Senior Leadership Team

Mr D McKeown

Interim Executive Headteacher

Desi graduated from The Queen’s University of Belfast in 1997 with a B.Ed. (Honours). He moved to Essex to take up a teacher of mathematics position at Chalvedon School, immediately after graduating. Over the next 7 years he held several posts including, Head of Mathematics and Head of ICT.

Desi moved to The Deanes School in 2004 and has held leadership roles since starting. In 2015 he became Headteacher and has led The Deanes through significant change to ensure its current status of an OFSTED rated Good school.

Desi obtained NPQH in 2008, an MBA with Distinction in Educational Leadership from The Institute of Education in 2012, and the NPQEL in 2023

Mr P Healy

Interim Head of School

Worked in schools across Essex, Thurrock and Southend for over 20 years in roles such as Director of Mathematics (The King John School), Deputy Head Teacher (The James Hornsby School). Was a National Lead in Mathematics for The Specialist Schools and Academy Trust where he supported schools in Bristol, Kent and the East Midlands. More recently Paul has been Head of School at Ormiston Rivers Academy and a Trust Deputy with Zenith Multi Academy Trust in South Essex.

Miss N Ounzain

Deputy Headteacher

Miss Ounzain joined the school in September 2015. She has held many positions with Science, most recently as deputy head of science within a Southend School. Miss Ounzain has a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool and completed her PGCE in Secondary Science at Goldsmiths University of London.

Ms M Sully

Assistant Headteacher

Ms Sully joined the school in 2020 as Head of Mathematics. Prior to this she was Key stage 4 coordinator of mathematics at The King John School where she had gained her QTS through the BTSA and her PGCE through The University of East London. Ms Sully has a Bsc (Hons) in Criminology and Psychology and has recently gained her NPQSL through OLP.

Mr j Hibben

Assistant Headteacher

Mr Hibben joined the school in 1998. He has a BA Honours degree in Visual Arts and a PGCE in secondary education; specialising in Art and Design.
br Before teaching at Cornelius Vermuyden, Mr Hibben worked for SEECAT, teaching Graphics, Art and Design, Illustration and Sculpture to pupils studying on BTEC, Foundation and Degree courses in Art. Prior to this he worked for Dartington College of Arts teaching illustration and drawing to undergraduates.

Mr M Sweeny

Assistant Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr Sweeny joined our school in August 2013. He has held various leadership positions during his time in the school, most recently as Head of Year and Mental Health lead. He has a BA Honours degree in Geography and History, as well as a Postgraduate Degree in Education. Both were awarded by the National University of Ireland, Galway. Mr Sweeny subsequently completed a MSc in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester.