Trust staff
Sue Tresman (CEO)
Formerly Director of the Retention Programme at the Open University and Education Director, then Chief Executive Officer at the British Dyslexia Association, Susan Tresman is the Chief Executive of Grafham Grange Special Educational Trust.
A Fellow of the HESDA Top Management Programme specialising in Leadership for Effective Change, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Susan holds the position of Visiting Professor in Inclusive Learning at the University of Sunderland 2005 - 2010. Previously she held Visiting Chairs in South Africa and Romania promoting access to learning for disadvantaged learners.
Passionate about empowering those with additional needs to realise their full potential, Susan is qualified in the teaching of Learners with Special Needs and holds a PGCE from the University of Cambridge. Her first degree was from Sheffield and her PhD from University of London; Kings College. Susan is a co-opted member of the Council for the National Association for Special Schools.
Alan Tomlinson (Head of Children's services)
Formerly Head of Care between 1994 – 1996 and Head of Social Work Services 1996 – 2007, Alan Tomlinson joins the Office of Grafham Grange Special Educational Trust as Head of Children’s Services where his lead responsibilities span the Centre for Pupil Referrals, Admission and Review, enhanced development of Trust Therapeutic and Multi-disciplinary Services, Home /School, Local Authority and external multi- agency Liaison, Training and Policy work.
Alan is a qualified social worker, an adult trainer in Child Protection, and NVQ assessor and is in the final stages of completing his MA in Education with a specialism in Leadership and Management. He has also reached his NVQ Level 7 Executive Coaching Qualification.
Alan has three sons and a daughter. In his spare time Alan enjoys, running, fishing and reading.
Alan Smith (Head of Finance and Operations)
From a commercial background, Alan joined the Trust in May 2002. His first major role involved the incorporation of Brantridge School which became part of GGSET on 1st January 2003. As Head of Finance and Operations, Alan is responsible for finance, administration, premises and operations across both sites.
Alan has two sons and, when time allows, enjoys good music, good wine, a little cycling and a spot of DIY.
Tamsin Blythe (Head Teacher )
Tamsin Blythe is the Head Teacher at Brantridge School. She brings with her a wealth of experience to the post, having previously been Deputy Head Teacher at Cornerstones Independent School. Tamsin (Tammy) is highly experienced in the management of staff, communication strategies, school development and management of challenging pupils.
Tammy holds a B.Ed from The University of Northumbria at Newcastle in Primary Education with Qualified teacher status. She has completed the learning schools programme, various management and equality/diversity courses and holds an advanced child protection qualification.
She has recently received her NPQH and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family, eating out, travel, music, cinema and theatre.
Phil Thompson (Acting Head Teacher)
Phil Thompson is the Acting Head Teacher at Grafham Grange School. Having worked in the EBSD sector since 1986 he brings a wealth of experience to the post. Phil has been Deputy Head at GGS since 1998 having previously been a senior teacher at a state EBSD school.
As well as a teaching qualification Phil holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies and the NPQH.
Phil believes in developing individuals to reach their full potential (both staff and pupils). He is enthusiastic and strives to provide the right conditions for growth.
He has always been a keen sports man having represented his County in many different sports. He has coached at Guilford Rugby club and Cranleigh Basketball club. Now in his spare time he plays golf and enjoys Fly fishing. He is married with three children.