MEET THE TEAM

  • Stu Evans

    Director

  • Mark Riggall

    Senior Teacher

  • Sally Evans

    Business Manager

  • Katie Dodd

    Primary Phase Teacher

  • Paige Barker

    Pupil Support

  • Claire Beasley

    Pupil support

Stu Evans

Stu is a dedicated headteacher with over 25 years experience in the education sector and a rich background encompassing mainstream and specialist education, and alternative provision. With a career dedicated to inclusion, he brings a deep understanding of the diverse needs of pupils across a wide range of educational contexts.

At the heart of his leadership philosophy is the belief that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation of effective education. He is committed to creating supportive environments where every pupil feels seen, heard, and valued. By prioritising individual needs and working collaboratively with staff, families, and external professionals, he has consistently fostered cultures where both pupils and staff thrive.

Known for his calm, empathetic approach and strategic mindset, Stu has successfully led teams through complex challenges, always with a focus on pupil wellbeing and progress. His work continues to champion inclusive practice, restorative approaches, and innovative strategies that break down barriers to learning

Mark Riggall

Mark is a highly qualified and experienced educator and senior leader with a strong background in curriculum design, assessment, and quality assurance. With a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Warwick University and over two decades of experience in the education sector, he is dedicated to supporting learner progress and staff development.

Throughout his career, Mark has held various senior leadership positions, where he has been responsible for the quality of education, strategic leadership, and the implementation of new systems and processes. He has extensive experience in safeguarding, behaviour management, and supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Mark's passion lies in fostering a positive learning environment, ensuring high standards, and empowering both students and teachers to achieve their full potential.

Sally Evans

Sally is a dedicated and highly motivated professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, known for delivering exceptional service and building trusted relationships.

Throughout her career, she has developed strong organisational, financial, and operational management skills, qualities that are essential to effectively support the complex needs of an alternative education setting. She brings a reputation for being reliable, honest, and conscientious, with a proven ability to perform in high-pressure environments.

She is passionate about making a meaningful difference and committed to ensuring the smooth and efficient running of services that help create safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive.

Katie Dodd

Joining us in January 2026, Katie is a caring and committed primary educator with experience across EYFS and the whole primary phase. Over the years she has worked in a range of roles as class teacher in the mainstream and SEND sector and a middle leader, giving her a rich understanding of both mainstream and additional-needs settings.

She believes every child deserves to feel safe, valued and able to shine. Her teaching is built on creating inclusive, nurturing classrooms where children of all abilities can grow in confidence and curiosity. She adapts learning thoughtfully to meet individual needs and works closely with families and colleagues to ensure every child is supported in the way that works best for them.

A Level 3 Forest School Leader with current First Aid training, she loves bringing learning to life outdoors and helping children develop resilience, independence and joy in the natural world.

Warm, reflective and passionate about her work, Katie is dedicated to helping every child feel they belong giving them the opportunities they need to flourish.

Paige Barker

Paige joins Pathfinder Education with over a decade of experience supporting young people with diverse additional needs, including autism, learning difficulties, and SEMH. She has worked across specialist schools and care settings, always focusing on building strong, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported.

With a calm, patient and empathetic approach, Paige tailors learning and behaviour support to each pupil’s individual needs and circumstances. She is dedicated to helping pupils re-engage with education, build confidence, develop life skills, and make positive personal progress.

Above all, Paige is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every young person has the opportunity to succeed academically, emotionally and socially.

Claire Beasley

Claire brings a rich blend of professional experience, compassion, and lived insight to her role at Pathfinder Education. After many years in public‑facing roles with West Mercia Police and the RSPCA, she discovered her true passion working with young people who face barriers to learning.

Claire has supported pupil in alternative provision, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve meaningful milestones. She is skilled in mentoring, behaviour support, lesson planning and working closely with schools and external agencies. Her practice is strengthened by extensive safeguarding and Prevent training, alongside Level 3 qualifications in education and training.

Claire’s motivation is deeply shaped by her lived experience, giving her a powerful understanding of neurodiversity, resilience, and the importance of tailored support, perspectives she brings into every interaction with pupils.

She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where young people feel understood and able to thrive and is excited to make a positive difference.

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