SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mr Brooks - Headteacher

Mr Brooks is the proud Headteacher of Sanders Draper, a school built on strong educational values where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. Having previously worked in two outstanding schools across different London local authorities, he knows firsthand that a happy and thriving school relies on the entire community working together. Guided by core principles of high expectations, hard work, and mutual respect, he strives to deliver greater success for every single student.

As a Future Leader who has completed numerous National Professional Qualifications, including the NPQEL, Mr. Brooks leads the strategic direction of Sanders Draper with vision and expertise. He is deeply committed to creating a caring, inclusive environment where every member of the school community collaborates to raise standards, nurture talent, and celebrate success. Under his leadership, Sanders Draper remains dedicated to giving students the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to achieve their full potential.

Mrs King - Deputy Headteacher

Mrs King is an experienced member of the Senior Leadership Team who joined in September 2019. She is responsible for  Curriculum, Outcomes and Raising Standards.  Mrs King has completed her NPQH and is an avid learner, currently completing her NPQ for SENCo's. She strategically plans the use of Pupil Premium funding to support the progress of disadvantaged students. She is extremely passionate and driven to  ensure every student succeeds. 

Mrs Shread - Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Shread holds a doctorate in science and has worked at Sanders for many years.  She is an exceptional teacher who plays an important part in the Raising Standards team driving up outcomes and standards across the school. Mrs Shread understands and values the importance of developing the students beyond the classroom, leading on Wider curriculum and personal development. This includes careers and she ensure students in all year groups are given guidance on the next steps in their education and future careers. She also oversees student leadership ensuring their voice is heard and acted upon. 

Mrs Sears - Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Sears joined the school in April 2019 as an English teacher before progressing to the Senior Leadership Team, bringing over two decades of rich, transformative educational experience to her role. An English specialist and former Head of English Language, she has a proven track record of elevating standards, having successfully transformed departmental outcomes and driven significant gains in student achievement. Her career is rooted in systemic school improvement, having previously served as part of the wider leadership team that guided a school from Special Measures to an Ofsted rating of Outstanding.

At the heart of Mrs Sears’ practice is her specialist expertise in designing and delivering bespoke Teaching and Learning programmes meticulously tailored to the specific needs of our school context. Grounded in a deeply student-centred philosophy, she works collaboratively alongside staff to cultivate a learning environment where high academic ambition and supportive classroom practice go hand-in-hand. She oversees a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme that equips teachers with evidence-informed strategies, fostering a culture of continuous reflection and excellence in service of the local Hornchurch community.

Alongside her work in internal staff development, Mrs Sears brings extensive experience in leading school-based initial teacher training, having established strong, successful partnerships with multiple leading teacher training providers. Through a proven background in strategic recruitment, rigorous mentoring, and personalised support, she has dedicated much of her career to attracting and nurturing the next generation of educators. By instilling high pedagogical standards from the ground up, she ensures that classroom practice consistently empowers students to fulfill their potential and be the very best they can be.  

Mr Fox - Assistant Headteacher

Mr Fox joined Sanders Drapers in June 2026 as Assistant Headteacher, holding strategic responsibility for school improvement. A key member of the Senior Leadership Team who teaches Geography and History within the Humanities Faculty. 

Mr Fox is deeply passionate about the science of learning and the application of cognitive science in the classroom. He ensures that teaching strategies are evidence-based and effectively implemented to improve student outcomes. By leading high-quality CPD, he empowers staff to continually improve their practice and deliver an ambitious knowledge rich curriculum. Dedicated to the professional growth of his colleagues, Mr Fox fosters a culture of continuous improvement through expert coaching and mentorship. His work ensures that educational research is translated into practical classroom strategies, ensuring that staff development leads to a high-quality education for every student. 

Impactful formative assessment strategies check the understanding of all learners so that teachers can make adaptations, ensuring all students thrive. High expectations are maintained through the use of consistently applied routines that create a calm and purposeful environment for all learners. Beyond his senior leadership responsibilities, Mr Fox is an outstanding classroom practitioner who loves teaching Geography and History.

Snyders - Assistant Headteacher

Mr Snyders joined Sanders in May 2020; his teaching career began in 1998 in South Africa where he took on the role as teacher of civil engineering in his first year of teaching.  He moved to the UK in 2001, where he has been Head of Design and Technology and Head of ICT in two different schools.  He is an experienced and passionate teacher with an interest in our students’ progress and was one of eight nominees for the Diversity teacher of the year previously.  

Miss Yeomans - Assistant Headteacher

Miss Yeomans is the Assistant Headteacher of Pastoral and Behaviour at Sanders Draper School. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. She believes that effective pastoral care is fundamental to driving positive outcomes for young people and she brings a wealth of experience and a strong passion for safeguarding and student well-being to this role.  Her successful fulfilment of Pastoral Support and Safeguarding Lead at her previous outstanding school demonstrates her ability to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. Miss Yeomans oversees the Pastoral Team, which includes the Attendance, Heads of Year and the Safeguarding Team.  

Mr Wigington - Assistant Headteacher (SENCO)

Mr Wigington has a wealth of experience in education, having worked in four outstanding inner London secondary schools. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of key leadership roles including Head of PE, Head of Year, and Assistant Headteacher. Mr Wigington holds a Master’s Degree in Education and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership NPQSL, and NPQ for SENCo's. These qualifications highlight his commitment to professional development and to advancing inclusive practices within education. As SENCo, Mr Wigington is dedicated to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that all students, regardless of their ability, are able to thrive academically and personally. His passion lies in raising aspirations, broadening opportunities, and motivating young people to fulfil their potential.