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.

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.

Safeguarding Information

What Safeguarding Means to Us

Safeguarding is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to creating safe, supportive environments where young  people can learn, grow, and trust.

Our safeguarding work is proactive, identifying concerns early, listening to students, and taking swift action when needed. Every staff member is trained to recognise signs of risk, respond effectively, and prioritise student wellbeing above all else.

We work closely with local safeguarding boards, social care, and partner agencies to ensure no young person slips through the cracks.

Online Safety Resources

Keeping young people safe online is just as important as keeping them safe in the classroom. We know the digital world can feel overwhelming at times, so we’ve pulled together trusted resources to help families, carers, and students make sense of it and build healthier online habits.

Helpful Organisations

YGAM

A charity offering support and advice around gaming, gambling,  and balancing online and offline life. Visit their website here:

National Online Safety

A site packed with guides, factsheets, and advice to help families understand the online world. Their resources cover everything from social media platforms to popular games. You can access their latest factsheet on games such as Fortnite and other online games via their website.

Sussex APC Resources

We’ve also created and collected guidance to help you and your child navigate online spaces safely. These practical guides break down the risks, give clear advice, and share tips on building positive digital habits.

Our Mission

SHARP stands for Student Help Advice Reporting Page. It’s your way to share  a concern safely, securely, and anonymously if you want to.

Whether it’s about yourself or someone else, SHARP lets you raise worries in confidence and  get the right support. Open to students, parents, carers, and the community, it’s a simple way  to make sure every voice is heard and every concern is taken seriously.

Safeguarding Team

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued without exception. At Sussex APC, equality, diversity, and inclusion are not separate strands of our work; they are woven into every decision, interaction, and policy.

Celebrating diversity in all its forms: cultural, neurodiversity, gender identity, and beyond.

Provide resources and training for staff to meet varied learning needs and life experiences.

Create environments where differences are respected and embraced.

Our Safeguarding Leads

This is a place where young people can bring their whole selves, knowing they will be met with fairness, understanding, and the belief that their differences are part of their strength.

We have a dedicated team of staff who take the lead on safeguarding and child protection. They are here to listen, give advice, and make sure that any concerns are taken seriously and acted on quickly. If you’re ever worried about yourself or someone else, these are some of the people you can turn to.

Please note that each of our centres has a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You can find details of your centre’s DSL on the relevant centre page of our website.

Doug Thomas

Executive Head Teacher

Support for Schools

We partner with schools to provide clear pathways for students who need time in Alternative Provision. Our work is collaborative, transparent, and focused on reintegration wherever possible.

From the moment a student is placed with us, we work closely with their school, family, and the young person themselves to set clear goals and create a plan that’s realistic, supportive, and achievable. Schools can count  on us to keep communication open, provide regular progress updates, and support a smooth transition  when it’s time for the student to move on.

Please note that under GDPR, the new data protection regulations which came into force on 25th May 2018, our Data Protection Officer is Judicium. Please email any data protection queries or concerns to DPO@wsapc.co.uk

Sue McMeeking

Ines Dubourg

Colm Gallagher

Danielle Smith

Chris Smethurst

Suzanne Pike

Vanessa Brown

Gina Webb

Bob Smytherman

Vickram Gopaul

Julie Crickmore

Rob Love

Geoff Taylor

Jody Bray

Terry Horton

George Fisher

Sue Daniel

Beth Wood

Sam Channon

Doug Thomas

Safeguarding Information

Safeguarding is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to creating safe, supportive environments where young  people can learn, grow, and trust.