Crispian plays a leading role in shaping Hamilton’s curriculum and supporting outcomes for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With over 25 years of experience, he combines strategic leadership with a deep understanding of what helps pupils thrive, balancing high expectations with an inclusive, personalised approach.

Q: Tell us about your role, Crispian.
A: I am the Deputy Headteacher for Hamilton School. I am responsible for the curriculum and outcomes for the students at Hamilton. I am also part of the Senior Leadership Team and deputise for the Headteacher.

Q: You were nominated for Team Talks for your work on curriculum design. Tell us about that.
A: I have been refining the curriculum since I first joined in October 2023. My latest work has been revisiting this and developing a curriculum overview, a one-page document highlighting our curriculum vision, the areas of need, the provision we provide to meet these needs, and the means of evaluating impact.

Q: What motivates you in this work?
A: I have worked with students with SEMH for 26 years now. I have always been interested in growth mindsets and emotional literacy. This latest work on our curriculum is the rationale behind our next phase of school development, which is looking at pathways. It has helped the team feel galvanised about our core purpose and will support pupils by meeting their needs more appropriately.

“This work has helped the team feel galvanised about our core purpose and will support pupils by meeting their needs more appropriately.”

Q: What has helped you deliver this work successfully?
A: Working collaboratively with Trust directors such as Neil Strain and Sara Ellis has helped me reflect on my experience and formulate a stronger rationale. I share a solution-focused, growth mindset and have had the confidence of my Headteacher to just go and do what I need to do. I’ve learnt that it’s always good to have an open mind and to learn from others.

“It is helpful to have an open mind, be receptive to new ideas, and be brave enough to try new things.”

Q: Which MET value connects most strongly to your work?
A: This project connects all the values of our Trust but Be Inclusive is probably the strongest one.

Q: What advice would you give to colleagues working on similar projects?
A: It’s helpful to have an open mind, be receptive to new ideas, and be brave enough to try new things.

Q: What’s next for your work at Hamilton?
A: The next phase is to develop the pathways which will improve the ability of the school to meet the complex needs of our students.

Thank you Crispian for taking the time to Team Talks with us.

 

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