I am the Head Teacher of Oak Wood Primary School. I originally started my career as a Nursery Nurse before completing the BA (Hons) in Early Years Education. Following my degree, I returned to Coventry, to take up my first teaching post as an early years teacher for pupils with severe learning difficulties. Whilst completing the NCSL Fast Track programme, I became a senior teacher with responsibility for curriculum and assessment. Moving in 2008, as a middle leader at a Secondary school for pupils with social and communication difficulties, teaching ICT to the full secondary phase. Following this, I moved to Warwickshire to take up senior leadership roles within an all through generic special school. My main areas of responsibility were KS3 curriculum development, disadvantaged pupils, safeguarding, outdoor and residential learning.

In 2015, I moved to Oak Wood and have used my experience of working within secondary settings to ensure that teaching and learning focuses on the skills needed to prepare pupils for future pathways. I hold additional qualifications in Autism, Communication, Coaching and Action research. I have a particular interest in inclusive education and work closely with mainstream settings, delivering SENDCO training and support via nurture provision.

My areas of specialisms are school improvement, teaching and learning, communication and inclusive curriculums. I lead whole school initiatives through research and training, recent examples include leadership development, SCERTS and outdoor learning.

I am passionate SEND education and hold high aspirations to ensure that all pupils can achieve their potential.

My name is Michael Gannon, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Headteacher at Higham Lane School. My journey through the world of education has been nothing short of an incredible adventure, and it’s a privilege to now play a crucial role in the further development of this wonderful school and to be a member of the Central England Academy Trust (CEAT) family.

My recent professional endeavours have revolved around school improvement within a large Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), where my focus was honed on enhancing student behaviour. This experience has solidified my belief in the power of collaborative efforts across schools within a MAT, and I am deeply passionate about fostering such collaborations further at CEAT for mutual benefit.

Over the years, I have had the honour of wide range of leadership roles. I have served as an Acting Headteacher, bringing a stabilizing and progressive force to the schools I’ve worked with. My extensive experience as a Deputy Headteacher in a high-performing school has also provided me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of educational leadership.

One of the high points of my career was my role as Head of Sixth Form in one of the top-performing schools in the country. This experience allowed me to witness the transformative power of education first-hand and see students develop from children with so much potential into pillars of society and the future leaders of this great country.

My journey in education has been all-encompassing and it has included pastoral roles, serving as both an Assistant Headteacher and Head of Year, underscoring my commitment to the holistic development of students. Additionally, I have substantial experience in curriculum development, having led curriculum areas at senior leadership level and been an extremely successful head of department.

My educational career has been an international one, with experiences spanning three different countries: England, France, and the USA. It all began as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher, and I must confess, French holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had the privilege of living and working in France on two separate occasions, further deepening my connection to the language and culture. With a degree in Economics and French, I am equally passionate about both subjects.

Nelson Mandela’s words resonate deeply with me – “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” I come from a humble background, where education served as the key to unlocking doors that seemed closed to me. It was the catalyst that allowed me to access a better life, defying the odds that fate seemed to have in store.

My life mantra is simple yet profound – it’s all about changing lives and making this world a better place, one child at a time. As the Headteacher at Higham Lane School, I am excited to embark on this journey with the wonderful staff, students, and parents and carers, and working hand in hand with CEAT, I aim to create a nurturing environment where every child’s potential can flourish. Together, we will continue the important work of transforming lives through education and making a lasting impact on our world.