Meet The Sixth Form Team

Lucy Petith

Deputy Headteacher

Mrs Petith has overall responsibility for leading the Sixth Form. She provides the strategy and leadership necessary for this Key Stage and ensures that it is aligned with the ethos, values and direction of the entire College whilst retaining some distinctions.

Keely Vernon-Ward

Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Vernon-Ward is responsible for academic excellence in the Sixth Form alongside its day to day running. She provides the managerial prowess and organisational skills necessary to lead nearly five-hundred students and is committed to delivering outstanding provision.

Kevin McLean

Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Mr McLean is responsible for providing exceptional pastoral care in the Sixth Form. He provides the experience and knowledge necessary to manage the behaviour and conduct of our young adults whilst also inducting new students and providing data analysis.

Sophie Munro

Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Pete Flynn

Academic Enrichment Manager

Mr Flynn is responsible for enhancing the curriculum through exceptional experiences. He co-ordinates the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), leads the Year 12 Prefects and co-ordinates the DESC Super-curriculum.

Matthew Davies

Head of Vocational Education

Mr Davies leads our Vocational provision. Overseeing and managing all of the different Vocational courses on offer, Mr Davies ensures that students excel and enjoy their chosen courses and experience a wide range of work-based experiences. 

Mitchell Burke

Transition Manager

Mr Burke is responsible for providing world class information, advice and guidance for students and their families. He leads the DESC Oxbridge programme and ensures that transitions between phases are as seamless as possible.

Christine Dunne

Higher Education Co-ordinator

Mrs Dunne oversees the seamless transition of all students from DESC Sixth Form to Higher Education. Holding appointments, leading workshops, organising speakers and proofing statements, Mrs Dunne ensures that every student is provided with bespoke guidance and competitive applications.

Helen Cooper

Year 13 Senior Student Manager

Mrs Cooper supports Mrs Vernon-Ward in ensuring academic excellence and exceptional pastoral care for all students in Year 13. As a mentor and coach, she works with students in removing barriers to their learning and building good study habits whilst also planning the Graduation and end of term celebrations.

Laura Reidy

Head of IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance)

Ms Reidy supports and coaches Sixth Form students who wish to explore a range of careers. Knowledgeable and resourceful, Ms Reidy ensures that those students who do not wish to pursue Higher Education are well equipped and prepared for the next stage of their journey.

Fiona Gibbs

Academic Coaching Support

Lisa Goodall

Sixth Form Parent Liaison

Mrs Goodall leads the administration of the Sixth Form whilst also providing bespoke information, advice and guidance for parents and students. Knowledgeable and experienced, Mrs Goodall plans a range of Sixth Form experiences whilst offering support to the entire Sixth Form team.

Sonia Rossetti

Sixth Form Receptionist

Mrs Rossetti supports the Sixth Form team in dealing with parental enquiries and absence. Friendly and helpful, Mrs Rossetti ensures that every Sixth Form parent and their child feels welcomed and cared for.

Philip Arnold

Sixth Form Learning Support

Mr Arnold works with individual students requiring extra support and guidance. He predominantly interacts with small groups or works 1:1 and is invaluable in building student confidence.