Key Trust Leaders

Main responsibilities in your current role

My role as CEO is extremely broad and varied and mainly involves working alongside the Trust COO and Directors in order to ensure the Trust functions at a high standard, constantly evolving to keep up with the ever changing environment. I work closely with the Trust chair to agree the strategic direction, in conjunction with the full Board of Directors. My role also requires me to secure the long term and sustainable success of the Trust by maximising the skills and resources of its staff. A key aspect of my role is to provide strong and distributed leadership to the COO, Principals/Headteachers, senior leadership teams and Trust Directors so all staff and students benefit.

Brief background of your educational career

I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 1997 and was appointed at Royds Hall Secondary School in Huddersfield as a teacher of Physical Education. I worked at the school for 2 years then joined Castleford High School for the next 10 years. At Castleford, in addition to being a PE teacher, I was appointed Head of year 11 for a number of years, and then 5 years as an Assistant Headteacher responsible for raising achievement. After Castleford High I moved from the secondary sector to the 6th form sector at New College Pontefract where I was appointed Assistant Principal. Whilst at New College I have also held the positions of Vice-Principal and Principal before being appointed Chief Executive Officer.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

I have a deep passion for sport, so like to play or watch sport at any opportunity. I currently play cricket and golf, I go to the gym most evenings and run 2 to 3 times a week. I am the X-first team captain of Pontefract RUFC, where I still enjoy watching the current first team on a Saturday afternoon throughout the winter. My son plays for Doncaster Rovers football club under 18’s Youth team so I follow him up and down the country too. When I am not playing or watching support, I enjoy taking my two dogs out for a walk and spending some precious time with my family and friends.

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

I wanted to be a PE teacher from an early age, because I couldn’t think of any better way to spend my days; playing and teaching sport/physical activity, whilst at the same time aiming to make a positive difference to the lives of young people. PE teaching allowed me to fulfil both of these ambitions. My desire in wanting to make a difference back then, still applies today as these important words flow through the current Trust vision.

Main responsibilities in your current role

I have overall responsibility for the effective running of the college but student achievement and personal development are high on my list of priorities. Staffing and staff welfare is a crucial part of my role, as is ensuring that the site, and all those who work and study at New College Pontefract, are safe and well taken care of.

Brief background of your educational career

I was based in Manchester for my teacher training, and I stayed there for a further 10 years, working at Cheadle Hulme School, an independent day school for 4-18 year olds. As well as teaching chemistry, I was Head of Lower School, and SENDCo for a short time. After relocating back to Yorkshire I had a brief spell at Queen Margaret’s School in York, but took a break from regular teaching when my third child was born profoundly deaf. I joined New College Pontefract in 2013 as a part time chemistry teacher and joined the senior management team a few years later when the Trust was established. I have been the Principal since November 2019.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

I’m an avid reader and whenever possible, I enjoy trips away in our campervan which have been enhanced by my recent acquisition of an e-bike. I try to stay active and I still play netball at the time of writing.

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

One of the core values of our Trust is candour, so I’ll be honest and say that my decision to go into teaching chemistry was based on the fact that my boyfriend at the time was a teacher and we wanted to travel together each summer. It turned out to be a great decision and I have enjoyed a varied and fulfilling career. The boyfriend is now my husband.

Main responsibilities in your current role

College leadership of staff, students, curriculum, pedagogy, quality and performance, behaviour and attendance, SEND and inclusivity, safeguarding, progression, college systems and procedures, and communication with all stakeholders.

Brief background of your educational career

I have wide-ranging educational experience and knowledge acquired over a long career path from classroom geography teacher to college principal, via middle and senior leadership, working in both school and sixth-form college settings.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Outside of work I’m a keen fell runner, cyclist, mountaineer and rock climber.

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

To make a difference.

Main responsibilities in your current role

Head of school.

Brief background of your educational career

My passion for education started in 1999 when I started my career in Doncaster as a teacher of Religious studies. I progressed quickly through middle leadership and then into senior leadership fulfilling a variety of leadership roles in behaviour, teaching and learning and student achievement until successfully securing my position as Headteacher of Wingfield Academy in 2018.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Spending time with family, exercise and reading

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

I truly believe in the power of education to transform the lives of young people. Creating opportunities and the idea of social mobility is the number motivational factor that ensures I get out of bed every morning. What we do here every day can make such a difference to the lives of our students. We truly believe that there are no barriers to success or boundaries to what can be achieved.

Main responsibilities in your current role

Ensuring that the curriculum that is delivered in our three sixth form colleges meets the needs of our students. This includes the ‘intent’ of our academic curriculum and as well as the curriculum that supports the personal development of our students.

Analysing, supporting improvement and reviewing college performance also forms part of my role.

Brief background of your educational career

I qualified as a Geography teacher in 1999 and worked as a classroom teacher and then Head of Geography in 11-18 secondary schools. I was appointed as the Head of Humanities at New College Pontefract in 2015. Following this I became the Assistant and then Vice Principal at New College Doncaster when it opened in 2016. My Vice Principal role runs alongside my Trust Director role within the Trust.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Socialising and staying active. I also love to escape to the countryside and enjoy walking in the Lakes, Dales or Peaks.

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

To have an impact on the lives of young people. I enjoyed school and look back at my time in education with fond memories. I would like to be part of those memories for someone else, knowing that I contributed to their success and enjoyment.

Main responsibilities in your current role

My role is very varied and encompasses management of all aspects of the Human Resources service for the Trust, identifying HR priorities and implementing appropriate solutions to support Trust aims. I provide professional advice and support to senior managers relating to HR and work closely with a very talented broader HR Team who look after each academy and their staff with their operational HR needs.

Brief background of your educational career

I have worked within the Trust (previously NEW College Pontefract) for many years, initially managing Student Services and then later Central Services Teams. I moved in to a HR role in 2014, following which I became CIPD qualified to Level 7 and progressed in to my current role as Trust Director of HR.

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends, as well as creating handmade greetings cards.

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

I enjoy working in education and being part of the ‘bigger picture’ that supports students to achieve their potential. In my role, I particularly enjoy supporting and advising our academies on HR management, policy and best practice. I also find it particularly rewarding when you are able to support staff members in a way that makes a real difference to their lives.

Profile coming soon

Main responsibilities in your current role

Oversee safeguarding across the Trust Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and we are meeting our legal obligations Support Senior leaders with safeguarding cases as required Delivery of staff training Quality Assusrance of Safeguarding concerns

Brief background of your educational career

New College 13 years 3 of these years were within a seconded role from an external organisation

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

Staying physically fit and enjoying time with friends and family

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

To be able to make a positive difference to the lives of young people

Profile coming soon

Main responsibilities in your current role

Oversight of the Management Information Systems, Students Services and Exams Teams. Continually looking to develop our systems and processes to improve staff and student experience and give key staff greater insights into their areas of responsibility.

Brief background of your educational career

Worked for over seventeen years as a classroom teacher with varying degrees of leadership responsibilities throughout my career. I have always had an interest in logistics and data/information and in every role that I have had my roles have evolved into those areas!

What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?

I am a Huddersfield Town season ticket holder and have been for far too many years, it’s certainly built up my resilience. Also enjoy gaming and I am a bit of a geek!

What reason did you pursue a career in education?

To make a positive difference to the lives of students and staff.

Profile coming soon