Humans of Hartlepool College: Lee Clayton

Lee Clayton serves as Team Lead for the School of SEND and Foundation Studies at Hartlepool College, supporting the management of a department of 58 staff members and more than 120 students ~ making it one of the largest SEND departments in further education in the North East of England. Lee’s journey from excluded student to educational leader exemplifies the transformative power of further education and the importance of never giving up on any student's potential.

Lee's path to educational leadership began unexpectedly. "I was permanently excluded from school at the start of Year 11 and didn't complete my GCSEs," he reflects. "The students I teach and mentor now – I was exactly like them when I was their age."

After initially becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), Lee found his way to Hartlepool College, where supportive staff completely changed his outlook on life. This transformative experience would later shape his career philosophy. "My experiences at school had been horrendous, my experiences with the police had been horrendous – college was the thing that changed things for me," Lee says. His story demonstrates that with the right support, understanding, and genuine care, any student can transform their life trajectory.

Today, Lee maintains mutually supportive relationships with the very teachers who once helped transform his outlook – relationships that have evolved from student-teacher to colleague partnerships, and have had a lasting impact on him.

"I want to do for other kids what the college did for me," Lee explains. "The relationships I built with the staff gave me the tools I needed to turn things around and build a new career and life for myself. If we can do that for just one more student each year, then we've made a difference."

Lee's career at Hartlepool College demonstrates the outstanding progression opportunities available to dedicated and passionate staff members. Beginning as a part-time learning support assistant, Lee eventually moved into a full-time position. While completing his PGCE ~ an important teaching qualification supported by the College ~ he joined the team as a Visiting Lecturer, then progressed to full-time lecturer, and ultimately to his current role as Team Lead.

"I've been steadily progressing since I started," Lee explains. "I told our Head, 'I need to do more, I need to challenge myself.' The progression pathway for our staff is amazing. When I first started as in learning support, there was only one tutor in the school; there are eight now.

"When I started as a lecturer, there were two other members of staff, and they were fantastic support. They gave me the constructive guidance I really needed. The Head of our department has been amazing, and so has our Executive team. The support is there, no matter what, and in turn, that's helped me pass the same guidance on as we've grown our teaching staff. Because I had that support system around me, I've been able to guide and lead others joining the team, too, who now rely on me for support."

As Team Lead within the School of SEND and Foundation Studies, Lee manages a substantial operation that has experienced significant growth. The department now employs 58 staff members and has grown from 80 to 120 students in the last year.

Lee's responsibilities extend across the town through the alternative provision side of SEND, where he liaises with a group of five secondary schools in the local area, coordinating 14 to 16-year-old provision that has developed drastically under his leadership.

"Numbers will likely continue to grow because students are getting diagnosed earlier in their lives, and the pathway to getting the right support is becoming easier for them," Lee notes. "We're seeing growing awareness of students' needs earlier on, with Educational, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) put in place sooner."

When asked about the most important qualities for working in SEND, Lee emphasises three key characteristics: first of all, empathy is paramount. "We're the School of SEND and Foundation Studies, but our school also oversees looked after children. For anyone looking to begin a career in this area, you must understand that these are children going through things that adults with full support networks around them often struggle to deal with – and they are often doing it on their own. This is their safe space at the college."

Being personable is equally crucial. "You need to be able to build strong, positive relationships. The relationships our staff build with students is amazing – it's all about being empathetic, understanding, and personable."

Finally, Lee points out the importance of being eager to improve and continuously develop. Lee's own career progression exemplifies this quality, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to develop his skills and better serve students.

Lee's commitment to student development extends well beyond the classroom. A lifelong rugby player since age 8, he coaches both for his local team and serves as the college's rugby coach, organising tournaments and getting students actively engaged in sport.

His versatility as an educator is impressive – teaching everything from Maths and English to bricklaying. The college has supported him through various qualifications, including multi-skills certifications and first aid training, enabling him to take students on educational trips.

"Rugby and the college have saved me," Lee reflects. "The skills you develop – social skills, being able to communicate with people from all different backgrounds effectively – are invaluable."

Lee's approach to education is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Having experienced firsthand how negative experiences with institutions can affect young people, he's determined to provide a different route for students in difficult circumstances. With Lee’s contributions as Team Lead, the School of SEND and Foundation Studies continues to grow and evolve, providing crucial support for an increasing number of students who need specialised care and attention.

"Everyone in the college you work with is class," Lee concludes. "There's not one person you can't work with. It's brilliant to be part of such a supportive team where everyone is committed to making a difference in students' lives."