Meet the Team
Esther Turner
Founder and Company Director
DSL
With extensive experience in working in schools and alternative education, Esther founded EST Education due to the increasing need for pastoral intervention and wellbeing support needed for our young people in Salford. Esther is a qualified teacher with QTLS and over thirteen years experience of teaching in alternative education, including working as a Deputy Headteacher. Esther has also worked for Early Help on the attendance project, where she supported children and families with removing complex barriers to learning and accessing full-time education.
Esther says : “I didn’t enjoy school myself and I felt very alone for a lot of my school years. I don’t want any young person to feel how I did - everyone should feel that they have someone who cares about them and wants the best for them, particulaly our children and young people. I do what I do because I want to make a difference and to help change lives”
In her spare time, Esther enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, attending meditation and wellbeing classes and attempting to finally finish painting the hallway.
Amanda Tipping - HR Director
Amanda is our independent HR Director here at EST Education. Amanda’s role is to provide impartial HR support, acting as a bridge between our business and our employees. Amanda is here to listen, guide, and support, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard, questions are answered, and issues are handled fairly and effectively. Amanda’s HR support is designed to bridge the gap between our business goals and our employees’ needs. HR services ensure clear communication, fair practices, and practical solutions, helping both staff and management thrive in a positive and productive environment.
James Turner -Commercial Director
James is our Commercial Director, bringing with him a wealth of business experience and expertise. James already works as a Director for a large company, so is able to share his knowledge and skills in our board meetings, giving advice and information on our governance and quality assurance.
In his spare time, James likes spending time with his family, travelling both near and far and watching all things Jeremy Clarkson!
Claire Bex - Student Mentor, School Counsellor and DDSL
Claire is a qualified integrative counsellor with extensive experience in supporting young people across education, youth work, and mental health settings. Claire’s therapeutic approach integrates person-centred principles and a brief model of CBT, delivered through a trauma-informed and solution-focused lens. She is dedicated to fostering safety, hope, and empowerment in the young people she works with.
Claie says, “I am passionate about creating safe, collaborative spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered and can bring to the provision an understanding of young people’s mental health and resilience building.”
Claire loves live music, all thing dogs and plants, paddle boarding and collecting crystals.
Nate Frost - Student Mentor, Mental Health Lead and DDSL
Nate is our Art Therapist who has over 10 years experience working in youth work settings, and across different sectors. He is a qualified Youth Worker, with an Undergraduate Degree in Youth Work and a Masters in Socially Engaged Arts Practice with training and experience in Trauma Informed Practice and Mental Health First Aid. He enjoys organising creative activities that ignite inspiration and amplify voices, and experimenting with creativity.
Alongside working in youth work settings, Nate works with charities, organisations, art galleries, schools and colleges as a Participatory Visual Art Facilitator.
In his spare time, Nate enjoys gardening, going to arty events and attending workshops about moss.
Sam Newton - Student Mentor and Curriculum Lead
Sam is a qualified teacher with QTS status, a BA Honours in Secondary Physical Education and a level 3 counselling certificate. Sam has substantial experience in working with young people, in both educational settings and through delivering extra-curricular activities such as sports, boxing, and forest school activities. Sam’s specific skills and experience means he is able to effectively support our students with a re-engagement in education, and his compassionate and trustworthy approach enables him to effectively connect with our most vulnerable students, fostering an environment where they feel safe, respected, heard and valued.
Sam is also a qualified fitness coach/personal trainer and in his spare time, volunteers at local youth groups to share his skills and experience for those in need.
Duke the 2nd of Worsleyshire - Therapy Dog
Duke is our school therapy dog who is availible to offer emotional support to our young people when they are feeling sad or low and at all other times! Duke loves cuddles, kisses, people and eating food!
