Seeing the whole picture: The power of a neuroscience specialist approach to transforming lives — Rachel Quick and Kevin Holland

This presentation will explore the transformative power of a holistic, neuroscience-informed specialist approach.

Beginning with an inspiring case study of an autistic pupil who achieved remarkable success after moving from a mainstream setting, we will delve into the core philosophy that drives our work: the belief in providing every pupil with every opportunity by "embracing the whole picture" of their potential.

The session will detail how this is achieved through our practical and effective ASSK (Autism Specific Skills and Knowledge) framework, demonstrating it as the key methodology for unlocking student potential and transforming lives.

Sharing inspiring pupil videos and key outcome data from the school. 

About Rachel Quick:

Rachel Quick is the CEO and Principal of The Wherry School:

Prior to training as a teacher, I studied for a degree in the History of Art and Architecture at Warwick University, leading to a Masters degree in Architectural History at UEA, Norwich

My education experience includes teaching all ages from Nursery through to Post 16 provision, including serving as a Headteacher (since 2003), school improvement partner and adviser (following completion of National College Local Leader of Educations programme in 2011), Visiting Fellow for Ambition Institute supporting the Early Career Framework programme with a focus on Special Educational Needs and as a specialist Adviser to the NPQ programmes – Behaviour and Care and NPQH programmes.  My teaching and leadership career has been focused in Norfolk and East Anglia, in various schools serving a range of communities from inner city schools, to rural communities affected by rural deprivation and under-resourcing, to schools in significant need in coastal deprivation zones.  My school improvement and support work has focused on transforming schools, supporting new/aspirant leaders as well as those where challenges following Ofsted needed rapid support from a variety of backgrounds from large inner-city schools, SEMH settings and alternative provision, to independent specialist schools for pupils with profound and multiple disabilities.

About Kevin Holland:

With over 25 years of experience in the education sector, Kevin Holland is a dedicated leader and coach driven by a core purpose: to equip all stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to reach their highest potential.

Progressing from an Advanced Skills Teacher to Director of Sports at Twickenham Academy, Kevin extended their impact beyond the classroom to whole-school strategy. A central focus of their work has been the development of innovative pedagogy and effective school improvement models—an area shaped by collaborations with international colleagues and leading UK schools.

Building on this foundation, Kevin went on to serve as an Education Advisor at Norfolk County Council, providing strategic guidance and broad support to a range of schools across the region. Before taking up their current role, they were CEO of Global SpiritED CIC, where they successfully established and led a collaborative network of educational trusts and schools. This work was underpinned by a direct partnership with the University of Sunderland to ensure alignment with current research.