Meet the NPQ Team
NPQ Delivery Leads
Louise Astbury
NPQ Delivery Lead
Louise Astbury is the Pinnacle Learning Trust Director of Professional Development
I am delighted to be working as a partner with East Manchester Teaching School Hub to co-ordinate and deliver the NPQ programmes. I have worked alongside colleagues from the hub for many years and our work represents a true partnership. My current roles as Director of Professional Development for The Pinnacle Learning Trust and Lead for our Associate Research School take me into all educational phases to work with teachers and leaders on developing their practice. I am passionate about using evidence-based approaches to support professional growth opportunities for school leaders.
Amanda Underhill
NPQ Co-delivery Lead
Academy Effectiveness Secondary Partner Learning and Teaching Coach at South Pennine Academies
Amanda is a Secondary Partner Learning and Teaching Coach as part of the Academy Effectiveness Team at South Pennine Academies Multi-academy Trust. Amanda works across the Trust’s secondary academies with a focus on Teaching & Learning, as well as coordinating the Trust’s Professional Development programme. Before joining the Trust, she spent the first nine years of her career teaching English in various secondary contexts. During this time, Amanda held a number of middle leader and extended senior leadership roles, including leading a successful English department. She graduated with an MA in Teaching and Learning at Leeds Metropolitan University in June 2013. In 2014, she was designated as a Specialist Leader of Education, supporting schools in developing English curriculum, teaching and assessment. Amanda has experience facilitating various CPD programmes including ECT training and the NPQLTD, and from Spring 2023 is the Specialist NPQ Lead Facilitator for EMTSH. Amanda is really passionate about working with teachers and leaders to review, develop and innovate practice to improve outcomes for learners, as well as to grow and retain talent at classroom and leadership level within the profession.
Facilitators
NPQ Headship
Drew Duncan
NPQ Headship
Drew Duncan Executive Headteacher: Mossley Hollins High School and Droylsden Academy, Tameside. National Leader in Education (NLE).
Since 2008, I have been a Leadership Coach to aspiring Headteachers in the North West, many of whom are now in substantive posts as Headteachers and Principals. I have also forged a partnership with some of the strongest schools in the United Kingdom to support the launch of a new national teacher and leadership training organisation, as part of the North West Campus. I was a trainer and coach on the national Future Leaders’ programme for 6 years.
Between 2002 and 2015, I was the Headteacher at Mossley Hollins High School in Tameside, Greater Manchester which was the top similar school in England for Pupil Progress and Achievement in 2014. The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted on two successive occasions and now leads an Alliance of school partners to support other schools and the training of teachers and leaders within the new East Manchester Teaching Hub.
As the Chair of two primary partnership groups, I work with the primary schools of Mossley, Carrbrook and Droylsden and their communities to help to secure strong curriculum continuity and highly effective educational and extra-curricular provision for pupils aged 3-16.
I am currently the Executive Headteacher of Mossley Hollins High School and Droylsden Academy, leading with the Headteachers and Chairs of Governors in each school. I will soon be CEO of our MAT: the Tame River Educational Trust. The collaboration between both schools to implement best practice has enabled one school to remain outstanding and the other has moved quickly from the Ofsted Category of Serious Weaknesses to Good in each educational category, and overall. In addition to my role as a school leader as an NLE I have provided support and coaching on leadership and school improvement in a number of North West Schools.
Phil Wilson
NPQ Headship
Phil Wilson Headteacher Droylsden High School, Tameside
Phil Wilson has served as Headteacher at Droylsden Academy since 2015. In this time the school has moved from the Ofsted category of ‘Serious Weaknesses’ to a 2017 judgement of ‘Good’ in each educational category, and overall. Droylsden Academy is currently in a soft federation with Mossley Hollins High School. Phil is also the Chair of a primary partnership group (Droylsden Schools’ Partnership) which allows cross-phase work with 5 partner primary schools to help secure strong educational and extra-curricular provision for pupils aged 4-16 years.
Prior to Headship, and following completion of the nationally accredited Future Leaders Programme, Phil held a number of senior leadership positions in different schools across the North West. Phil has visited some of the very best state and independent schools in this country and the United States to research outstanding teaching and learning, leadership and school culture.
