Meet Our Senior Leadership Team

We place high importance on staff training. To ensure all members of our staffing body are appropriately trained, staff undertake an induction course, covering moving and handling, autism awareness, positive behaviour support, phonics and sensory integration. In addition to this, TA3’s undertake a two-day certified PECS course, and all teachers complete a three-day TEACCH course, Read Write Inc training and are required to hold a post graduate qualification at Masters Level in SEN.

Fiona Copeland, Executive Headteacher

Fiona has been part of the Perseid School community for over 25 years, working closely with Senior Leaders, the Governing Board and families as the school  transformed on its journey from a single campus named St Ann’s, to the vibrant and trailblazing Perseid School, serving pupils aged 2-19 across two campuses. 

Following teaching in EYFS and KS1 in a mainstream school and across the primary age range in an additionally resourced provision, Fiona found Perseid School. To her, Perseid was a place that had begun an interesting journey of  inspiring and strategic vision, with an emphasis on sharing good practice and an idea that one day this setting would blaze a trail for holistic learning. Enough was said! For Fiona, this is where she wanted to be. 

Passionate about ensuring every learner has access to the best possible education, be safeguarded and celebrated, Fiona was drawn to the teaching profession. She loved being part of the learning and development of children, believing that fundamentally they are the future and what is offered to them will make a difference to society. 

In her role as Executive Headteacher, Fiona relishes being able to work with staff, pupils, Governing Board and families to shape the direction of the school, whilst networking with external partners and colleagues to ensure the very best for every child at Perseid. Her hopes for the future? That they are able to continue expanding to increase the number of learners the school can accommodate and even further enhance the offer, with more opportunities for learning in and outside of the classroom, working collaboratively to continue on this journey of outstanding holistic education. 

I am inspired to be part of an educational setting which pushes the boundaries of what is possible for learners facing complex challenges to achieve. Pupils at Perseid form positive relationships with trusted adults and peers, enjoy their safe spaces that the environment offers, love the different opportunities to learn new skills and feel enriched by a wide range of learning experiences Our school is designed for every child to feel pride in themselves, be celebrated, be respected, understand their rights and experience positive wellbeing. 

Mia Dodsworth, Head of Lower School

With 17 years’ experience in complex special educational needs settings at both primary and secondary phases, Mia has a wealth of expertise and experience working with pupils who are multi-disabled visually-impaired, deafblind/multi-sensory impaired, MLD, ASD, SLD and those with profound and multiple learning needs, including pupils with complex physical and communication difficulties. It was during her NQT year that Mia unearthed a passion for SEND, and since has added Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) and Qualified Teacher of Multi-sensory Impairment (QTMSI) to her plethora of training. 

It was the dedication and pedagogy at the heart of the school that ensures that every pupil can access high quality education, be nurtured to maximise their potential, and the opportunity to work in a committed team who make the most of every experience for each pupil at Perseid School that made her realise how much she wanted to work here.

Throughout her time at Perseid School, Mia hopes to contribute to the implementation of the school’s culture where all pupils are supported to overcome barriers and, develop the use of technology to aid communication and independence within the curriculum. Mia is particularly passionate about mental capacity and decision making, ensuring all staff understand pupils’ individual capacity, and can participate to their full potential, guarding them against making decisions they cannot comprehend.

My first impressions of the school are how dynamic and pupil centred the school is. All staff ensure personalised provision is at the centre of all they do. The ethos, passion and motivation from staff to provide each pupil with an opportunity to maximise their potential no matter what is evident across the whole school - the pedagogy and knowledge sat across the school is amazing and it is a privilege to be part of such an inspirational team. I am most looking forward to getting to know all our pupils, families and staff. Working closely in partnership to support everyone in the school community and fulfilling my role to support and build on the schools’ successes to date.

Surita Meyer, Head of Upper School

Surita has worked at Perseid School for almost two decades and as an Head of Upper School since September 2023; her teaching career began in South Africa, before moving to England to deepen her  commitment to the field of special educational needs teaching.

Driven by a strong desire to effect meaningful change, Surita holds a deep appreciation for the impact that the school has on pupils' lives.

Surita recognises the pivotal role that the school plays in preparing pupils for adulthood. She is an advocate for the transformative power of education, believing that it is not just a means of instruction, but a vehicle for empowerment and equality in society. 

As a licenced Thrive Practioner, Surita is provided with the opportunity to contribute to the overall and positive wellbeing of pupils, an important aspect that impact and improves the quality of life for pupils. 

I have always had a strong desire to advocate for children and young people with special educational needs, and when I walked into Perseid for my interview, I knew I had found the school I was looking for. I am fortunate to work in a school that aligns with my vision and values.