Our Staff
Dr Evelina Dimopoulou - Headteacher
I am honoured to be the Headteacher of Highshore. I have worked within the education sector since 2005. I have gained a wide range of senior leadership experience across secondary, primary, and special schools. Throughout my teaching career, I have been fortunate to work with some amazing colleagues who have influenced my practice, inspired me, and kept me professionally challenged. I have a Master’s degree in Autism and a PhD in autism focusing on teachers’ efficacy. I absolutely love my job and have a passion for developing and raising outcomes for all pupils.
My aim is to lead Highshore School in an exciting period of development, ensuring we work in an inclusive, holistic, trauma informed practice where all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities can thrive in an outstanding provision; where families can be listened to and supported. Moreover, I am keen to work and influence education with colleagues beyond the boundary of the Local Authority.
I have twin toddler boys and in my spare time, I enjoy reading and exploring the outdoors.
I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the School.
Heather Jolly - Head of School (KS3+4)
Heather joined us in 2025, and has responsibility for overseeing the Key Stage 3 and 4 provision.
Paddy Hourigan - Assistant Headteacher

I’m really pleased to be working at Highshore as Assistant Headteacher and Literacy Lead. I’ve been working in Special Educational Needs for the past eight years, most recently leading an autism resource base. I fell in love with Highshore on my very first visit, when I got to meet with some of our incredible young people and see the amazing work that is done here.
I’ll be overseeing the Foundation Pathway in KS3/4 as well as Literacy across the school. This will involve ensuring that every pupil has access to engaging and meaningful opportunities to develop their communication, reading and writing. My focus is on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every young person can thrive and achieve their potential. I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead and to getting to know our school community.
I have recently completed my NPQSL and am currently studying for my Masters in Special and Inclusive Education (Autism), which I love as it helps me to bring fresh ideas into my practice. I moved to London four years ago and still have not seen or experienced everything that I want to, so when I’m not working or studying, I’m out exploring everything the UK has to offer.
Ian Hockey - Assistant Headteacher and Interim 6th Form Lead, Head of Pastoral and Online Safety Lead
I am delighted to be one of the Assistant Headteachers at Highshore School, having joined in September 2025.
I have worked in the education sector for over twenty years in a range of mainstream and special school settings, where I have held multiple middle and senior leadership positions, including five years as a secondary Headteacher.
I have a Master’s degree (MSc) in Education leadership and hold the NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership).
It is my role to lead and coordinate the school’s pastoral provision, medical care, and safeguarding systems ensuring that the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of all pupils is prioritised and embedded across the school community. A key focus for me will be the oversight of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), trauma-informed practice, and the development of inclusive, nurturing approaches that enable all pupils to continue to thrive during their time at Highshore.
I have three boys and in my spare time, I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family.
Nick Clark - School Business Manager, Medical Lead
I began my journey at Highshore School in September 2010 as a Teaching Assistant in the Art room, fuelled by my passion for fine art, which I studied at degree level. Transitioning to the role of Business and Communication Liaison Officer in September 2016, I focused on expanding our work experience opportunities and nurturing relationships with external partners.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I stepped up to support our office operations and in April 2021 I assumed the role of Admin and Facilities Manager, where I now oversee our school building and lead our dedicated office team. Ensuring everything runs smoothly is my priority — from managing daily operations to keeping the school building standing strong!
I am committed to supporting the families and young people at Highshore on their journey and I aim to continue for many years to come.
Stephanie King - Family Support Worker
I have been the Family Support Worker at Highshore since February 2024. My role is to enable families to be best placed to support their children, and to advocate for them to access the services they need.
In my capacity as Family Support Worker, I form part of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Team (I am a Deputy Designated person for Safeguarding at the School). Prior to Highshore, I worked with children and families for many years in the London Borough of Merton. My background is in relationship-based work with children and families, and I am systemically trained.
Ellie West - Family Support Worker

I’m really excited to work with the brilliant students and staff at Highshore School as Family Support Worker. I have worked in Surrey as a Family Support Worker for the Local Authority, supporting families with a range of challenges. Prior to that, I spent five years working directly with people with additional needs in specialist schools and supported living. I’m also currently training to be a Play Therapist!
I’m looking forward to getting to know the parents at Highshore — please do come and say hello! If there’s anything I can support you with, you can contact me at EWest@highshore.southwark.sch.uk.
Other Key Staff
| Isla Western | PA to the Headteacher |
| Alan Kingman | Premises Officer |
| Dom Fryer | Business & Communications Liaison Officer & Work Experience Lead |
| Claudia Wurful | Administration Officer |
| Harry Frost-Fyfe | Admin & IT Support |
Teaching Staff
|
Key stage |
Class Teams |
Teacher |
|
KS3 |
Shadwell |
Paddy Hourigan/Finn Alexander |
|
KS3 |
Limehouse |
Georgios Tserkezis |
|
KS3 |
South Quay |
Hakim Jalloh |
|
KS3 |
Cutty Sark |
Joshua Kallenberg |
|
KS3 |
Mudchute |
Oli Pollidore-Perrins |
|
KS3 |
Borough |
Hayley Mongan (EHCP Coordinator)/Jeff Daniel |
|
KS3 |
London Bridge |
Amy Belcher |
|
KS4 |
Westferry |
Jae Bishop |
|
KS4 |
Bow Church |
Rachel Bell |
|
KS4 |
Denmark Hill |
Rob McDonald (Sports Lead) |
|
KS4 |
Peckham Rye |
Jake Wyatt |
| KS4 | Canning Town | Adnan Al-Alawi |
|
KS5 |
Stockwell |
Hayley Cook |
|
KS5 |
Oval |
Clare Rowley |
|
KS5 |
Balham |
Toyin Komolafe (Careers Lead) (tkomolafe@highshore.southwark.sch.uk) |
|
KS5 |
Canada Water |
Kathy Black (Enterprise Lead) |
|
KS5 |
Nine Elms |
Lee Traquair (Performing Arts lead) |
|
KS5 |
New Cross |
Margita Vecvagare |
| KS5 | Brixton | Julian Oyesiku |
Specialist TAs
| Anthony Feka | HLTA - 6th Form |
| Illie Savitsky De Coteau | HLTA - Foundation |
| Carol Green | Interventions |
| Claudia Napp | Interventions |
| Gemma Middleton | Enterprise |
| Leandro Fontanaza | Music |
| Margaret Okot | Science |
| Michael McDonald & Yeonwoo Wi | Work Experience |
| Roger Murray | Nuture Groups |
Therapists + SaLT
| Sherene Banner | Yoga Therapy |
| Roger Murray | Counselling |
| Leandro Fontanaza | Music Therapy |
