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.
Katrina Thompson - Director
DDSL
Katrina has extensive experience in working with young people, having previously worked in alternative education, teaching young people, both those under 16 and young adults with SEND.
Katrina has a PGCE in Teaching Learners with Additional Needs, a BA Honours in Education and Learning and is currently studying towards a Masters in Inclusive Education.
Katrina says: “I love to help young people who, for whatever reason, find themselves marginalised from educational settings. I find joy in helping young people to grow in confidence, both in learning and in developing relationships with others.”
In her spare time, Katrina loves to spend time with her family, camping and enjoying the great outdoors, with her three dogs, Dolly, Silas and Lulu.
James Turner - 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
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.
Duke the 2nd of Worsleyshire - Therapy Dog
Duke is our Therapy Dog who can be available to step in when our young people feel worried or scared, or if they just want someone to talk to who won’t judge them or expect anything from them (except maybe cuddles!)
Duke loves cuddles, kisses, playing fetch and eating food!
