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The Student Support Team

Head shot of Vicky Vandervelde, the Family Support Manager, a white woman with long light brown hair

Vicky Vandervelde

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Family Support Manager
Head shot of Wayne Traynor, the Engagement Lead, a bald white man with thick beard

Wayne Traynor

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Engagement Lead
Head shot of Kashif Qureshi, Attendance & Intervention Officer, an Asian man with black hair and a black beard and glasses

Kashif Qureshi

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Attendance & Intervention Officer
Timeout-Brearley-Hall-19.jpg
Timeout-Brearley-Hall-19.jpg

Welcome to our school

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Welcome to our school

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Brearley Hall School is situated in the grounds of Brearley Hall a 16th century manor house. The school is enclosed by over 30 acres of Brearley Wood. It has been home for some famous characters notably Dr John Fawcett and Branwell Bronte. With its history and natural resources it makes for an enchanting place for children to learn and develop.
 
All our learners are children who have experienced significant difficulties in mainstream schooling. We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment, which is combined with an engaging, varied, personalised and relevant curriculum. We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every student.

We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment where children can thrive through a varied and personalised curriculum. This curriculum is guided by the National Curriculum and tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.

Our flexible and adaptive approach is rooted in meeting the unique needs of every child. Our aim is to foster and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a pathway to success.

Brearley Hall School is situated in the grounds of Brearley Hall a 16th century manor house. The school is enclosed by over 30 acres of Brearley Wood. It has been home for some famous characters notably Dr John Fawcett and Branwell Bronte. With its history and natural resources it makes for an enchanting place for children to learn and develop.
 
All our learners are children who have experienced significant difficulties in mainstream schooling. We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment, which is combined with an engaging, varied, personalised and relevant curriculum. We offer a flexible and adaptive approach that is rooted in meeting the individual needs of each and every student.

We specialise in providing a stimulating, safe environment where children can thrive through a varied and personalised curriculum. This curriculum is guided by the National Curriculum and tailored to each child’s individual needs and interests.

Our flexible and adaptive approach is rooted in meeting the unique needs of every child. Our aim is to foster and maintain an ethos where education is unquestionably valued as a pathway to success.

Timeout homes logo

Our school is part of Timeout Homes Ltd, who are a family run-organisation and continue to create a family culture throughout the organisation and teams.

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Timeout Homes was created in 2004 with the opening of one home and the aim of helping at least one child. Since then, Timeout has only continued to grow and develop over the years to where we are now. We now currently have 18 homes open across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire and have the fantastic opportunity to help more children.

A headshot of Dani Worthington, a white woman with dark long hair and glasses

Dani Worthington

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BEd (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status 
​BA Psychology 

National Institute of Teaching System Leader 
Director of Education 

  • Welcome to Brearley Hall School. 

    As Director of Education, my mission is to ensure that every student thrives in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment—one that supports their academic, social, and emotional development. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and become confident, resilient citizens and lifelong learners. 

    At Brearley Hall, we offer a trauma-informed yet traditional school experience, aligned with the national curriculum. Our small class sizes, exceptional teaching staff, and high levels of pastoral and therapeutic support allow us to tailor education to each student’s individual needs. 

    Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our skilled and compassionate team empowers our young people to take ownership of their learning and behaviour, while equipping them with strategies to build resilience and self-regulation—skills essential for adult life. 

    Brearley Hall is more than a school; it’s a community. We foster a family-oriented atmosphere where students, staff, leaders, and parents work together as one team. Every young person s encouraged to embrace opportunities, experience the joy of success, and feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. 

The Senior Leadership Team

Head shot of Lauren Connolly, Deputy Head Teacher, a white woman with long dark hair

Lauren Connolly

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Deputy Head Teacher

  • Lauren is our dedicated Deputy Head Teacher, bringing warmth and leadership to our school. Passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Lauren plays a key role in shaping our curriculum, mentoring staff and ensuring students feel valued. 

Head shot of Dominique McDonagh, the Head Teacher, a white woman with short hair

Dominique McDonagh

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Head Teacher

  • Dominique has over 20 years experience of Teaching in Education and has taught students all over the UK and even internationally!  Dominique has over 5 years' experience working with students with SEMH needs. Dominique hopes to inspire and support those who have had difficult experiences to reach their potential. She believes that every child, who each has their own individual needs and experiences, is capable of achieving anything that they set their young minds to.

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Key information

More important information about our school

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