Headteacher Group

HeadteacherTowngate Primary Academy

Annabel has worked in varied roles within Education since 2005.  She became Headteacher at Towngate Primary Academy as of September 2018 and secured a judgement of 'Good' in 2019.  Annabel has taught in every key stage across school – leading to her well-rounded understanding of teaching and learning from Early Years to Key Stage Two. Annabel firmly believes that offering a curriculum rich in opportunities, knowledge and skills. pupils are equipped with the tools to become lifelong learners. Annabel is passionate about the ‘Values’ curriculum embedded within the academy: she believes that when children can understand their own moral compass, they develop their resilience, empathy and tolerance for themselves and others.

Headteacher - Ash Grove Primary School

Pen Portrait coming soon

Executive Headteacher - South Hiendley Primary Academy, Grove Lea Primary School and Girnhill Infant School

Sally moved to Yorkshire in 1998 where she completed her music degree at Huddersfield University. She then went on to complete her PGCE.

In 2006 Sally was appointed as Deputy Headteacher at Grove Lea Primary School and taught across both Key Stage One and Two. Her role at the time was to lead in developing the 'Arts', alongside leading Maths across school. She was also responsible as lead mentor for Newly Qualified Teachers and Students.

At Easter 2013 Sally was appointed as the headteacher of the school. Whilst in role she has been thrilled to lead the school to gain 'Outstanding' in their 2017 Ofsted. Sally was also successfully appointed as a Local Leader of Education for Aspire. More recently, she has completed a Masters in Research project in promoting and embedding Mental Health. This is one of Sally’s greatest passions and she enjoys working with other schools in promoting this.

Headteacher - Ackton Pastures Primary Academy

Katie became Headteacher at Ackton Pastures in January 2020 after previously working as the Deputy Headteacher within school. Prior to joining Ackton Pastures in 2019 Katie worked within schools in North Yorkshire. She has supported a number of schools as an English SLE; delivering bespoke training and CPD as well as coordinating and delivering subject leadership network meetings. As well as a subject specialism in English, Katie has held leadership responsibilities for curriculum development and assessment. Katie is passionate about building a lifelong love of learning within children and truly believes in the school vision of ‘children at the heart, transforming futures at the core.’

Headteacher - Half Acres Primary Academy

Rachael joined Ackton Pastures as a newly qualified teacher and primarily taught within the Early Years and KS1 for 21 years. During that time she led on the development of a wide range of curriculum areas across the school including Phonics, Reading, Maths and Science. Rachael held Key Stage Leader roles before becoming Assistant Headteacher and later joining Girnhill Infant School in 2016 as Deputy Headteacher. Responsibilities at Girnhill included Curriculum Development and Key Stage Leadership. An exciting, progressive and appropriate curriculum was developed to support all children in reaching their potential.

Rachael became the Headteacher at Half Acres Primary Academy in September 2020 following an interim role in 2019. She was pivotal in developing a strong curriculum intent and a culture of 'Aspiring To Achieve - Enriching Lives' for all children at the school. The school values, local area and Castleford Heritage are at the heart of the school and all that they do. Her passion for teaching, learning and working with parents drives the best outcomes for all children to enjoy, achieve and be well prepared for their next stage of education.

Headteacher - Fitzwilliam Primary School

Pen Portrait coming soon

Headteacher - Gawthorpe Community Academy

Curtis became Headteacher of Gawthorpe in 2022 after working across schools in Barnsley and Sheffield where he has led on curriculum development, teaching and learning and character development. Curtis is passionate about ensuring all schools have a curriculum to challenge and inspire their pupils and ensure children are suitably equipped to contribute positively to their community and wider society. Curtis is passionate about schools having strong vision and values at the heart of their curriculum in order to achieve ‘Everyday Excellence’.

Curtis is a board member of the Association for the Study of Primary Education (ASPE) contributing to research-led evidence to support the primary education sector.