Director Bio | The Portal Norfolk

Vanessa Draper

My drive is to forge strong relationships. I strongly believe in treating people with respectfulness, regardless of age, ethnicity or ability. I enjoy supporting others to increase life skills and emotional understanding and to problem-solve. I believe in having the basic tools to succeed and then being creative to begin to refine likes and dislikes towards self-satisfaction as a lifetime’s work. I strive for high standards of morality, finding highlights in each day and giving of myself, in order to find peace and contentment.

Richard Draper

Husband; father (of four amazing children); teacher; home-educator; youth worker; self-builder; together with Vanessa (my wife) the Founder and then CEO of The Benjamin Foundation; passionate champion of necessary change; hater of unfairness and hypocrisy; determined to make The Portal the most amazing success!!

Gary Champion

Gary Champion is a geography teacher and Norwich councillor dedicated to alternative educational models and community-led action. As a co-founder and Director of The Portal, he works to foster self-directed, nature-connected and democratic learning environments for young people

Learner. Father. Teacher. Challenger of norms. Networker. Believer in the human spirit. I know we are not here to be shaped into products by systems, but to become the very best version of ourselves. That journey begins within; when we have the courage and opportunity to look inside, we create the possibility for a better world outside. If we can walk that journey alongside young people—learning, growing and discovering together—we can help change the world for the better. The Portal is where that change begins, right here, right now.

I have been involved in education around the world for 26 years and have worked in a multitude of environments. From these experiences, it ihas become my mission to help young people realise their true potential.

Luke Springall

Jonathan rahamim

I am a teacher and researcher, with a particular interest in alternative approaches to 14-19 education. My teaching philosophy is rooted in kindness and the knowledge that when young people have autonomy over their learning, they engage more fully, understand more deeply and feel better. I'm passionate about creating a space where young people can foster a love of life-long learning, protect mental health and nurture the skills to flourish in higher education and in the ever-changing world they will inherit.