Talking Teaching

In this SAS episode of Talking Teaching, Dr Sophie Specjal explores the story of Hester Hornbrook Academy, a fee-free Special Assistance School supporting young people aged 15–25 who have experienced barriers such as trauma, mental health challenges, family violence, housing instability, or prolonged disengagement from schooling. ]Joining Sophie are Sally Lasslett, Executive Principal, and Elida Brereton, board member and long-serving former principal. Together, they unpack what makes Hester Hornbrook distinctive: a healing-oriented approach to education, flexible learning environments shaped by student voice, and a multidisciplinary model that brings wellbeing and learning together, without lowering expectations. The conversation covers the reality of re-engaging students who may not yet feel safe in “traditional” schooling, the importance of staff support and supervision in high-complexity settings, and why personalised learning plans and applied learning projects can be a powerful bridge back to achievemen