I loved reading from a very young age; this eventually led to me studying English at the University of Birmingham. I then went on to complete my teacher training through my PGCE there in 2003.

I moved back to Greater Manchester and began working at a large mainstream secondary school, where I soon went on to help lead the large English department. 

My next role was as an Advanced Skills Teacher, working across schools in the local authority to help remove barriers for students who had social or emotional difficulties. I worked on many projects, such as mentoring and the SEAL (social and emotional aspects of learning) scheme.

It was these projects which helped solidify my belief that all children want to succeed and be happy in school and beyond; some may just need additional support for this to be possible. I took these principles into my next role as an Assistant Headteacher responsible for Intervention and Inclusion.

I have a personal and professional interest in the special educational needs and disability system. As well as my in-school work on this, I have been part of many parent and local authority working groups and schemes, aiming to make life better for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

This is why I am so pleased to have been successful in my application for the role of Director of SEND and Inclusion across the Co-op Academies Trust (from September 2024): working to help children overcome their barriers has been the main goal of my professional life, and I have seen the impact that the right support can have. My role here as Assistant Principal and temporary SENDCo at Co-op Academy Walkden is also something I feel privileged to be doing. I am already so impressed by the dedication shown here to meeting students' needs by a great staff team.

The best way to contact me is via email: rebekah.holt@coopacademies.co.uk