Welcome
Welcome to Northstowe Martin Bacon Academy, part of Meridian Trust.
The Martin Bacon Academy is a state of the art, Area Special School that opened in Northstowe, Cambridgeshire, in 2020. We cater for children and young people aged 3 to 19 who have a range of complex and significant learning needs in the area of cognition and learning (with other co-occurring conditions). This covers a wide range of needs including learners with autistic spectrum condition and those with complex physical and sensory impairments. All pupils will be provided with an exciting, balanced education which will be appropriately paced and designed to meet their individual education needs.
Since opening, The Martin Bacon Academy has forged strong link with its community. The school is situated on the same site in Northstowe at the Northstowe Learning Community, also part of Meridian Trust. This allows opportunity for collaboration between pupils and staff from The Martin Bacon Academy and other schools in Meridian Trust.
Executive Principal: Mary Abeyasekera
Mary Abeyasekera, Executive Principal, joined Meridian Trust in September 2017 following her role as an HMI and one of Ofsted’s National Leads for SEND. During her time with Ofsted, she introduced the Local Area SEND inspections. Mary has substantial leadership and management experience in all-through special schools and mainstream secondary schools. As well as being an Advanced Skills Teacher, Mary has held senior leadership and consultancy posts in schools in the East of England. Most notably Mary lead The Harbour school from causing the local Authority serious concern to outstanding in 2013, and supported Nenegate Special School to Ofsted Good as Consultant Headteacher.
Interim Associate Executive Principal of SEND and Head of MBA: Sarah Louise
Sarah Louise, Interim Associate Executive Principal of SEND, trained in 1997 and brings with her 27 years of experience in SEN. Sarah joined Meridian Trust in January 2020 following her roles both in the UK and Uganda in SEN. During her time in the UK she held leadership positions in area special schools and specialist ASC provisions. Her knowledge and skills in ASC led her to set up county provision in Cambridgeshire.
Her leadership and management experience lead her to Uganda to set up SEN provisions and residential units before running an international school. Sarah brings a wealth of SEND knowledge to the trust. Her passions for SEND means that she also attends a number of Specialist groups outside of the working day.
Interim Head of School: William Hawes
William Hawes (Billy), Head of School, joined the Meridian Trust in February 2023. Starting his teaching career in 2011, William has undertaken a range of leadership roles across specialist education that have shaped his experience and led him to his current position at Martin Bacon Academy. Throughout his career, William has remained committed to ensuring that all children and young people receive the support, provision and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
William is passionate about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and is dedicated to helping learners overcome barriers, develop independence and thrive both in school and beyond. He is incredibly proud to be part of Martin Bacon Academy and the wider Meridian Trust, working alongside talented colleagues, families and professionals to create meaningful opportunities and life-changing outcomes for young people.