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our Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The team at Mighty Oak are a collective of highly qualified, experienced professionals who share the same passion for alternative approaches to education. 

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Founder and Director of Education

Kate Lindsay

BA (Hons) First Class European Theatre, MA Literature, PGCE Secondary English, QTS

Specialist in alternative education pathways, teaching SEN, SEMH, neurodiversity, autism, EBSA, experienced in TEFL, refugee learners, home-education, FE and HE, Qualified Examiner and IQA. 

Trained in London, the South East of England and Europe. My passions and interests include Cumbria, theatre, literature, travelling, politics, the outdoors, animals, scouting and great coffee.  

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Director and CTO

Pete Beresford

Pete has a history in software engineering and worked across many different industries including nuclear, utilities, government, transport, property, and insurance.

After leaving his role as Global Head of Software Development for a London based FTSE 100 insurance comany he has taken on many of the back-office activities at Mighty Oak such as finance, technology, property maintenance, and the wider strategic vision with Kate.

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Executive Head and SENCo

Leanne Nichols

BA (Hons) PGCE, QTS

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After 15 years working within a mainstream school as a teacher, pastoral lead, and Senco, in 2018, I began my journey working within the alternative provision sector, enabling me to follow my dream of supporting students who were often misunderstood, invisible, or struggling within our education system. 

I knew immediately that I had found the place where I belonged. My love of teaching had never wavered; however, the target-driven approach and limitations of the mainstream environment were restricting my passion for supporting the whole child. As a teacher, I have always wanted to ensure every student gained the success they deserved in all aspects of their lives (not just academically) and that their progressions, however big or small, were celebrated. I wanted to make a difference to the life of the child who had been sitting at the back of the class and handed an iPad, allowing their class teacher the time to focus on the students who would provide the results they needed to meet their government targets. 

Working within the alternative provision sector, I could work closely with families and other professionals, an approach I believe is essential in ensuring each student receives the correct support and guidance they need to achieve, as well as enabling me to make a difference to the lives of students who deserve it as much as everyone else. 

I am incredibly proud and privileged to work with the students, families, and professionals that I work with, and feel beyond lucky to do a job I love every single day. 

I always tell my students that if they wake up each morning, as adults, and are happy to go to work, they have succeeded in life. You spend a long time at work, and it is amazing to wake up each day doing something you love. 

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Head of Kendal and Head of Science

Sarah Spibey

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, BA (Hons) Criminology and Applied Social Science, PGCE

I have over 15 years experience teaching science, forensics, criminology and psychology. I have managed large teams of staff across three departments in science, health and animal care. I have launched and developed multiple successful courses, leading standardisation and verification.  

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I have years of experience working with students with SEN, and students in, or previously in, the care system. I am passionate that every single student has the right to learn, it is just about providing the right environment and motivation! 

 

My passions include advocating for neurodivergent young people and adults (including women with autism), animals, true crime and forensic investigations, Lego sets and the colour green! 

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Head of Centre (Penrith)

Chloe Isles

In progress.

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Head of Curriculum Development

Jordan Wall

BA (Hons) Law and History, PGCE, QTS

I have worked within SEND provision for the past eight years, both during and following my teacher training, and it has become a central part of who I am as an educator. I’m a passionate believer that education should be accessible to everyone, and I strive to create environments where each learner’s unique talents and qualities can flourish. My subject specialism is History, which I teach at our Kendal setting, but I genuinely enjoy teaching across the curriculum and supporting students in any subject where I can make a difference. 

Outside of school, football has been a huge part of my life. I’ve coached the same team since they were four years old, and they are now preparing to step into adult football—an experience that has been both rewarding and humbling to be part of from the start. I’m also an avid Preston North End fan, following them whenever I can. When sport isn’t taking over my evenings or weekends, I like to unwind by gaming, which gives me a chance to relax and switch off and watching or reading my special interest, Harry Potter! 

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English Teacher

Fernanda Mawdsley

BA (Hons) Linguistics, MA English Language, PGCE, QTS

Experienced across a range of levels including students re-sitting GCSE English and maths, to HE and FE. Specialist in Language, linguistics and numeracy, Qualified Examiner and Internal Quality Assurance including Standardisation and Moderation. Experience of teaching students with a range of SEN including Dyslexia, ADHD and Autism.

​I have a passion for music and journalism. I currently write for Distorted Sound magazine

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Teacher and Outdoor Pursuits Leads

Helen Pollard

I have always worked in education settings supporting young people that find mainstream challenging.  In all my roles I have included outdoor education experiences in the programmes I deliver.  I enjoy off road cycling including mountain biking and bike packing.  In my spare time I run a community cycling club supporting local children access mountain biking and other adventurous activities.  If I am not cycling I a walking and running with my two rescue dogs. 

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Functional Skills Tutor

Nicole Bingham

I'm Nicole, I have worked in Education since I was 19 years old, I began as a teaching assistant, moved up to a centre manager of a therapeutic centre and now work as a HLTA. My passion is helping young people who have struggled in a mainstream environment and building rapports with them. I enjoy spending time with family, swimming and going on holidays/ exploring new places.  

