Rachael Pryor

Rachael is a Bristol based practioner who has been a Classroom teacher, SENDco, Teacher Coach, Inclusion Lead, and Headteacher.

Rachael also has nine years experience as a Virtual School Headteacher (VSH) for Children in Care. She has led on initiatives for inclusion across her local area such Relationship Based Behaviour policies, Belonging Strategy, Attendance, Alternative Learning and Safeguarding.

Currently a Doctoral Student, Rachael is studying Transition from Primary to Secondary School from the perspective of Children in Care.

Drawing on her 30 years experience in education and Master's study of coaching to improve outcomes, she supports leaders to develop sustainable ways of working with their teams to have a positive impact on both wellbeing and outcomes.

2022–Present: Programme Lead and Coach for Virtual School Headteachers (VSH) New to Role

2022–2023: Visiting / Associate Lecturer in Education University of the West of England (UWE)

2020–2023: NAVSH (National Association of Virtual School Headteachers) Trustee and Research Lead

2019–2022: Head of Service - Inclusive City and Virtual School Headteacher, Bristol City Council

2014–2019: Headteacher - The HOPE, Bristol’s Virtual School for Children in Care

2014–2014: Interim Virtual School Headteacher - The HOPE, Bristol’s Virtual School for Children in Care

2007–2014: Headteacher - Filton Avenue Junior School, Bristol

2005–2007: Deputy Headteacher - St Matthias and Dr Bells Church of England Primary School, Fishponds

2004–2005: Teacher Coach - Bristol Local Authority

2002–2004: Assistant Head and SENCO – Embleton Primary School

1996–2002: Class Teacher and SENCo – Hillfields Junior / Primary School

1992–1996: Class Teacher - Manor Court Primary School, Chard, Somerset

Education Doctorate Programme, 'Perspectives from children in care on primary to secondary transition, a case study', University of The West of England, 2023

Primary Executive Headteacher Programme Certificate, 2013

NPQH Headship Qualification, 2006

Master of Education with Distinction - Pathway of SEN, Inclusion, coaching and School leadership, University of Bristol, 2004

Bachelor of Education (Qualified Teacher Status) 2:1 Hons, Brighton Polytechnic, Early Years of Education, 1992