw inclusion in a large school supporting pupils aged 3 to 19. This role provided me with experience of the diverse ways that individual needs can present at different stages of development, strengthening my understanding of how to provide effective, personalised support for every learner.
I have a particular passion for English and am an enthusiastic reader. In my teaching, I strive to inspire a lifelong love of reading, believing that anyone who says they do not enjoy reading simply has not found the right book yet.
I hold a Master’s degree in Education and am committed to lifelong learning, continually seeking opportunities to develop my knowledge and practice. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building positive relationships with students and their families, working together to ensure every young person feels supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Fun fact: When I adopted my dog from the Middle East, she was already called Elizabeth, named after Queen Elizabeth, because she would only respond to commands spoken with an English accent!
Liam Bampton
Willow Farm Head of School
Sue Carey
Willow Farm Deputy Head
Adele Allen
Willow Farm Assistant Headteacher
My career in education spans more than 20 years, beginning in outdoor education before moving into the classroom. This diverse experience has shaped my belief that every child learns differently and deserves opportunities to flourish both academically and personally. I have been part of the New Barn School community for the past three years, where I am proud to serve as an Assistant Headteacher.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, a PGCE in Primary Education, and an NPQ in Leading Teaching. I am currently completing my NPQ for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Throughout my career, I have been passionate about ensuring every child is recognised for their unique strengths and supported to achieve their full potential. I believe that with the right relationships, encouragement, and opportunities, every pupil can develop the confidence, skills, and independence they need to thrive. I am committed to maintaining high standards while creating a safe, nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive, celebrate their achievements, and develop the confidence to embrace new challenges. Seeing our pupils grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their own personal successes is the most rewarding part of my role.
Fun Fact: Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and challenging myself with new adventures. I have climbed several mountains in the UK, and even skydived near the Great Barrier Reef. My dream is to climb Mount Everest!
