School Leadership Team

Mr Nicholas Dyer
Headmaster

B.A. (Hons) (Nottingham) MA NPQH, NPQEL
(Teacher of Government & Politics)

As Headmaster of the School since April 2015, Nicholas works to ensure an inclusive school ethos and culture exists in which all students can truly flourish in their academic work, in their personal development and in all else that they do. Nicholas remains committed to ensuring that students receive an outstanding academically focussed education, as well as being able to benefit from a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities through which they can develop crucial skills and personal qualities, develop friendships, their own sense of who they are and that they can also have fun!  Nicholas is determined to ensure that all students continue to be educated within a supportive, inclusive and caring school community and it is that sense of community and belonging, as well as care, that lies at the very heart of a Crypt education.

Mr Phil Stanlake
Senior Deputy Head & Day-to-day behaviour 

B.Ed. (Hons) (St. Paul and St. Mary)
(Teacher of Sports Studies, Games)

Phil, as Senior Deputy Headmaster, is responsible for the day to day running of the school. This includes routine activities in and out of the classroom as well as the school’s public events such as Founders Day, prize giving and open days. Phil works with both the staff and students when setting the academic standards and behavioural expectations for all involved at the Crypt. Phil works closely with the Headmaster and the staff in making sure that the vision for the school is delivered. Phil continues to teach sports studies at A level and supports the PE department with their extra-curricular activities.

Mr Rob Biggs
Deputy Head - Director of Post 16 Education and Personal Development

B.Sc (Hons) (Wolverhampton)
(Teacher of Geography)

As Director of Post 16 Education and Personal Development, Rob’s role is to lead and manage both the academic and pastoral life in the Sixth Form. Rob is committed to ensuring that students receive a high quality education from staff who genuinely know, care and support them. Rob is also responsible for the personal development of students from Years 7-13. He is determined to ensure that students receive a holistic approach to education through a wide range of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Rob is determined that all students progress from us with a real sense of direction and purpose, with a responsibility to society and strong academic qualifications to realise their ambitions and dreams beyond life at the Crypt.

Ms Susan Glock
Deputy Head – Academic

BSc (Hons), MSc (Hull), NPQH
(Teacher of Biology)

As Deputy Head (Academic), Susan is responsible for the academic success of the school and she ensures we continue to drive for excellence in all areas. Susan leads our Heads of Department to deliver a curriculum that supports all our pupils achieve their academic potential at The Crypt. She provides detailed analysis of how our students are progressing, and then works with Heads of Department and Heads of Year to support those that need some extra support. Susan completes the annual timetable, ensuring that we continue to maintain a broad and balanced curriculum that suits the needs of our pupils.

Mrs Gemma Hargraves
Deputy Head – Pastoral & Designated Safeguarding Lead 

B.Sc. (Hons) (Cardiff)
(Teacher of History)

Gemma oversees the pastoral life of the school to promote positive wellbeing and a sense of belonging for all students. The Crypt School prides itself on being a happy and inclusive community and Gemma leads a strong and approachable team of Heads of Year and Pastoral Support Workers to ensure all students are recognised as individuals. Additionally, Gemma oversees SEND, Pupil Premium provision and attendance to ensure all students feel supported, safe and fulfilled at school. Pastoral and academic elements of a student’s life are intertwined and Gemma works closely with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure students develop resilience, integrity and gratitude and make excellent progress both personally and academically. Importantly, Gemma is also Designated Safeguarding Lead, Designated Teacher for Looked After Children and Senior Mental Health Lead.

Mr Matthew Bevan
Assistant Headteacher - Pastoral

BEng (Hons), (Birmingham)
(Teacher of Chemistry)

Matthew leads on all matters related to student behaviour and attendance as part of his broader role in promoting the pastoral life of the school. He has responsibility for leading the work of the heads of year (7 - 11) to ensure high standards of behaviour and attendance. He provides strategic leadership in creating and promoting a culture of high expectations for behaviour, conduct and attendance, and his work is strongly rooted in the school’s core values of pride, kindness and responsibility. He promotes a positive, purposeful and inclusive school culture, leading on our student voice work to enable students to flourish and grow as well-rounded young people. Matthew is one of the school’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSLs), is the Attendance Champion, and coordinates the student anti-bullying ambassadors.

Mrs Claire Gee
Assistant Headteacher - Academic 

BSc (Hons) (Warwick)
(Teacher of Chemistry)

Claire is responsible for the development and advancement of outstanding teaching practice across the school. She ensures that all teaching staff engage with evidence-based best practice and professional dialogue to support and inform their ongoing professional development. Claire also collaborates with department, year group, SEND, digital and literacy leads to ensure the effective implementation of strategies that support learning and assessment. Together, this creates a fully inclusive classroom environment, where every student is supported and challenged in their learning, enabling outstanding progress and strong examination outcomes.