Principal

After attaining a degree in Civil Engineering, Wendy Gosling transferred to teaching and has gained experience in several different types of schools in her career, both in State and Private education, in Secondary Modern, Comprehensive and Grammar schools and started at High Close in 2015. I believe that education has the power to transform lives and every child deserves someone who sees their potential and helps them discover it.  Teaching is not just about building knowledge – it’s about inspiring curiosity, building confidence and creating a safe, supportive environment where young people can thrive.  Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding and it’s why I chose the profession.

Deputy Principal

Dean Ralph studied Industrial Design and Technology with Education at Brunel University. From there he went straight into teaching at a mainstream school in Kent for two years before relocating to Berkshire. Dean then taught for eighteen years at an all-boys mainstream school where he spent ten years as a Year Director before becoming subject leader of Design and Technology. In 2016, Dean then made the decision to move to High Close, initially as the subject leader for Design and Technology before becoming then becoming the Assistant Principal in 2019. He was then promoted to Deputy Principal in 2024. He works tirelessly to forge positive and trusting relationships with all of the staff and pupils at High Close and was awarded the ‘Pearson’s National Silver Winner for Teacher of the Year in a secondary school’ in 2019.

Leader for Care

Natalie has worked at High Close since 2005. She has worked at all different levels starting as Residential Project Worker, being promoted first to Shift Leader, then Deputy Unit Manager and then Unit Manager in 2011. During this time she was able to work with young people with a range of differing needs and develop an extensive knowledge of care within a Residential Special School. Natalie became Leader of Care in 2015 and is responsible for the care provision in the school. Natalie has led the school in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention as well as being a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Natalie believes all young people need care and support in order to reach their potential in all aspects of their lives and, alongside the staff at High Close, strives to provide every opportunity to enable this.

Deputy Leader for Care

Matt started working at High Close in 2011 and has worked in a variety of care roles across the school, working in the residential, day and education teams. His background is in youthwork and is passionate about young people reaching their full potential. Matt is the Mental Health Lead and a Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainer and strives to support both staff and young people to succeed.