Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
I enjoy creative pursuits such as art and crafting, which strengthen my attention to detail and abil
Timeline
Generic

Natalie Stephenson

Education Leadership
London

Summary

A forward-thinking and values-driven senior leader with over 20 years’ experience in education, local authority services, and strategic operations. Proven record of leading multi-site services, managing large budgets, and driving improvement in regulated environments. Skilled at building strong partnerships with stakeholders, regulators, and communities while delivering measurable outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Recognised for expertise in safeguarding, SEND, and inclusion, as well as for inspiring and developing senior teams to achieve sustainable improvement and organisational growth.

Experienced education professional with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Adept at curriculum development, classroom management, and fostering positive learning environment. Reliable and adaptable, ready to meet evolving needs. Valued for leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for nurturing student growth.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications

Work History

Bi-Borough Headteacher – Virtual Schools

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea / Westminster City Council
08.2021 - Current
  • Lead the strategic development and operational management of two Virtual Schools.
  • Direct senior leaders and multi-agency teams, ensuring compliance with safeguarding, SEND, and statutory duties.
  • Accountable for performance, budgets, and quality assurance.
  • Built cross-agency partnerships, improving outcomes for children in care and care leavers.
  • Skilled presenter to Boards, Ofsted, councillors, and regulators.
  • Resilient, adaptable, flexible to travel across the UK & internationally.
  • Delivered data-led improvement strategies, narrowing attainment gaps and increasing post-16 participation.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Guided services through Ofsted/ILACS inspections, achieving Outstanding.
  • Introduced digital systems for compliance monitoring and performance tracking.
  • Developed staff wellbeing and coaching frameworks, reducing turnover.

Headteacher – Virtual School for Looked After Children

Essex County Council
06.2018 - 07.2021
  • Oversaw education for 1,700 children in care across Essex.
  • Directed multi-disciplinary teams of advisors, inclusion practitioners, and early years specialists.
  • Implemented improvement strategies aligned to Ofsted and DfE priorities.
  • Managed financial planning, reporting, and use of Pupil Premium Plus.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Increased GCSE attainment through targeted interventions and bespoke tutoring.
  • Introduced county-wide safeguarding and inclusion training, raising practice standards.

Outreach Behaviour Advisory Teacher

Barnet Council
10.2017 - 06.2018
  • Delivered education for pupils with SEMH and medical needs.
  • Supported reintegration into mainstream schooling.

Deputy Headteacher – Virtual School for Looked After Children

London Borough of Enfield
01.2013 - 05.2017
  • Led services for children in care aged 3–24, integrating education, health, and social care planning.
  • Supervised multi-agency teams, embedding high expectations and strong safeguarding practice.
  • Chaired SEND and child exploitation panels, ensuring early intervention.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Strengthened compliance systems, praised during peer review.
  • Secured external funding for mentoring and enrichment programmes.

Assistant Headteacher & Leadership Roles

Primary & SEN Schools, London
01.2004 - 01.2013
  • Led curriculum planning, staff training, and school improvement.
  • Managed interventions for behavioural and learning needs.
  • Enhanced parental engagement and community links.

Education

Master of Science - Education and Social Justice

UCL Institute of Education
London
07-2015

BEd (Hons) - Primary and Early Years with QTS

University of North London

Skills

Strategic leadership

Certification

CMI Level 7 Director Development Accelerator Programme

Additional Information

  • Experienced in leading dispersed teams across London.
  • Strong knowledge of workforce supply and cost dynamics.

I enjoy creative pursuits such as art and crafting, which strengthen my attention to detail and abil

I enjoy creative pursuits such as art and crafting, which strengthen my attention to detail and ability to think innovatively. I am also passionate about health and wellbeing, regularly engaging in fitness and boxing initiatives that reflect my commitment to resilience and discipline. Alongside this, I value time with my family and two dogs, which keeps me grounded and gives me balance in my professional life.

Timeline

Bi-Borough Headteacher – Virtual Schools

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea / Westminster City Council
08.2021 - Current

Headteacher – Virtual School for Looked After Children

Essex County Council
06.2018 - 07.2021

Outreach Behaviour Advisory Teacher

Barnet Council
10.2017 - 06.2018

Deputy Headteacher – Virtual School for Looked After Children

London Borough of Enfield
01.2013 - 05.2017

Assistant Headteacher & Leadership Roles

Primary & SEN Schools, London
01.2004 - 01.2013

BEd (Hons) - Primary and Early Years with QTS

University of North London

Master of Science - Education and Social Justice

UCL Institute of Education
Natalie StephensonEducation Leadership