Meet our Senior Leadership Team
The Senior Leadership Team at Belmont School is committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil can succeed. Pastoral support is at the heart of our work, guided by a trauma-informed approach that places wellbeing and relationships first. We understand the concerns and worries of parents, who can be assured of a warm welcome and an empathetic response. Alongside high academic standards, our leaders bring specialist expertise in SEMH and integrated clinical support to remove barriers and develop resilience. By prioritising care, trust, and aspiration, we ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
Devin Cassidy – Headteacher
Devin has over 30 years’ experience in education across both the state and independent sectors. Now in his third headship, he brings extensive leadership expertise alongside 10 years as an experienced schools inspector. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered College of Teaching, Devin is deeply committed to raising standards and fostering inclusive learning. Beyond education, he serves as a Trustee at Bury Hospice, supporting compassionate care in the local community.
Melissa Johnson – Head of School (Primary)
Melissa brings over 20 years’ experience in primary education across state and independent schools. As Head of School, she offers strong leadership expertise in SEND, safeguarding, and quality of education. A NASEN-qualified professional, Melissa is deeply committed to improving outcomes for all pupils. She achieves this by supporting, inspiring, and developing staff teams, ensuring children’s needs are met effectively while fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment where every child can thrive.
Martyn Taylor – Head of School (Secondary)
With nearly 25 years of experience in SEND education, Martyn began his career at Belmont in 2002. He progressed from Teaching Assistant to Teacher and subsequently to Assistant Head Teacher, before gaining further leadership experience during a six-year tenure as Head of School in Stockport. During this period, he also undertook secondments as Acting Head Teacher at our Preston and Warrington schools, including during the Covid pandemic.
Martyn returned to Belmont in January 2025 and is now dedicated to strengthening staff development and training. Beyond his professional role, he has contributed to the community as a committee member of a local community centre and through his involvement with a local basketball club, where he has coached multiple age groups as well as the ladies’ teams.
Gemma Partain – Clinical Lead
Gemma is an accomplished senior leader with over 20 years’ experience in schools and clinical settings, specialising in supporting young people with their mental health. An integrative counsellor and psychotherapist with a strong background in safeguarding and mental health, Gemma joined OFG in 2021 and has supported both Options and Acorn services within the North West Region. In December 2024, she took on the role of leading the clinical team at Belmont School, overseeing a large and diverse team that includes Art and Play Psychotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, Assistant Psychologists, and Therapy Assistants.
Nicola Haworth – Deputy Head Teacher & SENCO (Primary)
Nicola has over 20 years of experience in education across both state and independent sectors, spanning Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2. In her current role as Deputy Headteacher, she combines extensive leadership expertise with an advisory role supporting additional schools within the Outcomes First Group. A qualified SENCO, Nicola is dedicated to raising standards and fostering high-quality teaching and learning.
Lee Thompson – Deputy Head Teacher (Secondary)
Lee has extensive experience in curriculum management and in leading SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) schools. He sets consistently high expectations for both students and staff, leading by example through the behaviours, attitudes, and values he promotes. Committed to pupil success, Lee ensures every young person is recognised for their positive contributions and achievements, leaving school with the best possible qualifications and life opportunities.
Craig Bailey – Assistant Headteacher (Secondary)
Craig brings over 25 years of experience at Belmont, during which time he has undertaken a wide range of non-teaching roles and contributed to the Senior Leadership Team for more than a decade. A member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Craig specialises in health and safety and compliance, providing expert oversight and guidance across all our sites to ensure we meet the highest standards of safety and regulatory responsibility.
Tom Bamber – Assistant Headteacher & Careers Lead (Secondary)
Tom brings over 20 years of experience working with young people across local authority services, mainstream education, and the independent sector. In his previous role as PE Lead, he significantly strengthened the school’s health and wellbeing provision, embedding a culture of active lifestyles and positive personal development. Now stepping into senior leadership at Belmont, Tom is committed to building and developing the school’s personal development programme, ensuring pupils are supported to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Outside of school, Tom coaches at Manchester United’s Academy and also volunteers in grassroots football, reflecting his passion for sport, teamwork, and community.
Simon Moorhouse – Assistant Headteacher Inclusion (Secondary)
Simon qualified as a teacher in 2003 following a successful career in industry, bringing valuable real-world experience into education. Since then, has held various roles in both mainstream and specialist settings, including Lead Science Teacher, Head of Year, Pastoral Lead, Behaviour Manager, and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Simon is passionate about supporting student development academically and personally, with a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education. A versatile and dedicated professional with a broad range of leadership and teaching experience.
Michelle Jolly – Assistant Headteacher – Safeguarding & Well Being (Primary & Secondary)
Michelle is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Belmont School (5-18) and also serves as an Assistant Headteacher. A fully qualified Social Worker, she brings extensive expertise and experience in safeguarding to her role. Michelle is deeply committed to protecting and supporting pupils across both the Primary and Secondary sites. She works closely with families and colleagues to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people, always prioritising their safety, wellbeing, and development.
Victoria Westerman – Behaviour & Attitudes Lead and Operational Manager (Secondary)
Vic has dedicated 20 years to the school community. With expertise in behaviour management and wellbeing, she is passionate about giving young people a fresh start and a genuine voice. Vic oversees many operational aspects of the school while closely supporting senior and middle leaders. Her work centres on fostering resilience, promoting wellbeing, and guiding pupils towards personal growth within a positive, supportive environment. When not at work, she enjoys playing football, going to the gym, walking, and exploring the outdoors to maintain a healthy active lifestyle.
Danielle Davies – Designated Safeguarding Lead (Secondary)
Danielle Davies is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Secondary Site and a qualified social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She oversees all safeguarding procedures for our secondary students, ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and heard. Danielle works closely with staff, families, and external agencies to respond to concerns and promote a culture of care, protection, and well-being throughout the Secondary school community.