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HLTA and SEN Curriculum Coordinator

Kate Wilson

BSc.(Hons) Ecology and Conservation Biology, Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, Level 3 Counselling Children and Young People, DipHE Creative Arts, Advanced Drawing and Talking Therapy  

   

I began my career in education as a teaching assistant at a SEND school here in Kendal, where I worked for about 8 years. I loved it, but when I heard about the development of Mighty Oak I was immediately drawn to the ethos and vision. I have developed a portfolio of CPD in mental health support, and believe passionately in working with young people to help them grow in a way that feels safe and right for their individual needs. At Mighty Oak I am able to use my love of art and nature to help provide a holistic, creative environment in which students can develop confidence, resilience and emotional understanding as a base on which to build their academic learning.  

  

Outside of work I am primarily a Mum to one amazing son (who happens to have ADHD and autism), but also a runner, a walker and a baker. I love nothing more than a day on the fells with a dip in a tarn and a piece of home-made flapjack! 

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HLTA

Kath Ridley

BA (Hons) First Class Working with Children and Families.

I am passionate in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the students, to ensure they feel supported. 

Then if you could change the alt paragraph to  

My passions include walking the Wainwright's in the Lakes, with my dog and my partner, and Weightlifting lifting several times a week. 

I am also excited to be getting married next year.

11 years of experience as a SEN TA, contributing to the implementation of IEPs and EHCPs in a variety of contexts, at a range of levels in a diversity of settings, from mainstream through to supporting families throughout the pandemic. I have specific experience of young people with ASD, anxiety and those who are part of the LGBTQ community.

My passions and interests include walking the Lakeland Fells, running and lifting weights.

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HLTA and Apprenticeship Mentor

Lorraine Egglestone

Level 3 Teaching Assistant, HNC in Autism

Experience as English Intervention Lead including monitoring, assessing and evaluating learning. Creating individual programmes and working alongside SLT to support teaching and learning. I have supported students in a therapy unit, in both small group and 1:1 settings, adapting lessons to suit students' needs.

My passions and interests include socialising, sports and reading. 

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Teaching Assistant

Emma Hardy

My journey into education has been shaped by a varied and meaningful background. I’m ex-military, have worked in healthcare, and was fortunate to travel the world before moving into education. Those experiences developed my resilience, adaptability and calm approach — qualities that now underpin my work with children and young people. I firmly believe that behaviour is communication and that positive relationships are the foundation of successful learning. I bring patience, kindness and consistency into every interaction. I feel incredibly grateful to do work that is purposeful, people-centred and truly makes a difference. 

In my free time you will often find me crafting with my two small children or enjoying family walks in the countryside.  

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Exams Officer / Receptionist

Lou Teasdale

Receptionist/Administrator and Exams Officer here at Mighty Oak. I bring plenty of “university of life” experience from my early career working with older adults in care, along with front-of-house skills from my time at the Brewery Arts Centre, the hub of community, so creating a warm welcome and helping things run smoothly comes naturally to me. I love being part of a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and encouraged to succeed. 

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me chasing the sunshine on holiday,  hiking in the Lakes and swimming in cold water (yes, really!), singing whenever I get the chance, or crocheting creative pieces from recycled materials. Most of all, I’m all about family and my cat Dave — they’re at the heart of everything I do. 

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Level 3 TA Apprentice

Leah Baker

I am currently undertaking my Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Mighty Oak and enjoy supporting students in their lessons, as well as being offered the opportunity to lead in other lessons in preparation for transitioning to Level 4 TA study at Mighty Oak. 

My ambition is to work as an English Teacher in the alternative education sector, supporting students who are unable to meet their potential in a mainstream setting. 

My passions and interests include literature, theatre, music concerts, horror, classical civilisation, animals and advocacy for women's rights.

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Technical Engineer Apprentice

Rafferty Beresford

In progress

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Maths & Physics Teacher

David Howarth

BSc (Hons) Maths with Educational Studies, QTS   

30 years experience at secondary level, key skills to A Level. Head of Maths, Head of ICT and responsibility for developing and mentoring new teachers. Work Experience Coordinator and Primary Liaison outside of the classroom. Teacher of maths, statistics, ICT, A Level, GCSE and Functional Skills. Qualified Examiner.

My passions and interests include owning, showing and judging dog shows, including Crufts and Europe. I have two retired racehorces and organise charity quizzes for the NSPCC. I love music and go to concerts, from Rock to Cheesy Pop - although my sense of humour is purely cheesy!

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Contact Us

Email: info@mightyoakinitiative.org

Kendal Centre: 01539 332664 (Direct & All Enquiries)

Mighty Oak Initiative Ltd

Enterprise House

Meadowbank

Shap Road

Kendal

Cumbria

LA9 6NY

Penrith Centre: 01768 838070 (Direct)

Mighty Oak Initiative Ltd

Mighty Oak Lodge

Ivy House, Skelton Wood End

Penrith

Cumbria

CA11 9UB​

Company Information:

Mighty Oak Initiative Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 15486617

Mighty Oak Initiative Ltd

Enterprise House

Meadowbank

Shap Road

Kendal

Cumbria

LA9 6NY

VAT Registration Number: GB 469006286

UKPRN: 10096753

Information Commisioner's Office Number: ZB756152

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