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Sue McMeeking

Science Curriculum Lead

Ines Dubourg

English Curriculum Lead

Colm Gallagher

Director of Learning

Colm is an accomplished educational leader with more than twenty‑three years’ experience driving improvement across mainstream, adult learning, and secure environments.

Holding the NPQH, he brings a strong foundation in system leadership, curriculum design, and organisational development, strengthened by roles as a primary Headteacher, an all-through Assistant Headteacher as well as a Senior Trainer and International Coach for a national coaching programme in Brunei. This international work deepened his expertise in developing staff, building coaching cultures, and delivering large‑scale professional learning.

As Deputy Head of Education at Feltham YOI, Colm led strategic development in a complex secure setting, shaping curriculum intent, strengthening teaching practice, and embedding evidence‑based approaches that raise expectations and accelerate progress. His leadership centres on clarity, relational culture, and consistent implementation, ensuring staff are empowered, learners experience ambitious teaching and provision remains stable and purposeful.

Colm has supported schools nationally and internationally to refine behaviour systems, enhance instructional practice, and embed trauma‑informed approaches.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, walking, reading, and listening to music.

As Director of Learning, he brings strategic vision, curriculum leadership, and a relentless focus on improving the quality of education at scale.

Danielle Smith

Staff Governor

Chris Smethurst

Governor

Suzanne Pike

Governor

Vanessa Brown

Clerk to the Governors & Executive Assistant

Gina Webb

Vice Chair of Governors

Bob Smytherman

Chair of Governors

Vickram Gopaul

Curriculum Lead

Julie Crickmore

Staff Governor

Rob Love

Curriculum Lead

Geoff Taylor

Curriculum Lead

Jody Bray

Curriculum Lead

Terry Horton

Curriculum Lead

George Fisher

Curriculum Lead

Sue Daniel

Curriculum Lead

Beth Wood

Curriculum Lead

Sam Channon

Chief Operations Officer & Lead for Medical Education

Sam joined Sussex APC in 2016 and brings over a decade of senior-level experience from both private and public sectors. Her career began in media and TV, where she gained a strong foundation in recruitment, policy development and budget management. Having completed her CIPD qualification, Sam then moved into the education sector, having discovered a real passion for making a positive difference to the lives of young people.

Since then, Sam has built extensive experience in school operations and leadership. She firmly believes that when supporting young people with the tools, belief, and momentum to move forward, lasting progress is always possible. Sam is fully committed to ensuring learners are given a fresh start - helping them rebuild confidence, reignite ambition, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream school or their next stage in education.

Sam is Level 7 CIPFA qualified, and an experienced change management expert. She drives meaningful transformation, whilst delivering results with clarity and professionalism, in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and listening to music.

Doug Thomas

Executive Head Teacher

Doug brings decades of experience across Alternative Provision, special educational needs, and mainstream secondary education, giving him a deep understanding of what young people need to thrive. He is driven by a simple belief: education should open doors. Under his leadership, Sussex APC focuses on creating opportunities (academic, personal, and aspirational), so that every young person can discover what they’re capable of and build habits of learning that last a lifetime.

Doug is passionate about the role of Alternative Provision as a springboard for the future. He’s incredibly proud of the many APC students who have gone on to succeed in fields such as business, the emergency services, politics, and healthcare, and he remains committed to helping the next generation follow their own paths with confidence.

Having lived and worked in Sussex since 1998, Doug has dedicated more than 2 decades of experience to education in the county. He holds a BA from the University of Kent, an MA and PGCE from Durham University, and has completed extensive specialist training in SEND and behaviour for learning. Outside of school, he’s also a qualified ECB Level 2 cricket coach, a role that reflects his belief in teamwork, resilience, and encouragement, both on and off the field.

Meet our Leadership & Management Committee

Meet the Team

At Sussex APC, our leadership team is about presence, action, and unwavering belief in what young people can achieve. Our senior leaders and governors work together to make sure every decision supports our vision: Reengage, Refocus, Reintegrate.

We are hands-on. Our leadership team spends time in our centres talking to students, supporting staff, and making sure our ethos is lived every day. Our governors bring expertise from education, safeguarding, finance, health, and the wider community, holding us to the highest standards and ensuring we stay focused on outcomes that matter.

Our Executive Leadership Team

Bob Smytherman

Chair of Governors

Chris Smethurst

Governor

Colm Gallagher

Director of Learning

Danielle Smith

Staff Governor

Doug Thomas

Executive Head Teacher

Gina Webb

Vice Chair of Governors

Julie Crickmore

Staff Governor

Sam Channon

Chief Operations Officer & Lead for Medical Education

Suzanne Pike

Governor

Vanessa Brown

Clerk to the Governors & Executive Assistant

Our Management Committee

Our Management Committee are committed to ensuring Sussex APC delivers on its mission, challenging us where needed, supporting us where it counts, and always keeping the needs of young people at the centre of decision-making.

Our Management Committee can be contacted at clerk@wsapc.co.uk