The Team

Bernardo Vega

Head Teacher

• Masters  in Education (or M. Ed) (2009) from Derby University.
• Postgraduate Certificate (1999) and Diploma (2002) in ASD from Manchester Metropolitan University
• Special Needs Teaching Degree from Madrid’s Universidad Complutense (1998)

Bernardo joined Alderwasley Hall School in 2003 as a key stage 3 and 4 teacher and became PSHE Co-ordinator between 2008 and 2015 as well as the role of Assessment Manager between 2009 and 2015. He then took on the role of Assistant Head Teacher for the Upper Site, before becoming the Deputy Head Teacher in 2022. In November 2025 he took over the headship of the school.

Bernardo graduated in 1998, gaining a Special Needs teaching degree from Madrid’s “Complutense University”. He has worked in specialist schools in New Zealand and UK since then. Bernardo obtained a Postgraduate certificate in Autistic Spectrum Disorder in 1999 and a further diploma in Autism in 2002 (both at Manchester Metropolitan University). In 2009 Bernardo completed a Masters in Education at Derby University, with a dissertation on the use of social networking sites by young people with Autism. Bernardo has a professional interest in the application of teaching and learning strategies to teaching young people with autism and on the successful transition of young people with Autism to further study and employment.

Emma Illingworth

Head of Therapies

• BSc (Hons) in Speech Pathology and Therapy
• LDAF Level 3 – Support People with ASD

Emma qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1997 in Edinburgh, before taking up her first post at Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form in the September of the same year.  For the next eight years, she worked as a Speech and Language Therapist with a variety of classes in Key Stage 3 and 4. In September 2005 she took on her present role of Head of Therapy. Whilst at Alderwasley Emma has been a key member of various strategy groups including the literacy and ASD strategy groups and has contributed to the development of several key documents which are used for induction and training purposes. Emma has represented the school at various workshops around the country, to a variety of audiences. These have included workshops on behaviour management, life skills and writing worksheets at various SLT/Teacher conferences.  She has also delivered workshops to MEd students at Birmingham University on target setting and BEd students at Derby University on supporting children with speech and language difficulties in mainstream schools.

Edward Michell

Assistant Head Teacher (Upper Site)

• M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development), B.Ed, B.Sc.
• QTS & NPQSL

Edward joined Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form in 2013 as Faculty Leader for Science and was appointed Assistant Headteacher in 2017. Since beginning teaching in 2001 he has taught Science to students in Key Stages 2 to 5 in a variety of schools including Primary, Middle and Secondary schools, both State and Independent. The SEND classroom is Edward’s primary area of focus, engaging students through positive relationships and knowledge of each student’s interests and abilities with respect to the curriculum. He has mentored PGCE and Cert.Ed. colleagues on their way to becoming qualified teachers and is excited to work with and learn from other professionals with their own professional perspectives on education. His professional interests include high quality SEND provision and curriculum, student pathways to adulthood, and teacher development.

Claire Greaves

Assistant Head Teacher (Lower Site)

• BA (Hons) Primary Education and Physical Education
• Master’s in Education

Claire joined Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form in 2025 as Assistant Headteacher of the Lower Site. A passionate and experienced educator and leader, Claire has dedicated over 17 years to special education. Since earning a BA (Hons) in Primary Education and Physical Education from Edge Hill University, she has held a range of roles—from class teacher to key stage lead—with notable success in developing inclusive curriculums and advancing SEND practices.

Claire has worked extensively with learners across all key stages, tailoring education to support a wide range of additional needs. Over time, her leadership has included developing functional skills curriculum, collaborating closely with diverse staff teams and external organisations, and delivering training sessions on positive behaviour support.

Her work has also taken her internationally, providing advisory support in Mumbai on inclusive teaching strategies. Claire’s professional achievements are complemented by a Master’s Degree in Education, underpinned by research in special needs pedagogy.

Deeply committed to values-driven leadership, Claire is known for empowering teams and driving sustainable change. She brings a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and strategic vision to every role, ensuring that all learners, regardless of need, are supported to thrive.

Lesley Mawbey

Registered Manager (Upper Site)

• NVQ level 4 Management
• NVQ level 4 Health & Social Care

Karen Tatham

Head of Care and Registered Manager (Lower Site)

• Diploma Level 5 in HCS for CYP
• NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care (Adults)
• NVQ Level 4 Registered Manager Award (Adults)
• Child Protection & Safeguarding for Managers
• Safer Recruitment