Connex

Senior Leadership Team

Senior Leadership Team (ID 1365)

  • Mark Wiseman
    Principal

    Mark Wiseman

    Mark was born in Swindon and lived there until attending Brunel University in London. Since graduating with a BA Primary Education, he has taught in a wide range of UK schools including West London, Central London, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

    Just after turning thirty, he moved to New Zealand where he became a Senior Leader in a large primary school in Auckland. He took on his first Principalship in a small, sixteen child school in Southland, before moving to a small, remote island off the coast of the South Island which was a great adventure!After moving back to the UK, he got his first taste of working in a Special School, and found that is where his true passion lies.

    Mark is the Principal of Connex, where he leads a great team of staff who always strive for the best interests of each young person they support. He is currently working towards his National Professional Qualification in Headship and looks forward to what challenges and experiences the next stage of his career brings him.

    Outside of work, Mark enjoys taking his dog on long walks and exploring new cities and countries whenever he can.

  • Alyson Mazzotta
    Deputy Principal

    Alyson Mazzotta

    Aly has 22 years of experience in education, both in mainstream and specialist resource bases, she has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering children and young people with special educational needs.

    As a qualified SENCO, she is passionate about working closely with young people and their families, ensuring they receive the right support to thrive. Being part of their learning journey, witnessing their progress, resilience, and achievements—is at the heart of her work.

    Having gained a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership and a Senior Mental Health Lead qualification, she is committed to driving positive change in education and for future lives. Her focus is not only on improving educational outcomes for children and young people with SEND but also on preparing them for the wider world, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need for life beyond Connex.

    Aly feels fortunate to be part of the Connex Team and looks forward to advocating for inclusive education, helping to ensure that every child or young person, regardless of their challenges, has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.

  • Kelly Hill
    Head of Behaviour & Attitudes

    Kelly Hill

    Kelly was born in Swindon and has a diverse background spanning multiple industries. Over the years she has taken on various roles, adapting to new challenges and opportunities with commitment to learning and growth.

    Kelly then embarked on one of life’s most transformative experiences, starting a family. As a parent to a neurodivergent child, she gained first-hand insight into the unique strengths and challenges of neurodiverse individuals. This personal experience led to a deep passion for advocacy, inclusion and support for neurodiverse communities.

    Kelly then refocused her expertise towards advocacy, inclusivity and support combining professional skills with lived experience to drive meaningful change.

    Outside of work Kelly enjoys spending quality time with her family, catching up with friends, and unwinding with a good TV show.

  • Rebecca Clare
    SENCo

    Rebecca Clare

    Becky has over 25 years of teaching, leadership, and collaboration as both a SENCo and Head of School. Becky started her teaching journey in Inner City Manchester before moving to a number of varied settings in Oxfordshire, Bicester and Swindon. Becky enjoyed being a part of the progression children made in their learning journey and loved getting to understand the ways in which children learn. As her career progressed, she realised that the differences in the ways that children learn could be better supported. She became a 'Numbers Count specialist teacher' to help children learn maths. She trained staff across Bicester to develop more inclusive ways to support children's learning.

    Becky saw a rise in the number of young people who struggled to access education and became a SENCo to help staff, parents/carers and young people. Becky is determined to ensure that everyone succeeds in a supportive environment. She is passionate about ensuring their learning community is inclusive and supportive to ensure the best outcomes for all. The highlight of her career as a Head of School was from a SIAMS inspection. The report stated that the school had, “a culture of embracing and including is at the heart of life and practice".

    Becky enjoys travel and meeting people. She enjoys visiting new places and relaxing in tranquil scenery.

  • Charlie Mapson
    Assistant Principal - EYFS and Primary Lead

    Charlie Mapson

    Charlie attended Bath Spa University where she studied Education and then went onto completing a PGCE with a specialism in Special Education Needs. Charlie knew this was the path that she wanted to take with her career after completing her Year 10 work experience in a Special School where she is was instantly inspired by the young people and the staff.

    During Charlie’s training she spent a month in Zambia teaching in 3 different Special Educational Needs Schools which was a great adventure!

    Charlie started her teaching career in a primary special school in Swindon where she taught for several years taking on responsibilities such as EYFS, Sensory and PE lead positions. Through this role Charlie found a passion for supporting children accessing education and sharing her knowledge of inclusive practice. Charlie then moved across to the Specialist Outreach Team where she supported schools across Swindon with strategies and advice to support their young people with additional needs.

    Charlie is currently working on an NPQ in Early Years Leadership and is excited to continue to develop our Early Years offer in Connex.

    In her spare time, Charlie loves spending time with her family, travelling as much as she can and attending a local fitness bootcamp!

  • Victoria Carless
    Assistant Principal - Secondary Lead

    Victoria Carless

    Tori is passionate about supporting young people in reaching their full potential. After earning a BEd in Primary Teaching from the University of Gloucestershire, Tori has gained experience working in both mainstream and specialist educational settings.

    Currently working as the Assistant Principal at Connex, Tori is dedicated to striving for the best outcomes for all young people, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

    Outside of work, Tori enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking, walking, or traveling to explore new countries and cities.

  • Grace Atkinson
    Office Manager

    Grace Atkinson

    Grace is a highly experienced Office Manager at Connex, bringing in two decades of dedicated administrative expertise to her role. With a strong foundation built over many years, Grace excels in ensuring smooth and efficient office operations.

    Grace grew up in Newbury, Berkshire and attended St. Bartholomew School and Newbury College, she furthered her education by graduating with a GNVQ in Information, Communication and Technology, this educational foundation combined with her practical experience, has equipped her with a versatile skill set.

    Her professional career reflects a diverse background, spanning both the optical and housing industry. Her roles covered a wide range of responsibilities including reception, IT and facilities support.

    In 2006, Grace moved to Swindon where she built her life and family, raising two children.

    Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and appreciating the outdoors with her family, this includes walking, cycling and spending days at the beach.