The Compass Team
Compass Learning is a small, dedicated team led by an experienced school leader and SENCO.
Everything we do is rooted in inclusion, respect, high expectations and compassion. We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, understood and capable of success, regardless of their previous experience of education. We work closely with families and schools to identify barriers, celebrate progress and create practical pathways that help young people reconnect with learning and move forward with confidence.
Meet the Compass Team
Rosie Aylward
Founder | Head of Provision | Designated Safeguarding Lead | SENCo
Rosie is the founder of Compass Learning, an experienced Deputy Headteacher, qualified SENCO and English specialist. She has spent more than a decade working in secondary education, including as a Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Quality of Education, curriculum, SEND & inclusion, Teaching & Learning and student outcomes.
Rosie was part of the senior leadership team behind one of the most significant school improvement journeys in the country, helping to move a school from Ofsted Inadequate to Good. Through ambitious curriculum development, stronger systems for monitoring progress and a relentless focus on inclusion, she helped to support pupils to achieve the best GCSE outcomes in the school’s history.
As an English specialist, Rosie is particularly passionate about literacy. She recognises that unmet reading, writing and communication needs can be a major barrier to learning, confidence and behaviour. For many young people, avoidance, disengagement or refusal to attend can be rooted in the fear of being unable to access work in the classroom. Compass Learning therefore places literacy at the heart of its offer, helping pupils to build the skills, confidence and independence needed to engage more successfully with education.
Rosie has particular expertise in supporting young people with SEND, SEMH needs, emotionally based school avoidance and attendance difficulties. Her approach combines high expectations with calm, relationship-led support, working closely with schools, families and young people to understand barriers, rebuild trust and create meaningful routes forward.
Qualifications:
BA English Literature
PGCE Secondary English
National Professional Qualification in Headship
National Professional Qualification in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
DSL Level 2