Helen Rowland
NPQ Headship
Chief Executive Officer of Focus-Trust.
A former primary headteacher, Helen has extensive experience as a system leader and a proven track record of securing sustainable improvement in different schools through developing others. Helen works with leaders and teams in developing and improving leadership and teaching for positive impact on children by prioritizing staff professional development, pedagogy and curriculum. Helen has created a culture of ‘collective efficacy’ in Focus-Trust where everyone shares a commitment to making a difference for all children, colleagues and communities. Working in genuine partnership with schools, Helen empowers everyone to live out the Trust’s values ‘Care, Dare, Fair, Share’, uphold the commitment ‘Learning together, making the difference’ and achieve the vision ‘Great schools at the heart of our communities.’
Stephanie Bateman
NPQ Headship
Headteacher of Fairfield High School for Girls in Tameside
I started at the school in September 2013 as the sole Deputy for Curriculum, Standards of Achievement and Attainment, and Quality Assurance procedures. Over my career I have taught in five different schools, including faith and no faith schools, across three different authorities.
Having achieved an OFSTED outstanding judgement in 2013, the school continues to excel in terms of key performance indicators both progress related and attainment related. The school was awarded IQM Flagship status in 2016 and every year since as result of outstanding inclusion practices, SEND and personal development.
From 2004 to 2013 I was the Assistant Head teacher at Saddleworth School, Oldham with responsibility for strategic priorities: achievement, curriculum, assessment and specialism.
I have taught examination classes for 33 years and I still teach as a Head teacher. I started my career as a MFL teacher at The Blue Coat School, Oldham in 1989.
Tracy Wood
NPQ Headship
Headteacher at Royton Hall Primary School
I have taught across the ranges of KS1 and KS2 in Primary School, predominantly in Year 6.
I was a Literacy Consultant for the Literacy Strategy between 2003-2006 and also supported the Intensive Support Programme for Leadership in Schools.
I have been a Headteacher for 17 years across two schools in two boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Since 2019 I have been the Co-Chair of Oldham Primary Heads and Principals holding regular meetings with leaders, external agencies and organising conferences.
I have undertaken Coaching courses at Leadership and Executive level and currently coach other leaders beyond my own school.
I very much look forward to working with leaders on the NPQH programme 2022-23
Karen Burns
NPQ Headship
Chief Executive Officer at Victorious Academies Trust
Karen has taught across several Tameside schools throughout her career, moving through the ranks from Teacher to Headteacher over a 16 year period. Karen was appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer of Carillion Academies Trust in 2016. She subsequently decoupled sponsorship from Carillion and created Victorious Academies Trust in January 2018. Karen facilitates training across the UK for the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership. Karen has been a keynote speaker at several educational events including the MAT summit. Karen was invited to present as an ‘inspirational woman in educational leadership’ and is also the Chair of the Tameside Schools’ Forum Committee. Karen is a Member of the Fallibroome Trust, a Trustee at White Rose Academies Trust and a member of the North West Advisory Board. Victorious Academies Trust is a medium sized Trust with schools in Tameside and Derbyshire.
NPQ Senior Leadership
Angela Wood
NPQ Senior Leadership
Angela Wood is Vice Principal Droylsden Academy, Tameside
I have been working at Droylsden Academy and its predecessor school, Droylsden High School for Girls, since 2002 and I have been Deputy Headteacher at Droylsden Academy for the last five years. I completed A-Levels in Maths, Law and History before achieving a BA(Hons) in Sport and Leisure Management at Staffordshire University. Following this I completed a PGCE in Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University. I started my career at Droylsden Academy as the Curriculum Leader for Sport and Healthy Lifestyles but I now teach within the Mathematics faculty. I am now Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Raising Achievement, Education Recovery, Pupil premium, and Curriculum and Timetable. In 2016 I completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders (NPQSL) and I would like to share my knowledge with aspiring and existing Senior leaders by delivering the revised National Professional Qualification.
