Elysia Agius - Headteacher at OHS London

I joined OHS in 2021 as a class teacher at our Vauxhall site, with several years of teaching and middle leader experience in the UK and internationally, before moving into leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, Senior Vice Principal, Associate Head and now my current role of Headteacher for the London sites. In this position, I deputise for the Executive Head and support the operational running and strategic leadership of our schools. My focus is on fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture that prioritises pupils' emotional wellbeing, staff development, and school improvement. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where both pupils and colleagues can thrive, and I take pride in contributing to the continued success and growth of OHS.

Sophie Ross - Head of School at Vauxhall

I joined Octavia House Schools in 2021 as a class teacher and have since progressed to Head of School at our Vauxhall site, the primary provision in London. My journey within the organisation has been shaped by a commitment to supporting children with complex needs and a passion for inclusive education. Prior to joining Octavia House, I worked as a primary school teacher and supply teacher, gaining broad experience across all key stages.

Veronica Munoz Soto - Assistant Head at Vauxhall 

I joined Octavia House Schools in 2023 as a qualified teacher and have progressed to roles including Mathematics Lead across our six school sites, Senior Teacher, and, from 2025, Assistant Head at the Vauxhall site.I lead SMSC across the school, including oversight during a successful ISI inspection. Drawing on my background in Theology and Religious Studies, I promote a relationships-first, inclusive approach, celebrate the diversity of our school community, and foster a strong sense of belonging for all pupils.  I hold Qualified Teacher Status (2018) and a degree in Special Educational Needs, providing expertise equivalent in scope to UK SENCO training, with a strong professional focus on autism and research into Theory of Mind. My experience spans Early Years, primary, SEN, and SEMH, guided by trauma-informed approaches such as ACE and PACE, and I support the induction and development of ECTs.

Joanna Darnley - Assistant Head at Vauxhall

I have recently been appointed Assistant Head at OHS Vauxhall, following five years of experience as a classroom teacher. Throughout this time, I have developed a strong commitment to supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs, ensuring they feel understood, supported, and able to succeed.

In addition, I serve as the Creative and Aesthetic Lead across OHS. In this role, I am able to share my passion for promoting creativity as a vital tool for expression, wellbeing, and engagement.

I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and nurturing school culture where high expectations, collaboration, and innovation enable every student to thrive.

Sohail Al-Mahri - Lead Therapist at Vauxhall 

I trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for my Masters degree in Drama and Movement therapy. I felt my training, which was focused on the stories present within ourselves and society, have helped me tremendously in my role as Lead Therapist at Vauxhall. It has aided my therapeutic framework that allows me to explore the narratives present, for staff and pupils, and work with them both in and out of the session space in a non-directive and oblique way, when appropriate. What I love most about my role is that every day I learn something new; whether it is about the pupils, staff or even myself!

Aous Mubarak - Head of School at Nine Elms

I serve as the Head of School at Nine Elms where I am dedicated to supporting pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. I emphasise on fostering a therapeutic, inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. As part of my role, I implement school policies and practices that align with the ethos and vision of the organisation. My commitment to pupil support includes implementing individualised plans that address social and emotional well-being. I take pride in building strong relationships with families and external agencies to create a supportive network for all pupils. Through a network of highly skilled leaders and practitioners, I drive improvements in teaching and learning, ensuring that every pupil feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Jack Pryor - Lead Therapist at Nine Elms

I am the Lead Therapist and the Play Therapist at the Nine Elms site, providing therapeutic support to children through creative, play-based approaches that help them express emotions, build resilience, and develop positive coping skills. I grew up in London and have over 10 years of experience working with children, young people, and families across a range of settings, including schools, the NHS, youth offending services, prisons, PRUs, and other community organisations. My role at OHS is to help children understand and process challenging childhood experiences, offering one-to-one sessions and family support. I also work closely with teachers, parents, and professionals to promote emotional wellbeing across the school community. 

Lauren Knight - Head of School at Kennington

I have had the privilege to have worked for OHS London, for over 10 years now and love every minute of it. I started OHS as a support worker and worked my way up in becoming a Head of School; where my passion and drive were recognised by senior leaders and they invested in my development. Like many other schools, no two days are the same and at OHS we really have a unique, remarkable way of working with our pupils. I have had the absolute pleasure in seeing the successful, growth of pupils from KS1-2; right the way through to the end at KS4.

Luke Whittingham - Assistant Head at Kennington

I am the Assistant Head Kennington Site. I am committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning environment where pupils and their wellbeing are put first. Throughout my career, incorporating a relationships first approach has always been at the heart of my educational practice. Having joined Octavia House in April 2025, it has been a great experience to work in a unique environment where therapeutic approach towards education is prioritised. Drawing on my previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Pastoral Manager, as well as holding a PGCE (QTS) in Secondary Music, I have cultivated an approach that supports young people in achieving success within education.

April Manfield - Lead Therapist at Kennington

As a Lead Therapist at Octavia House Schools, Kennington, I provide clinical leadership and therapeutic guidance to support the emotional wellbeing and development of our pupils. I work closely with colleagues, families, and external professionals to design and deliver tailored therapeutic interventions aligned with individual needs and organisational objectives. I am passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every young person can thrive. I hold a MA in Art Therapy and a relevant professional qualification in therapeutic practice.

Candace Ward - Head of Therapy, London

As Head of Therapy, London, I directly support the therapy team across sites, ensuring high standards of practice and consistency. I regularly visit each site to support and embed the therapeutic approach, while also working alongside teachers to help integrate therapeutic practice into their classrooms. Together with our associate head, I co-lead on pupil voice initiatives, ensuring pupils are heard and their feedback informs practice. I also analyse behaviour data to identify trends and areas for development, and I oversee our bespoke SEMH tracker, which supports us in monitoring progress and tailoring interventions to meet pupils’ individual needs.