Welcome to Crookhey Hall School
Crookhey Hall School in Lancaster, Lancashire, has a rich history and specialises in supporting children aged 10-17 with social, emotional, and mental health needs, including those with Autism Spectrum Condition. The current school, opened in December 1993 as an independent secondary day special school, replaced a previous community special school that closed in August 1989. Owned by Outcomes First Group and operated by Acorn Care and Education Ltd, Crookhey Hall offers a tailored curriculum with accredited courses and vocational opportunities. The school features extensive facilities, including a large horticulture area and a catering department, all designed to support the unique needs of its students.
Jane Husbands – Headteacher
Jane has just joined the team at Crookhey as Head teacher. She has been in education as a school leader for over 25 years. She has been a head teacher, deputy head teacher and special needs advisor working with students in a range of specialist settings. She loves to enable everyone in the school to be achieving their best. When she is not in school she can be found reading a good book or enjoying walking in the hills.
Megan Blore – Deputy Head Teacher
Since joining in 2017 Meg Started as a teacher. She quickly progressed to Key Stage Lead and then Assistant Headteacher. Now serving as Deputy Headteacher, Meg holds the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Their expertise is further complemented by their certification as an NLP Practitioner, enabling a strong focus on the mental and emotional well-being of our students. After spending a couple of years in a school improvement role within the wider company, Meg returned to Crookhey Hall, where she continues to lead with a dedication to improving outcomes for all students.
When not at work, Meg enjoys playing sports and spending time on dog walks with her cocker spaniel, Archie.
Andrew Speight – Deputy Head Teacher
Andy joined the school in 2009 as a Learning Support Assistant. Since then, he has taken on various roles, including Outdoor Education Coordinator, Behaviour Support Lead, Class Teacher, Assistant Head Teacher, and Deputy Head. Additionally, Andy holds the NPQ for Leading Teaching Development (LTD). In his spare time Andy enjoys spending time with his family and watching football.
Claire Bolton – Assistant Head
Claire joined Crookhey Hall School in 2003 as an LSA. She completed her teacher training in 2015, became head of English, Senior Teacher and then Assistant Head of Progress and Attainment in 2019. Claire is also the Exams Officer in school and Lead Careers, obtaining the Quality in Careers Award in 2024. She will gain her NPQSL very shortly. In her spare time, she enjoys renovating her new property and her spending time with her Patterdale puppy, called Jessie.
Abi Hill – Assistant Head
Abi started at Crookhey Hall School in January 2019 as a Learning Support Assistant. She has always enjoyed building positive relationships. She has since completed roles as a class teacher, PSHE lead and Key stage 4 lead before moving into her current role as Assistant Head Teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys live music and considers herself a very competitive mini-golf champion.
Pauline Love – Designated Safeguarding Lead – Awaiting pen portrait
Michael Savage – SENCO –
Michael graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in History, after which he began a PGCE in order to teach History in secondary schools. He has been a teacher for over 22 years, working in both mainstream and specialist education. Joining Crookhey Hall in 2019 as a Humanities teacher due to his passion of working with pupils with additional needs, during his time at the school Michael has been also taught PSHE, been Head of Key Stage 3, and Assistant SENCo. His current role is as SENCo and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.