NPQ Delivery Lead
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.
NPQ Delivery Lead
Louise Astbury is the Director of Professional Development for The Pinnacle Learning Trust and Director of Pinnacle Learning Research School
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 Director of Pinnacle Learning 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.
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.
NPQ Headship
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.
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.’
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.
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
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 Headship
Director of Standards and Continuous Improvement at South Pennine Academies
Alison has thirteen years’ experience as a headteacher and school improvement adviser and was previously Executive Principal of two of our primary academies in East Oldham. As a headteacher, Alison has successfully led three newly sponsored academies to achieve good inspection gradings as well as achieving outstanding in her first headship. Alison leads the Academy Effectiveness Team to work with schools in a range of activities to support school improvement including monitoring effectiveness through data analysis and reviews, supporting self -evaluation, building capacity in leadership and provision of high quality professional development for the whole workforce.
NPQ Senior Leadership
Louise Astbury is the Director of Professional Development for The Pinnacle Learning Trust and Director of Pinnacle Learning Research School
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 Director of Pinnacle Learning 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.
NPQ Senior Leadership
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.
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.
NPQ Senior Leadership
Director of Manchester Nexus SCITT at Cranmer Education Trust
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 Senior Leadership
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 Early Years Leadership
Early Years teacher and leader at Gamesley Primary School, Derbyshire
I am really looking forward to working with East Manchester Teaching Hub to deliver this new and exciting Early Years NPQ programme. I have been an Early Years teacher and leader for 16 years at Gamesley Primary School in Derbyshire.
Throughout my career, I have taught across EYFS and KS1 which has enabled me to become a skilled practitioner in driving teaching and learning for the youngest children. I work in an area of deprivation and I am driven to raising standards and constantly finding new ways to improve outcomes for all children. In recent years, I have worked with other local early years settings to drive standards and improve provision for EYFS children and thoroughly enjoy working with other Early Years professionals.
I am also a Professional Develop Lead for NCETM Turing North West Maths Hub. This role enables me to work with Early Years and KS1 teachers across the North West. I deliver training to other professionals to develop subject knowledge and expertise across the North West. This role allows me to stay up to date with relevant research which supports my own professional development as well as supporting the professional development of others.
I am delighted to be facilitating this NPQ programme and believe that my expertise and passion will help inspire the early years professionals to build firm foundations right from the start of the education journey.
NPQ Early Years Leadership
Early Years leader at St Anne’s Primary, Denton
My name is Sally and I have worked at St Anne’s Primary in Denton for 14 years. Much of my time here has been as Reception teacher and EYFS lead. I take great pride in working in the area I grew up in and work hard to be an integral part of the community. In my own school, I strive to support my colleagues and bring about strategic change in order to drive high standards. I qualified as a PD Lead for Maths Hubs in 2019 and worked across both private nurseries and EYFS departments in primary schools across Greater Manchester in developing their maths provision. It was during this time that I found an interest in coaching, mentoring and facilitating other educators.
I strongly believe in the power of play and how we can use play alongside other more formal teaching methods in the early years to build a solid foundation for a child’s education. I use my experience of working in a high achieving mainstream primary school alongside my supporting others in varied settings and my passion for the early years whilst facilitating for the NPQEYL.
NPQ Leading Teaching
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.
NPQ Leading Teaching
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.
NPQ Leading Teaching
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.
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.
NPQ Leading Teaching
Head of Geography at Blue Coat School and an SLE working with schools across Oldham and Tameside
I am keen to use my expertise as a head of department to facilitate the vitally important early years of a teacher’s career. In my time at Blue Coat, as well as my previous roles at Hathershaw College and Hazel Grove High School, I have mentored both ECTs and trainees, many of whom have experienced career development at very early stages. In the past three years I have overseen the development of a new KS3 curriculum, reshaped and re-sequenced the curriculums at KS4 and KS5 as well as coordinating the department’s implementation of whole-school pedagogy priorities. In addition to my daily role I also jointly lead the geography network within the East Manchester Teaching Hub area. This his allowed to me to foster experience from across the area as well as to work collaboratively with colleagues on items such as assessment reform and building a powerful curriculum. In the coming year I will be collaborating with the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy on establishing and embedding their geography curriculum, as well as welcoming a new ECT to my own department.
Leading Teacher Development
Senior Lecturer and mentoring lead at Sunderland University, Head of Education at IRIS Connect and author of ‘Mentoring in Schools’.
Haili oversees the mentoring provision and training at the University of Sunderland, alongside her role researching, delivering and designing CPD at IRIS Connect. She has written three education books and speaks at schools, colleges and universities all over the country as a consultant. She is in her fourth year of her PhD and facilitates the NPQLTD in her spare time.
Leading Teacher Development
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.
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.
NPQ Leading Teacher Development
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
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.
NPQ Leading Behaviour & Culture
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.
NPQ Leading Behaviour and Culture
Assistant Headteacher Behaviour and Ethos KS3 at Saddleworth School
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
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
NPQ Leading Literacy
Deputy Director at East Manchester Teaching School Hub
All young people deserve the best education available, and I firmly believe that high quality teaching is central to achieving excellent results for all. I am passionate about high quality teaching and learning and know that collaboration and continuous CPD belongs at the heart of teacher development at all stages. As teachers, we are the best resource available and it our knowledge and expertise as well as our commitment to the futures of all young people that matters most.
During my career, as well as being an English teacher at all key stages, I have been both a Head of Year and a Head of Department, and most recently 2i/c in English helping to manage a core department as well as strategically improving outcomes at all key stages. I have extensive experience in mentoring trainee teachers and ECTs and have delivered the ITE curriculum for English for the last five years. I am committed to building supportive and collaborative relationships to help all teachers grow, develop and build confidence in becoming the best classroom practitioner possible to ensure excellent outcomes for all young people.
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