Debbie grew up in the North West and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield, where she developed a love of literature, in particular literature associated with the Tudor period.  She completed her PGCE at the same university and began teaching in Derbyshire in 1999. In her first school Debbie held several roles including assistant head of year and Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator for English.

In 2007 Debbie joined Hope Valley College as an English and media studies teacher.  Debbie was appointed as a senior house tutor and worked within the pastoral system to ensure that all the students in her house received the best possible pastoral care. During this time she also acted as Head of English.  Following this passion for supporting young people who face challenges, Debbie was appointed an assistant principal in 2012 and set up and led an area-wide post-16 provision for young people with SEND.  This provision continues to support its students to fulfil their aspirations.

In 2019 Debbie returned to working full time in the main school as Head of Inclusion, with strategic oversight for inclusion including pastoral, SEND and safeguarding within Hope Valley College. In 2020 she was appointed Deputy Principal, becoming Headteacher in 2024.

Richard originates from Rotherham and studied Geography and Archaeology at the University of Nottingham, before going on to undertake his PGCE in Design and Technology at Sheffield Hallam University.  He started his teaching career in Sheffield, before becoming a Head of Faculty and Advanced Skills Teacher at Hope Valley College.  He has also worked as a national coordinator for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, has been a regular contributor to TES and has published a series of textbooks about Design and Technology.

In 2010 Richard was appointed as an Assistant Principal, initially leading teaching and learning, professional development and enrichment.  Since 2017 he has also been responsible for curriculum, assessment, reporting, data, timetable, quality assurance and disadvantaged students.  He is unrelenting in his belief that all students should have access to consistently high quality learning, and make progress regardless of their starting point.  Richard is a passionate advocate of heart screening for all young people, and has ensured that every student at Hope Valley College can be screened before they leave.

Richard's qualifications include:

• BA (Hons) Geography/Archaeology
• PGCE Design and Technology (Secondary)
• Advanced Skills Teacher

Margaret grew up in Lancashire and studied English at Oxford University. After graduation, she worked for a homelessness charity in Central London. Whilst working in partnership with several schools in and around the capital, she was inspired to train as a teacher.

In 2001, she was part of the first ever cohort of 'Fast Track' teachers and studied for a PGCE at the Institute of Education in London. She taught in South London for several years before returning north and taking up the post of Head of English at Hope Valley College. She developed her curriculum leadership and began to support other middle leaders to consider the intent and implementation of the curriculum in different subject areas.

She led a school wide project on retrieval practice and was awarded a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. Following a year as an Associate to the Senior Leadership Team, she was appointed as an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Teaching and Learning in 2022.

Annabel joined Hope Valley College as Chief Finance Officer in August 2017 and she has over 10 years’ experience of financial management within the charitable sector.

Annabel joined the school Leadership Team in June 2021 where she now has responsibility for the business support services in school including finance, HR, catering, premises & IT.

She is currently undertaking a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in School Business Management and is committed to providing effective resource management to help raise the attainment and aspirations of our students.