Susan Semple
Gore,Midlothian
Summary
A seasoned professional with extensive expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and school improvement, driving impactful educational initiatives and fostering inclusive environments. Demonstrates proficiency in staff development, resource management, and policy development to ensure compliance and to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders. Skilled in multi-agency collaboration, external partnerships, and data-driven decision-making to enhance community engagement and deliver innovative teaching and learning approaches. Passionate about equity and inclusion. Significant experience working with young people and families with significant trauma and learning challenges. Adept at creative curriculum design and strategic visioning to support additional needs while building strong relationships across teams. Committed to advancing equity and inclusion through research-based strategies that promote sustainable growth within educational settings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Depute Head Teacher – Pupil Support
Beeslack Community High School
Penicuik, Midlothian
2021.08 - 2025.03
- Led strategic initiatives to improve well-being, equality, and inclusion across the school
- Developed and implemented targeted strategies to raise attainment and achievement for young people and families facing barriers to learning
- Oversaw transitions, personalised support, and family learning to enhance student outcomes
- Ensured effective safeguarding and child protection measures, working in collaboration with multi-agency partners
- Fostered strong partnerships with external agencies to provide holistic support for students
- Provided leadership and management of staff, promoting self-evaluation and continuous school improvement
- Managed resources to support equity and inclusion across the school community
- Led school-wide initiatives, promoting an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
- Reviewed and updated school policies to maintain compliance with education regulations.
- Coordinated successful school events, enhancing student engagement and participation.
Principal Teacher – Inclusion and Equity
Beeslack Community High School
2021.06 - 2021.06
- Designed and implemented policies to support inclusion and equity for all learners
- Identified and addressed barriers to learning through targeted interventions and support mechanisms
- Collaborated with colleagues and external partners to enhance employability, creativity, and post-school pathways for students
- Established open lines of communication with parents, ensuring their active participation in children's education.
- Led teacher training workshops for professional development of staff members.
- Collaborated with parents and teaching staff on strategies to reduce disruptive behavioural incidents.
- Led and motivated teaching and support staff to continuously improve knowledge and abilities for optimum student education and support.
Teacher of Inclusion, Guidance & Support for Learning
City of Edinburgh Council
2004.02 - 2016.02
- Provided personalised learning support to students facing educational, social, or emotional barriers
- Designed creative curricula to enhance engagement and attainment
- Led initiatives on community and family engagement to strengthen support networks for students
- Worked with partner agencies to develop employability programmes and transition support
Community Engagement Coordinator
NGO Young People Speak Out
2001.01 - 2004.03
- Used media as a tool to empower disenfranchised youth and encourage community engagement
- Developed projects that amplified young people's voices and provided platforms for social change
- Collaborated with community leaders and organisations to create inclusive and participatory initiatives
- Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
Class Teacher – Religious & Moral Education and Drama
City of Glasgow & Renfrewshire Councils
1997.08 - 2001.12
- Delivered engaging and thought-provoking lessons in Religious & Moral Education and Drama
- Supported students' personal and social development through curriculum and pastoral care
- Contributed to whole-school initiatives promoting inclusion and student well-being
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in the learning process.
- Promoted inclusion within the classroom, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners.
- Adapted teaching methods for diverse student needs and abilities.
- Realised improvement in behaviour management by implementing consistent rules and consequences.
Education
BA - Dramatic Studies
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, Glasgow City 1989.08 - 1992.06
Postgraduate Certificate - Religious Studies
University of Stirling
Stirling 1995.08 - 1996.08
PGCE (Secondary Teaching) - Religious & Moral Education
University of Strathclyde
Glasgow, Glasgow City 1996.09 - 1997.06
Skills
- School Improvement
- Strategic planning
- Staff development
- Policy development
- Educational Initiatives
- Safeguarding
- Multi-Agency Collaboration
- External partnerships
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Custom
- Leadership & School Improvement – Strategic planning, staff development, resource management
- Inclusion & Equity – Developing policies and initiatives to support vulnerable learners
- Safeguarding & Child Protection – Ensuring compliance with policies and procedures
- Multi-Agency Collaboration – Working with external partners to support students and families
- Data-Driven Decision Making – Using research and analysis to inform policy and interventions
- Community Engagement – Strengthening relationships between schools, families, and communities
- Creative Curriculum Design – Developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning
Timeline
Depute Head Teacher – Pupil Support
Beeslack Community High School
2021.08 - 2025.03
Principal Teacher – Inclusion and Equity
Beeslack Community High School
2021.06 - 2021.06
Teacher of Inclusion, Guidance & Support for Learning
City of Edinburgh Council
2004.02 - 2016.02
Community Engagement Coordinator
NGO Young People Speak Out
2001.01 - 2004.03
Class Teacher – Religious & Moral Education and Drama
City of Glasgow & Renfrewshire Councils
1997.08 - 2001.12
PGCE (Secondary Teaching) - Religious & Moral Education
University of Strathclyde
1996.09 - 1997.06
Postgraduate Certificate - Religious Studies
University of Stirling
1995.08 - 1996.08
BA - Dramatic Studies
University of Glasgow
1989.08 - 1992.06