Meet the staff

Laura Turner

Headteacher

Laura’s journey in education began as a PE Teacher in a mainstream secondary school. Following a master’s degree in special educational needs, she worked across a variety of alternative provisions holding numerous leadership roles including Teacher, Deputy Head, and SENDCo, during which she achieved the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO). She served in the SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) sector as a Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, and DSL, where she played a key role in improving behaviour, attitudes, and the quality of teaching and learning. As Headteacher of a SEMH specialist school, Laura led the school from ‘special measures’ through to being rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted. Following this success, Laura took on a wider strategic role as Executive Headteacher, leading two schools – one specialist and one mainstream primary – during the 2024-25 academic year.

Laura holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and in addition to her school-based leadership, supports the Trust by conducting SEND Reviews across the county and delivering the National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and Culture for aspiring leaders in Lincolnshire. She is also a visiting lecturer at Lincoln Bishop University, where she supports PGCE teacher training students. She is currently studying for her NPQEL (National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership).

Jessica Newcombe

Deputy Headteacher

For over 15 years, Jessica has worked in the specialist education sector in the East Midlands. She has previously served as an Assistant Headteacher at three large special schools. 

Jessica specialises in informal and pre-formal learning. She believes that a child’s education should be fun, engaging, happy, exciting, and relevant for everyone. She views every individual as a lifelong learner, and she recognises that there are always new practices and approaches that can foster a love for learning. 

Jessica embodies this belief by holding a doctorate in special education. She enjoys exploring evidence-based practices to understand their theoretical foundations and benefits for children, which also supports the continuous professional development of staff. She holds a national professional qualification for senior leaders and has recently completed an instructional coaching course.

Jessica aims to create a supportive staff environment, aligning with her vision and values that every school should be a happy and safe place for all.

Amanda Brookes

Assistant Headteacher & DSL

Amanda has worked in the education sector for over 25 years, with a dedicated focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN) since 2010. Throughout her career, Amanda has taught across all Key Stages within the SEND sector, gaining a deep understanding of the diverse needs of pupils and the importance of inclusive, child-centred practice.

In 2015, Amanda stepped into middle leadership, and since 2018, has served as a senior leader. During this time, Amanda held a variety of roles including leading on Maths, English and Communication, Therapies, and Careers. She has also taken on key safeguarding responsibilities as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Teacher for Children in Care and have served as Interim Deputy Head and Assistant Head.

In 2019, Amanda completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), following a whole-school project focused on developing communication methods across the school. Amanda also holds a Level 6 Careers Leader qualification, which supports my commitment to preparing pupils for life beyond school.

Amanda is passionate about ensuring every child is at the heart of our work. She believes strongly in supporting pupils to achieve their aspirations and helping them find pathways into adulthood that allow them to thrive and reach their goals.

Jenna Bellwood

Assistant Headteacher

With over 10 years of experience in education, Jenna has worked across a variety of provisions, with a particular focus on supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties. Her career in education began as a Teaching Assistant, before progressing into teaching, senior tutor roles, and more recently into senior leadership as Assistant Headteacher. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within education, and a strong commitment to ensuring the very best outcomes for all pupils.
As Assistant Headteacher at Boston Endeavour Academy, Jenna oversees the Post-16 provision, whole-school assessment, and Behaviour, Attitudes, and Culture. Much of her leadership journey has been within Post-16 and secondary settings, and she feels fortunate to now work in an all-needs school where she can contribute to preparing pupils for adulthood and life beyond education. This is at the heart of the school’s ethos and something she is deeply passionate about.
Boston Endeavour Academy’s core values – that pupils are the priority, and that staff are passionate about learning -underpin everything Jenna does.
She is equally committed to supporting and empowering staff, fostering a caring and collaborative environment where colleagues feel valued and equipped to provide the best possible education and care for the school’s amazing pupils.

Natalie Ruck

EYFS Lead & SENDCO

Natalie is the Early Years Lead at Boston Endeavour Academy and is currently training to become the school SENDCO. She has had the pleasure of working in 4 different special schools for over 13 years, teaching across the primary age range and supporting pupils with a wide variety of needs. She is particularly passionate about helping the youngest learners settle into school and begin their journey with confidence. She also has a strong interest in supporting children’s communication, helping them to find ways to express themselves no matter what, and ensuring a range of communication approaches are embedded throughout the school.
Natalie is excited to complete her SENDCO training in the upcoming year and to develop her role further so that she can support pupils and their families across the whole school community.