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Meet The Team
Jack Cook - Proprietor
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
Hannah Dadge - Head of Education
Jack Cook is the Founder and Proprietor of First Thought Independent School and the wider First Thought Care Services Group.
Driven by lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people with additional needs, Jack founded First Thought in 2020 to create a care and education model that delivers c
Jack Cook is the Founder and Proprietor of First Thought Independent School and the wider First Thought Care Services Group.
Driven by lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people with additional needs, Jack founded First Thought in 2020 to create a care and education model that delivers consistency, compassion, and real opportunity.
His vision - Where Every Thought Counts - underpins everything the school stands for. Jack believes that every child deserves to be seen for who they are, supported to reach their full potential, and surrounded by professionals who genuinely care.
As Proprietor, Jack provides strategic oversight, ensures compliance with the Independent School Standards, and works closely with the school’s leadership team to maintain a strong safeguarding culture and a curriculum that empowers each learner.
Through his leadership, First Thought has become known for its holistic, family-centred approach that bridges education, wellbeing, and care - helping children rebuild confidence, independence, and belonging.
Hannah Dadge - Head of Education
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
Hannah Dadge - Head of Education
Hannah Dadge leads the educational vision and daily operation of First Thought Independent School, ensuring that every pupil experiences a curriculum designed around their strengths, communication style, and aspirations.
As Head of Education and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Hannah oversees teaching, learning, and assessment -
Hannah Dadge leads the educational vision and daily operation of First Thought Independent School, ensuring that every pupil experiences a curriculum designed around their strengths, communication style, and aspirations.
As Head of Education and the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, Hannah oversees teaching, learning, and assessment - embedding the EQUALS Informal and Semi-Formal pathways and ensuring that EHCP outcomes are central to each pupil’s learning journey.
Hannah’s leadership combines expertise in specialist education with genuine compassion. She champions a trauma-informed and autism-friendly approach, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. Working closely with families, therapists, and local professionals, she creates joined-up plans that support progress across academic, emotional, and social development.
Her belief is simple: when children feel understood and empowered, they thrive - and every achievement, no matter how small, deserves celebration.
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
To be appointed
Assistant Head – SENCo/Inclusion
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
Assistant Head – Quality of Education
To be appointed
Shannon Power - Teacher
Shannon Power - Teacher
Shannon Power - Teacher
Shannon is a creative and dedicated teacher with a passion for helping young children discover a love for learning. After completing her B.Ed. in Primary Education (3–7 specialism), she gained experience across Early Years and Key Stage 1, leading phonics and early reading programmes, and creating nurturing, engaging classrooms where ever
Shannon is a creative and dedicated teacher with a passion for helping young children discover a love for learning. After completing her B.Ed. in Primary Education (3–7 specialism), she gained experience across Early Years and Key Stage 1, leading phonics and early reading programmes, and creating nurturing, engaging classrooms where every child feels valued and capable.
Alongside her teaching experience, Shannon has worked extensively as a Child Support Worker with children and young people with Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, developing strong skills in communication, Makaton, and inclusive practice. Her calm, purposeful approach and commitment to wellbeing help pupils build confidence and independence while enjoying learning at their own pace.
Shannon believes that the most powerful education comes from creativity, teamwork, and genuine care - values she brings to every lesson she teaches.
Kim Gorman - Teacher
Shannon Power - Teacher
Shannon Power - Teacher
Kim is an adaptable and compassionate teacher with a PGCE from the University of Gloucestershire and classroom experience across Key Stages 1 and 2. She brings a strong understanding of inclusion and differentiation, having previously served as an Early Years SENCo, where she led the development of Individual Education Plans and worked cl
Kim is an adaptable and compassionate teacher with a PGCE from the University of Gloucestershire and classroom experience across Key Stages 1 and 2. She brings a strong understanding of inclusion and differentiation, having previously served as an Early Years SENCo, where she led the development of Individual Education Plans and worked closely with families and professionals to ensure holistic support.
Her teaching style blends structure with creativity, encouraging pupils to explore ideas confidently and learn through curiosity. With a background in philosophy and ethics, Kim promotes thoughtful discussions and reflection, helping children develop empathy and awareness alongside academic progress.
Kim is passionate about fostering safe, positive, and engaging learning spaces - where every child feels heard, respected, and empowered to achieve their best.