Mary Rome

Contact:

Email: romem@bourne.education 

I have worked in education across Slough, Hampshire, Wokingham and Surrey since 2000. I started my teaching career in mainstream state education in Surrey and developed as a middle leader in Slough as part of the London Challenge programme. I rapidly developed a passion for SEND, alternative provision and inclusion. 

I first became a headteacher in 2008 working within Hampshire’s Education Centre network and in 2013 moved to Wokingham to lead the alternative provision, medical tuition and outreach service for 5-16 yr olds.  During this time, I chaired the in-year fair access panel, was a member of the schools forum, provided education leadership for the Troubled Families programme - “Family First” and provided executive leadership support for a maintained SEMH school.

In 2016 I moved to Surrey as a special school headteacher at Philip Southcote School, working with the Local Authority on matters of health and safety, safeguarding, SEND funding and capital reforms. I served as vice-chair of the special school phase council and provided executive leadership support to the North East Surrey Short Stay School in 2021-2022.  I am extremely proud to have worked with Surrey and the Bourne Education Trust to open 2 satellite centres for children with learning and additional needs as well as a new SEND  6^th Form provision, both opening in 2022.

I firmly believe in systemic leadership based on restorative and relational practices both at work and in my personal life.  In 2019 I completed my NPQEL and enjoy regular professional development including maintaining my Designated Safeguarding Lead Accreditation.   

In addition to my education director role, I am a management committee member for the North East Surrey Short Stay School, as well as trustee at Robert Mays secondary school in Hampshire.  I have 3 children within the secondary and further education system, 2 of whom have SEND and have experiences of home education and special school provision.