Principal

Wendy Gosling began her career by attaining a degree in Civil Engineering before transferring into teaching, where she has since gained extensive experience across a wide range of educational settings. Her background spans State and Private education, including Secondary Modern, Comprehensive and Grammar schools, giving her a broad understanding of diverse learning environments and pupil needs.

Wendy joined High Close School in 2015 and has been a key part of its development and continued success. As Principal, she leads with a clear vision: that education has the power to transform lives, and that every child deserves someone who recognises their potential and helps them discover it.

Her approach to leadership is rooted in creating a safe, supportive and aspirational environment where young people can thrive. She believes teaching is not only about building knowledge but also about inspiring curiosity, nurturing confidence and empowering pupils to overcome challenges. Wendy works closely with staff to maintain high standards, encourage best practice and ensure the school remains a forward‑thinking, professional and compassionate community.

Her commitment to the pupils, families and staff at High Close is reflected in her dedication to continuous improvement, strong relationships and a culture where every young person is given the opportunity to succeed.

Deputy Principal

Dean Ralph has developed a broad and meaningful career within mainstream and specialist educational settings, gaining extensive experience supporting pupils with diverse learning needs. His background in State education has equipped him with a strong understanding of how to create structured, nurturing and inclusive environments where young people can grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Dean joined High Close School in 2016 and has been instrumental in shaping its calm, consistent and supportive culture. As Deputy Principal, he works closely with pupils, families and staff to ensure that every young person receives the guidance, encouragement and stability they need to thrive.

He is committed to building positive relationships, modelling high expectations and promoting approaches that help pupils develop resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging. Dean believes that education should empower students to recognise their strengths, overcome challenges and build the foundations for a successful future. This was recognised when Dean was a Silver winner in the 2019 Teacher of the Year awards.

His dedication to the High Close community is reflected in his collaborative leadership style, his commitment to staff development and his focus on ensuring that every pupil is given the opportunity to succeed.

Leader for Care

Natalie Potter joined High Close School in 2005 and has built a long-standing and highly impactful career within the community. Her extensive experience in this specialist setting has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to support pupils with complex learning, behavioural and social‑emotional needs. Natalie is known for creating calm, structured and nurturing environments where young people feel safe, valued and able to achieve.

Natalie became part of the Senior Leadership Team in 2015 and has since taken on key responsibilities that shape the school’s culture of care and safeguarding. As Leader for Care, she oversees the school’s approach to pupil wellbeing, ensuring that every young person receives consistent, compassionate and professional support. She has also led the school in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), embedding best practice in de‑escalation, emotional regulation and trauma‑informed responses across the staff team.

In her role as Designated Safeguarding Lead, Natalie works closely with pupils, families and external agencies to ensure that safeguarding remains central to the school’s ethos. Her commitment to maintaining a safe, protective and supportive environment is reflected in her meticulous practice, strong relationships and calm, confident leadership.

Deputy Leader for Care

Matt Lilley joined High Close School in 2011 and has become a highly valued member of the community through his calm, consistent and relationship‑focused approach. Over the years, he has developed extensive experience supporting pupils with complex social‑emotional and behavioural needs, helping to create environments where young people feel safe, understood and able to succeed.

Matt was promoted to Deputy Leader for Care, a role in which he plays a central part in shaping the school’s approach to wellbeing, consistency and therapeutic practice. He supports the wider Care Team in maintaining high standards of pupil support and contributes to the school’s strong, nurturing ethos.

In addition to his care leadership responsibilities, Matt oversees key operational areas of the school, including Domestic, Administration, and Health & Safety. His attention to detail, practical problem‑solving skills and steady leadership ensure that the school runs smoothly and safely for pupils and staff alike.

Matt is also a trained Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Instructor, delivering training that helps staff respond to pupils with empathy, structure and trauma‑informed practice. His work in this area has strengthened the school’s commitment to safe, supportive and emotionally intelligent approaches to behaviour.