Jo Conway
NPQ Senior Leadership
Headteacher and Appropriate Body Lead for East Manchester Teaching School Hub
I have been a Headteacher in Oldham for nearly twenty years. I have experience of working across schools in Oldham and Greater Manchester as a specialist Leader in Education
One of my core principles is to always give back to the profession. I have done this throughout my career. As a Specialist Leader in Education I have supported leaders at all levels across various schools in Greater Manchester. I have worked with Aspirant Leaders and mentored new Headteachers. By supporting others at all levels whether they be at the start of their career or experienced leaders I gain as much myself from the experience as I believe I give to those I’m supporting.
I have facilitated training for Newly Qualified Teachers and acted as an Induction Tutor and mentor for over 15 years. During this time, I have worked alongside Newly Qualified Teachers and their mentors to help support them through the NQT process. I also have experience of working with ITT students and those as part of the School Direct programme and Teach First.
Rebecca Hunter
NPQ Senior Leadership
Headteacher at St. John’s CE, Thornham
I have been the Headteacher at St. John’s CE, Thornham for last 6 years and I am proud to be part of a fantastic school with staff and governors who are hardworking, forward thinking and make the best decisions for our children based on our school ethos and values. Having taught for over 20 years, with experience across all key stages in four different schools, I developed as a classroom practitioner, supported teaching students and lead a range of curriculum areas before becoming a deputy Headteacher in both my second and third schools.
As a deputy head teacher, I facilitated on both the NQT and Schools direct programmes and supported middle leaders across a collaborative of schools to develop their teaching and learning practice using mentoring and coaching strategies. More recently I have co-chaired the headteacher association in Rochdale and become a School Improvement Officer for the borough too. Both these positions have allowed me to work alongside some amazing leaders and see different practice across a range of schools with differing contexts. I thrive on supporting others, identifying strengths along with leading change to improve outcomes for children. I am pleased to be facilitation again and I hope to inspire others to become great educational leaders of the future whilst continuing to develop my own practice and learn from others.
NPQ Leading Teaching
Emma Whitehurst
NPQ Leading Teaching
Emma Whitehurst Deputy Head Arundale Primary School, Tameside
I have worked at Arundale Primary school for 20 years and I have seen many changes to the curriculum over that time. I am keen to use my expertise to support others in their CPD. I believe in the importance of working collaboratively with other providers and have seen the impact it can have when improving the outcomes of pupils at Arundale. I am dedicated to improving standards of teaching and learning to ensure all pupils can flourish in our setting. In the last seven years, I have worked in both Middle and Senior Leadership roles, within these roles I have made a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning at Arundale primary school, working both strategically and operationally to develop teaching and learning practices. As an experienced teacher and member of SLT, I enjoy supporting teachers and leaders to review strategies, which in turn improve outcomes for our learners. Over the years I have also been privileged to support several trainee teachers in their journey of becoming fully qualified. I am committed to building strong relationships and feel they are vital in the current climate when ensuring staff mental health and wellbeing. I am experienced in supporting CPD, having lead training sessions for teachers, support staff and at a whole school level. I look forward to extending my support to fellow practitioners through the NPQ opportunity.
Mike Eade
NPQ Leading Teaching
Mike Is Curriculum Leader for Sport & Performing Arts at Droylsden Academy.
Having started as the Head of Department for PE, I am now the Curriculum Leader for the Sport and Performing Arts Faculty. I have this curriculum area through sustained improvements over a number of years with many of these subjects among the highest achieving subjects in the Academy.
I have a keen interest in pedagogy and enjoy working with teachers from inside the classroom by modelling good practice, applying educational theory and developing teaching structures for teachers to utilise as they develop the quality of teaching and learning. I regularly work with other leaders to plan strategic improvements in their own subject areas for example in curriculum planning and implementation as they raise standards in their own curriculum areas.
Helen Edwards
NPQ Leading Teaching
Helen Edwards Assistant Principal Moor End Academy, Kirklees
I am keen to use my expertise to support schools with the development of learning and teaching. I believe in the importance of working collaboratively with other providers in order to improve the outcomes of pupils in Kirklees. I am passionate about learning and teaching and providing high quality learning experiences in order for students to reach their full potential. In the last five years, as Senior Leader, I have made a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning at Moor End Academy working both strategically and operationally to develop learning and teaching practices as part of the leadership team. As an experienced facilitator I enjoy supporting teachers and leaders to review strategies to improve outcomes for learners and I am committed to building strong relationships. I am an experienced provider of CPD, regularly leading training sessions for teachers, support staff at departmental and whole school level and providing S2SS both externally and within my trust.
