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, underpinned by a trauma-informed approach that places relationships, wellbeing and emotional security at the centre of school life.
We understand the hopes, concerns and worries of parents and carers, who can be assured of a warm welcome, open communication and an empathetic response. Alongside high academic expectations, our leadership team brings specialist expertise in SEMH, education and integrated clinical support, working together to remove barriers to learning, build resilience and enable every pupil to flourish.
Leading a team of around 140 staff across the school, the SLT provides clear direction, strong professional leadership and a shared commitment to our pupils. By prioritising care, trust, aspiration and high standards, we aim to ensure the very best outcomes for every young person at Belmont.
Devin Cassidy – Headteacher
Devin’s career in education spans 35 years across both the state and independent sectors. Now in his third headship, he brings extensive leadership experience, complemented by over 10 years as a schools inspector. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered College of Teaching, Devin is passionate about raising standards, developing outstanding educational provision and ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive. Beyond Belmont, he serves as a Trustee of Vision Multi Academy Trust and Bury Hospice, contributing to both school improvement and the provision of compassionate care in the local community.
Nicola Haworth – Head of School (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 new role as Head of School, she combines extensive leadership expertise with an advisory role supporting additional schools within the OFG Education. A qualified SENCO, Nicola is dedicated to raising standards and fostering high-quality teaching and learning.
Lee Thompson – Head of School (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.
Gemma Paintin – 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.
Sarah Thomas – Deputy Head (Pastoral)
Sarah brings extensive leadership experience across mainstream and specialist education. She has held senior leadership roles with responsibility for pastoral care, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, inclusion, SEND and wider school improvement. Sarah also brings valuable experience working with youth services, supporting vulnerable children, young people and families. She is passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing and aspirational environments where young people can thrive. Sarah holds a First Class Honours Degree in Secondary Mathematics with QTS from Edge Hill University, alongside specialist training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, Thrive, Team Teach and sensory processing.
Craig Bailey – Assistant Headteacher (Compliance)
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 (Outcomes)
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)
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 (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
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.
Danielle Davies – Designated Safeguarding Lead
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.
