Lisa Walker Leads The Heights Academy Forward
The Heights Academy is delighted to welcome Lisa Walker as our new Headteacher. With nearly three decades of experience in special education, Lisa brings a wealth of expertise, energy and care to our growing school community.
“I am very experienced in managing complex situations, I am a people person and have the wellbeing of pupils and staff at my core. I love developing others to bring the best to the children.”
Lisa Walker, Headteacher
A Strong Background in Special Education
Since starting her career in 1995, Lisa has worked exclusively in special educational needs (SEN) settings. She began as a teacher in an all-age generic special school and went on to lead a small early years provision, transforming it into a thriving primary SLD/ASD school.
Her leadership has been recognised nationally; her previous school achieved Outstanding status twice, and she has contributed to specialist and mainstream teacher training as part of a Teaching School.
This deep understanding of autism spectrum condition (ASC), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and specialist teaching makes Lisa the ideal leader for The Heights Academy, which opened in September 2023 as a Solihull-designated school for pupils aged 8 to 16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Setting the Direction for Growth
Lisa joins The Heights at a pivotal time. The school is steadily expanding towards a planned capacity of 116 pupils and has already launched a new three-pathway curriculum to support a broad range of learners.
Lisa is determined to build on this strong foundation:
“My focus is on the children’s future and supporting them to go out into the world and have a fulfilling, purposeful life, so the teaching of social and personal skills is a high priority for me.”
Her key priorities for the year ahead include:
- Bringing stability after a challenging period and restoring staff confidence
- Investing in staff development, ensuring every team member has the support and training they need
- Enhancing the school environment, including making outdoor spaces more exciting and challenging
- Ensuring pupil voice is central, giving children the opportunity to share ideas and influence how the school develops
A Community-Focused Leader
Lisa has quickly been impressed by the commitment and warmth of the school community:
“The staff are passionate and caring. They are excited to further develop the school and really want to get things right. The children are a delight, with many already making a huge impression on me, and they have big ideas for development! I have been asked about dogs many times…”
Parents and carers can expect open communication and genuine partnership.
“I will always listen; if I don’t know, then I can’t fix it,” Lisa promises.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Under Lisa’s leadership, The Heights Academy is set to become a place of sanctuary where pupils can learn and express themselves freely.
Her values of honesty, commitment, hard work and continual improvement align perfectly with the school’s vision and with the Forward Education Trust’s commitment to excellence.
As the school continues its careful growth and develops its specialist curriculum, families can be assured that The Heights is heading in a positive, ambitious direction.
“I am very excited to be leading the school to become a place where our pupils can learn and express themselves freely. I look forward to working with staff, pupils and families to achieve our aims together.”
Lisa Walker