Sue Leech
NPQ Leading Teaching
Sue Leech Y6 Teacher & Literacy Lead Hollingworth Primary, Tameside
I am currently Year 6 teacher and Literacy Lead in a school in Tameside and a facilitator for Early Career Teachers.
I am motivated by the constant need for our schools to re-evaluate and improve provision in order for children to maximise their learning. Within my school setting, I have thrived on leading and developing change in relation to the teaching of English, working alongside colleagues across the whole school to refine and develop our English curriculum. Through coaching and supporting teachers, I have been enthused by the impact this has had on children’s learning. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside other professionals both in my own school and in other settings, sharing my expertise and passion for the subject. Developing trusting and respectful relationships has enabled me to share these skills in order to help children reach their full potential.
I am an experienced CPD provider, delivering training sessions to senior leaders, teachers, TAs and student teachers in colleges and schools across the local authority. As an NPQLT facilitator, I am motivated to engage with teachers who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading teaching in a subject, year group, key stage or phase in areas such as the development of subjects and curriculum design, effective classroom practice, and adaptive teaching.
Jennifer Ruddock
NPQ Leading Teaching
Jennifer Ruddock, Deputy Headteacher at Corrie Primary and Nursery School.
I have been teaching for 18 years, 7 years in Oldham and the rest in Tameside. I have been a facilitator for the Maths Hub and other national initiatives. I believe that coaching, mentoring and facilitating others enables me to develop not only other professional’s knowledge but to continue to develop my own knowledge and expertise.
I have had significant impact in all key stages and levels of leadership. I have implemented strategic initiatives to bring about change in order to drive standards higher. I have taught and led in schools that are Requires Improvement and Good ratings by OFSTED.
Throughout my career, I have taught across the full primary range, including nursery, enabling me to develop my skills and formulate my teaching philosophy and values. Having taught and led in schools that are ranked in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country; I create a clear and ambitious vision to provide high quality, inclusive education for all. I do this through shared values, ethos, policies and modelling good practice. I am driven to raising standards and constantly finding new ways to improve outcomes for all children.
I am looking forward to sharing my expertise with others and developing the new leaders of tomorrow through the NPQ programmes.
Haffsah Nazir
NPQ Leading Teaching
Curriculum Leader of Humanities, The Hathershaw College.
I have worked at the Hathershaw College for 11 years and began my leadership journey as the Lead teacher of Citizenship and History. I have held my current role as Curriculum Leader of Humanities for 5 years. In these roles I have led the department through strategic changes which have made significant improvements to pupil outcomes. I have also led school improvement projects on a whole school scale, most recently with a focus on disciplinary literacy across the curriculum.
I am a firm believer in improving the quality of teaching and learning and the importance of high-quality CPD. I have a real passion for curriculum design, and the relationship between a quality curriculum and pupil outcomes. To this end I have supported leading CPD and led training sessions for staff across the school. Alongside this I have used my expertise to support partnership working within the Oldham area and believe in the importance of working collaboratively to collectively enhance pupil outcomes.
I am delighted to be facilitating the NPQ programme and believe my expertise and passion will help inspire and shape the leadership of others.
Leila Plant
NPQ Leading Teaching
Leila Plant, Director of English, Fairfield High School.
I started my career in Stockport, moving to Tameside in 2014, where, as Director of English, I have driven up standards, attainment and progress in my faculty. Pupils at my school achieve well above national average grades and progress in English.
By valuing what is truly important in the English classroom: enquiry, culture, creativity, reading, writing and oracy, along with my team, I have written an English curriculum which is designed to prepare pupils for life beyond the classroom. I lead a team of teachers who are passionate about pedagogy and who care deeply about growing young people, rather than simply prepping them for exams. I deliver and enthusiastically take part in as much CPD as possible, believing, sincerely, that there is always more to learn. Learning alongside and collaborating with colleagues is of utmost importance to our profession so I am delighted to be facilitating the NPQ programme.
