The Russett School

Hi, my name is Cheryl Booth.  I am a retired Teacher and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo).  To be an Academy Councillor of a special school such as The Russett School is not only very important to me, but also a privilege.  I visit school regularly as I am the Safeguarding Councillor and value this essential role within The Russett family.

I believe all children and young people should have the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment.  They deserve be taught with understanding and encouragement, to ‘sparkle’ and be the best version of themselves and become a valued member of society.

Since retiring, I have continued to support educational trips and I enjoy plenty of walks and rambles with my husband Mike.  I enjoy crafting, reading, knitting and lots of baking.  I am a musician and enjoy playing my flute or guitar as well as composing a few tunes. 

My name is Emma Leach and I am the Executive Headteacher and Ex Officio for the Academy Council.

My career in Special Education started back in 2001 after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. The children sparked my passion for helping others to achieve and I spent many happy years within the classroom, truly devoted to my role of a Teaching Assistant. As an aspiring teacher, I went on to complete a Foundation Degree in Supporting Teaching & Learning before subsequently completing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Teaching Learning & Mentoring Practice and later gaining QTS.

In 2014, I decided to take the step into school leadership after working at the Russett School as a class teacher and subject leader for English.

Since this time, I have successfully completed two Deputy Headships across two local authorities before gaining the post of Executive Headteacher at The Russett School and Russett Learning Trust in 2021. I completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2018 and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) in July 2024.

During my time in senior leadership I have led during schools Ofsted inspections in 2014,2018 and the latter in 2023 in which Russett gained its third consecutive ‘Outstanding’ judgement.

In July 2024 I successfully led and managed the Russett Learning Trust’s conversion into The Shaw Education Trust, navigating system wide change in order to provide a sustainable and successful future for the academy.

Over the years my inspiration has remained unchanged in my drive and unswerving commitment to make a difference for children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

In that drive I hope to inspire and continue to mentor all staff to be the best possible practioners, where which they can share Russett’s vision for care and education.