Dr. Kief Ho –  Executive Head

As Executive Head, I lead on the strategic direction of Octavia House Schools and oversee our clusters to ensure we continue to meet the diverse and complex needs of our pupils. I hold National Professional Qualifications in Senior Leadership, Headship, and Executive Leadership, and am deeply committed to shaping a culture rooted in evidence, compassion, and high expectations.

Before joining OHS, I held a range of senior leadership roles across both primary and secondary settings, including Head of Music, Head of Key Stage, Assistant Headteacher for Pastoral Care, Assistant Head for Key Stage 3, Head of School, and Executive Headteacher. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on holistic education and strengthened my belief in the power of values-led leadership to drive meaningful change.

Ashley Witherington -  Associate Head, Essex 

I joined OHS in September 2025 and am currently the Associate Head for the Essex cluster. I have nine years of experience in education and, prior to joining OHS, was an Assistant Head Teacher for six years across two mainstream primary schools in outer London. In this role, I led on key areas including inclusion, behaviour, safeguarding and served as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). I hold a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in Primary Education, Qualified Teacher Status and the National Award for SEN Co-ordination.

Steven Guy - Senior Administrator, Arbor Lead & Team Teach Lead, Essex

I oversee all administrative functions at South Woodham, including the management of our Arbor systems and school data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and smooth day-to-day operations. I also lead on Team Teach training in Essex, supporting staff to develop effective de-escalation strategies and consistent behaviour support approaches. Through this work, I help ensure that our responses to pupils are safe, proportionate, and aligned with our therapeutic ethos.

Robyn Smith - Head of School at Great Baddow

I am Head of School at Great Baddow and I am responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and the quality of education. I have previously worked at Vauxhall and South Woodham, teaching across KS1-3. I hold a BA (Hons), a PGCE with QTS, and an MA Education (Special Educational Needs).

Ruth Parry - Lead Therapist at Great Baddow

As Lead Therapist, I support pupils through play and creative therapy sessions, helping them to make sense of their experiences, manage big feelings, and build trust and confidence. I work closely with staff to keep our school’s therapeutic, trauma-informed approach at the heart of everything we do, so children feel understood and safe. I also link with families and outside professionals, such as CAMHS and social care, to make sure each child’s emotional needs are supported in a joined-up way. My aim is to nurture wellbeing and help every pupil feel seen, valued, and ready to learn.

Ashley Witherington -  Interim Head of School at South Woodham

In addition to my associate headship, I am also currently the interim Head of School at our secondary site in South Woodham, Essex. 

Matthew Reed - Assistant Head at South Woodham

I joined OHS in 2025. I have been the Assistant Head at South Woodham since 2026. I am also responsible for all of the South Woodham pupils’ EHC reviews. Prior to becoming an Assistant Head, I was a maths teacher at the Great Baddow and South Woodham sites.