Angela Leech
NPQ Leading Teaching
Angela Leech, School Improvement Partner at the Focus Trust
Angela has 17 years‘ experience in school leadership roles and has been Headteacher in 4 different schools in Oldham. All the schools have had differing numbers of EAL pupils and social deprivation levels.
Angela is currently working as a School Improvement Partner for a number of schools within Oldham as well as being the recent Principal of a Primary Academy within Focus Trust. She has also supported the work of the School Improvement Team within the Trust, which covers a number of Local Authorities. She supports a number of governing bodies with headteacher appraisal.
Angela has experience of guiding 2 schools through the academisation process and collaborative working. She has experience of Peer Assessment to support school improvement.
Angela is a school governor, an LLE, a Pupil Premium Reviewer and an accredited member of the Institute of Education Advisors.
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Meghann Kirkham
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Director of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Manchester Nexus SCITT, Oldham
I work with trainees from initial interest through to interview and also support across the training programme. I have worked with both trainees and NQTs across my 12 years of teaching in various capacities. As a subject mentor and as head of department, I supported and guided numerous new teachers into the profession.
I have taught English for 12 years and lead an English team for 4 years. I hold a degree in Law and a degree in English and am currently completing a Masters in Expert Teaching. I am a life-long learner and love being part of the teaching profession.
Rebecca Howarth
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Rebecca is Headteacher at Stanley Road Community Primary School in Oldham.
I have been a senior leader working in primary schools across Rochdale and Oldham for 13 years. I have spent the last 9 years as the Head Teacher at Stanley Road Primary School in Oldham.
In 2019 I was designated as an LLE with the Greater Manchester LLE Collaborative. This has enabled me to work in partnership with other schools, school leaders and school staff to support improvement for all and the sustainability of this long term.
I am passionate about working with leaders to develop their knowledge and skills ensuring every child receives the best provision, developing a culture and conditions in which both staff and pupils are able to thrive.
In the last five years at Stanley Road, there has been a focus on the development of leaders, particularly those who have, or aspire to have, responsibilities for the development of other teachers. This has had a significant impact on the quality of teaching and learning, outcomes for our children and professional development for our staff. Coaching, mentoring and effective learning conversations have played an important role in the success of this work. I am keen to use my experience and expertise, empowering other professionals to learn.
Lewis Entwistle
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Lewis Entwistle Assistant Principal Oldham Sixth Form College, Oldham
Before becoming a senior leader I had led successful curriculum areas in a number of sixth form colleges and a general FE college for many years. I have been a Curriculum Area Leader at OSFC since 2014, providing leadership and direction to course leaders and staff working in the subject areas of English, Modern Languages, Media and Film and previous to this I worked in a medium sized FE college as Head of the Division of Creative Arts and Media, and at three other sixth form colleges as Head of the School of Creative Arts, and as subject head for Drama and for Media.
I have always worked collaboratively and supportively with staff in the implementation of strategies for improvement and increasingly, the opportunity for collective and cooperative practice has brought my professional journey into close contact with colleagues from different organisations. I recently completed a professional doctorate researching sixth form education, policy and organisational power. The enactment and impact of processes and the development of strategies that re-orientate professional roles and identities in a quest for improved prospects for students has been a continued research focus, and informs my work on a daily basis.
Nicola Cole
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
Nicola Cole Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education at Longdendale High School
I have been a teacher of English at Longdendale High School for 15 years. For the last five years, I have been Assistant Headteacher for Quality of Education. In this role I have oversight of teaching and learning and CPD. I am the Induction tutor for trainees and ECTs and have senior leadership of whole school literacy.
NPQ Leading Behaviour & Culture
Andy Potts
NPQ Leading Behaviour & Culture
Andy Potts Assistant Principal Hathershaw College, Oldham
I have been a senior leader for the past five years, before this a head of faculty for ten years. I am extremely passionate about our profession and know from my own journey how important it is to foster a keen appetite for the training and development of others. It is through this training and development that the education system can improve, ensuring that standards continue to rise and thus improve the life chances for our students.
