The headteacher provides good leadership. New deputy and assistant headteachers have added additonal strength and dynamism to the senior leadership team.
Ofsted, 2009

Details of the Senior Leadership Team at The Cornelius Vermuyden School and Arts College can be found on this page.

Mrs C Skewes Headteacher Mrs Skewes joined the school in September 2002 after teaching in a variety of posts in London and Essex. She has been an Assistant Headteacher; Head of Sixth Form and Staff Development at Billericay School. Before joining Cornelius she was Deputy Headteacher and later Acting Headteacher at Mayflower High School in Billericay. Mrs Skewes initially trained at the University of Sussex for a BEd (hons) Sociology/English and has since gained an MA degree, Diploma in Pastoral Care and Counselling at the London Institute of Education and the NPQH with Cambridge. In addition Mrs Skewes has been an assessor and verifier for vocational qualifications with the City and Guilds. Mrs Skewes has a husband, a son and a stray black cat.

Mr Wilson Deputy Headteacher Standards and Achievements Mr Wilson joined the school in September 2008. He has been an Assistant Heacteacher at St Clere’s School and Belhus Chase Specialist Humanities College. Mr Wilson presently overseas the secondary strategy, the e-strategy, data and reporting as well as BSF and timetabling. Mr Wilson initially trained at Canterbury Christ Church College through a PGCE in English, Media and Drama after completing a degree in English Literature with Theatre Studies.

Ms N King Deputy Headteacher Overall Effectiveness and Efficiency Ms King joined the school in September 2008, having taught in a number of secondary schools across Essex. Most recently she was Head of English at Hylands School in Chelmsford, before becoming Senior Teacher (with responsibility for Teaching and Learning) at Barstable School in Basildon. Ms King presently oversees 14-19 curriculum reform, staffing, the school’s self evaluation procedures and timetabling. Ms King studied at Hertfordshire University, where she gained a BA (Hons.) in Literature and PGCE in (Secondary) English. In addition she has an MEd from Cambridge University, specialising in School Improvement.

Mr J Hibben Assisitant Headteacher Pastoral Mr Hibben has worked at the school for the last seven years He has a BA Honours degree in Visual Arts and a PGCE in secondary education; specialising in Art and Design. Before teaching at the Cornelius Vermuyden School Mr Hibben worked for SEECAT, teaching Graphics, Art and Design, Illustration and Sculpture to pupils studying on BTEC, Foundation and Degree courses in Art. Prior to this he worked for Dartington College of Arts teaching illustration and drawing to undergraduates. More recently, Mr Hibben has just finished working with the specialist school trust on case studies for the Applied Art and design courses.

Mrs E Helm Business Manager Mrs Helm joined the school in October 2005. Her career spans over 30 years of finance within banking, Customs and Excise (recovery and computer programming), Local Government (Housing and Rent/Rate benefits), commerce and education. In 2005 she completed the double award of the National College of School Leadership Certificate in School Business Management and the Institute of Administrative Management Diploma. She also has an HNC in Business Studies. Prior to taking up her post at the Cornelius Vermuyden School she worked as a Finance Officer at a Junior School for 8 years. Mrs Helm has lived on Canvey Island for over 45 years, has a husband and three children.

Mrs J Evans Assistant Headteacher & Head of Learning Support Mrs J Evans joined the Senior Leadership Team in January 2006. Mrs Evans joined the school in September 1989 following a three year break from teaching. She joined the school as a teacher in Combined Studies when it was taught in Year 8 as well as Year 7. She was appointed second in department after three years and later Head of Department as well as Head of Year. Mrs Evans qualified as a teacher with a Certificate in Education in 1973 at Caerleon College of Education in Newport South Wales. She later studied for a BA degree in Education through APU.

Mr M Whiteley Assistant Headteacher & Director of Arts Mr Whiteley joined Cornelius Vermuyden in Septemeber 2008 having taught in the London Borough of Bexley for a number of years. He was previously Head of Art at Erith School which achieved outstanding at its last Ofsted Inspection. Mr Whiteley has a vocational Btec qualification from Leeds College of Arts as well as a BA (hons) degree in Fine Art/ Textiles from Goldsmiths College London. He successfully completed his PGCE at Bretton Hall College in South Yorkshire. He continues to produce his own work and regularly exhibits in London an exhibits in London and the South East Area.

Mrs Laura Hazelgrove Assistant Head Teacher responsible for Professional Learning (Teacher and staff training, primary liaison and community cohesion). Laura Hazelgrove joined Cornelius in April 2009 as Assistant Head Teacher. Laura had taught History at Woodlands Secondary School in Basildon (and Palmers College, Grays) for nearly nine years. Laura has been Head of History for the last 7 years and an AST (Advanced Skills Teacher) for Essex County Council for the past 4 years. As an AST, Laura has worked with many schools within Essex, supporting History and Humanities Departments.Laura has also been responsible for training new teachers as part of her AST role. Laura has been involved in Primary Liaison work with primary schools in Basildon. Laura completed her PGCE at Cambridge University and her BA.Hons in History at Liverpool University.