Naomi Gillinson

Assistant Headteacher, All Saints Catholic College

Naomi Gillinson (NPQLT) is an Assistant Headteacher at All Saints Catholic College (ASCC) in London, with over 15 years' experience in education, including expertise as a science practitioner and AQA science examiner. She leads on pupil engagement—a newly created role that bridges academic and pastoral support—with the vision that no student falls behind or goes unnoticed. Naomi has developed a whole-school strategy to identify and support "hidden" students: those who show no obvious concerns but are gradually disengaging. By encouraging staff to build strong relationships with students, she is able to spot the early signs of withdrawal and intervene before Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs escalate. Her proactive approach fosters connection, belonging, and resilience, reducing the risk of long-term disengagement and underachievement. Naomi’s work is redefining how schools view pupil visibility, creating a culture where every student is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.

1 Workshop series two

Innovation at secondary to support pupils with SEMH needs

Community supporter spotlight: Amy Husband, Head of School Academic, Academy21 will briefly introduce the session. Chaired by Roger Inman of Stone King, this panel brings together leaders from SENDSCOPE, an innovative specialist school created to support pupils with complex needs at the transition from primary to secondary, and from All Saints Catholic College, a maintained mainstream school that brings focus to working with pupils before potential SEMH or learning needs are diagnosed. Together they will discuss what education leaders can do in these unprecedented circumstances for schools, and how they can incorporate early intervention for pupils’ best outcomes.