It is vital that we understand the behaviour and culture of our schools, that we ensure we create a clear and consistent approach that underpins the values of a positive school environment. If this important aspect of the school community is shared and valued by all of its stakeholders, success and consistency will ensue. As a senior leader working in a large secondary school in Oldham, I work extremely hard with this aspect of school life every day. The relationships, attitudes, beliefs, written and unwritten rules of a school shape it on a day to day basis and help to mould success. I am passionate about passing on my experience in this role and feel that I can inspire the leadership of this vital area.
Cheryl Ballance
NPQ Leading Behaviour & Culture
Cheryl Ballance Assistant Principal, Manor Green Primary Academy
I have been the Assistant Principal at Manor Green for a year, after moving over from one of our other Focus Trust Schools, Old Trafford Community Academy, where I had taught for 18 years (10 years as a member of the SLT). Throughout this period, I have supported staff on their professional development, whether they are Teach First students, Early Career Teachers or teachers who are working towards leadership.
Five years ago, I trained as a Thrive Approach Licensed Practitioner, which has developed my knowledge of how children develop emotionally and how a school can support children with their ‘right time’ development as well as how we can support children who may have ‘interruptions’ and may struggle emotionally.
Understanding behaviour and culture of our schools will help all children thrive both academically and emotionally. Over the years I have worked with leaders and teachers to ensure we set high expectations for all children, enabling conditions for good behaviours whilst also positively supporting the children who may have complex needs. I am excited to be able to share my knowledge and empower other professionals to learn.
Chris Webb
NPQ Leading Behaviour & Culture
Chris Webb Assistant Headteacher at The Blue Coat School, Oldham.
My responsibilities include staff development, teaching and learning and I am the ECT Induction Tutor. I was involved in the ECF pilot in 2020-21 and facilitate some of the central training for ECTs and ECT mentors as well as NPQ facilitation on behalf of the East Manchester Teaching School Hub.
Sarah Coleman
NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture
Assistant Headteacher Behaviour and Ethos KS3 at Saddleworth School
My name is Sarah, I attended both school and college in Oldham and have strong roots to both the town and wider city of Manchester. I began my teaching career at Royton and Crompton in 2003 and I since then I have taught at different schools across Oldham, Tameside and Spain for the last twenty years. I have always enjoyed working with young people, my roles have been varied over the years, but I have always found Pastoral and Personal Development to be the most important when it comes to shaping the culture, ethos and character of our young people. At present I am an Assistant Headteacher responsible for Behaviour, Culture and Standards, previous to this I have been a Head of Year at The Blue Coat School and Head of Department for both Sociology, PSHE and CEIAG. I have recently completed the NPQLBC course and found it to be both insightful and thought provoking in terms of my own practice and implementation of new ideas. I am very much looking forward to facilitating your NPQ journey and hope you enjoy the course as much as I did.
NPQ Leading Literacy
Helen Howell
NPQ Leading Literacy
Helen Howell Director of English at The Blue Coat School
Helen Howell is Director of English at Blue Coat school in Oldham. Prior to this, she worked at Radclyffe also in Oldham as English AST and Lead Teacher for Literacy where she was instrumental in developing a knowledge-rich KS3 curriculum and a culture of reading for pleasure. Helen is passionate about narrowing the gap through explicit vocabulary and writing instruction and effective revision methods that make learning stick.
Jason Chadwick
NPQ Leading Literacy
Assistant Principal at Deeplish Academy, Rochdale
I am currently the Year 5 teacher and Assistant Principal of a two-form entry primary academy in Rochdale. I have been an Assistant Principal for 6 years in two academies and have extensive experience in phonics, early reading and leading reading across the primary age range. I also lead on teaching and learning and the curriculum.
I am passionate about teaching children how to read and develop those skills that all children need to be successful in their education. I believe that all children need to be literate for them to access the whole curriculum and this is the key to their success. I am keen to facilitate the NPQLL and engage with teachers, leaders and aspiring leaders to develop literacy in their own schools and drive improvement with lasting change and impact
East Manchester Teaching School Hub is proud to be part of the Cranmer Education Trust
Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