Class Tutor

Mark joined the Laurus Trust in 2020, with his substantive role involving the strategic leadership of SEND and Inclusion across the Trust. He has been part of school leadership teams, including as Assistant Head of School at Didsbury High School and more recently at Hazel Grove High School.

Prior to joining the Laurus Trust, he has held a variety of roles across different sectors of the education system. Most recently he was a Senior Lecturer in Education, supporting and training the next generation of teachers, with expertise in SEND and Inclusion and Professional Practice. He also taught on the MA Education and had various leadership roles in the higher education sector. Mark has a particular expertise in Social, Emotional and Mental Health, having previously been a specialist teacher supporting inclusion in Stockport across Primary and Secondary schools as well as being a SENCO in multiple schools.

Mark grew up in Stockport and spent much of his career working in the local authority, so he understands the context well. He attended the University of St Andrews to read Geology and Geography and went on to the University of Edinburgh to achieve his PGCE, leaving Scotland to return to the local area. Mark is completely committed to professional learning, having completed a masters in SEN and Inclusion and a doctorate in education over the last decade. Much of his free time is dedicated to his family, with three teenage children, often spending time in the ‘great outdoors’. 

Laurus Grace is a Specialist Provision 11-16 free school for students who require additional support with their social, emotional and mental health needs. These needs have been a barrier to learning and attendance within their previous settings. Our students thrive within a small, nurturing environment and aspire to achieve through undertaking GCSEs to prepare them for further education, employment and success in the future of their choice.

We opened in October 2024 within temporary accommodation at Hazel Grove High School before moving to our new building on Jackson’s Lane in Spring 2026. As we continue to grow in our new building, we will increase our numbers to our full provision of 80 students.

Our ambition is to provide the same high-quality education offered across Laurus Trust schools whilst delivering it within a specialist setting. We recognise that many of our students have found mainstream education challenging. Through the support of our highly skilled staff, students are encouraged to engage with learning, develop personally and overcome barriers that may previously have affected their progress and attendance.

Academic Curriculum

Our outstanding teachers and support staff deliver an ambitious core and optional academic curriculum. Students will typically study towards six GCSE qualifications, or equivalent.

Restorative Curriculum

Our specialist and pastoral staff provide a restorative curriculum that develops the social and emotional aspects of learning, promotes positive mental health and helps students overcome barriers to learning.