About Us

Welcome to Hatfield Wick Education, where we believe in the potential of every child and their unique journey towards learning and growth.

Who We Are

Hatfield Wick Education is a premier provider of specialised education and support for children with diverse neurodivergent needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxious school refusers, Attachment Disorder, and Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) concerns. We strive to bridge the gap between traditional education and the individualised needs of each student, fostering an environment that values autonomy, respect, empathy, and compassion.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We invite you to join us as we continue on our mission to empower children with the education and support they need to achieve their full potential.

Our Journey

At Hatfield Wick Education, we employ the CARES approach, standing for Compassion, Autonomy, Respect, Empathy, and Support.

This methodology is embedded in every facet of our teaching and forms the backbone of our learning environment. Our dedicated team collaborates with families, carers, and professionals to create tailored educational plans, ensuring each child’s unique needs and strengths are acknowledged and nurtured.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every child, regardless of their neurodivergent needs or challenges, has access to an empowering and inclusive education. We are passionate about collaborating with Local Authorities and Schools, promoting educational equity and ensuring that specialised support and resources are accessible to all students in need.

Meet our Leadership Team

Adam Smyth

Founder & CEO, Hatfield Wick Education

Adam Smyth, our CEO, embodies the vision and values of Hatfield Wick Education. A steadfast believer in the unique potential within each child, Adam’s dedication is guided by a balanced ethos, intertwining academic success with personal growth to develop confident, bold, and accomplished learners.

Adam champions the transformative power of education, particularly its capacity to positively shape the lives of young individuals, especially those with neurodivergent needs. With a National Award SENCo (NASENCO) to his credit and extensive experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s, Adam’s expertise forms a crucial component of our personalised, inclusive educational model.

Academically, Adam is distinguished by his Master’s degree with Distinction from the globally renowned Institute of Education at University College London (UCL). His postgraduate research into conceptions of ability stands testament to his commitment to understanding the diverse learning needs of our students and informing our educational strategies accordingly.

Adam continues to engage with current educational research, keeping Hatfield Wick Education at the forefront of educational best practices. His dynamic, outcomes-focused approach and unwavering commitment to the success of each student form the heart of his leadership. Under his guidance, Hatfield Wick Education is dedicated to fulfilling its mission – providing an empowering and inclusive educational experience for every child.

Nicky McGurk

Co-founder & Director of Therapeutic Services, MBACP BA(Hons) Therapist

With an empathetic and client-centric approach, Nicky serves as the Clinical Director at Hatfield Wick Education. Rooted in her belief that clients are the foremost experts on their feelings and experiences, Nicky’s approach to counselling is guided by the principles of safety, confidentiality, and empowerment.

Trained as a person-centred counsellor, she provides a supportive environment that encourages clients to unravel and understand their emotions and circumstances. This approach allows clients to embark on their journey of self-discovery and healing at a pace and manner that suits them.

Nicky’s rich background in healthcare adds a unique depth to her counselling practice. She spent several years as a nurse in the NHS, where she saw first-hand that individuals often need a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic relationship to navigate life’s challenges. These experiences have nurtured her into the insightful and compassionate therapist she is today.

Nicky is dedicated to being there for clients when they’re ready to take the next step. With her guidance, Hatfield Wick Education continues to provide an environment that fosters emotional wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth for every student.

  • Rosie Walker

    Therapeutic Manager & DSL

  • Katie Blackmore

    School Business Manager

  • Anna Jacobs

    Inclusion Manager and DDSL

  • Louise Venables​​​​

    Head of Learning

Meet the Therapeutic Team

  • Nicky McGurk

    Co-founder & Director of Therapeutic Services

  • Rosie Walker

    Therapeutic Manager & DDSL

  • Stacy Edwards

    Therapeutic LSA

  • Tom Bush

    Mentor

  • “Our learners placed at Hatfield Wick have thrived, forming friendships, expressing feelings, and making academic progress. The environment and support have been paramount to their success.”

    Mrs. Melissa Sarling, Plume