Meet The
Rudheath Family
Senior Leadership Team
James Kerfoot, Headteacher
I am extremely proud to introduce myself as the Headteacher of Rudheath Senior Academy.
I have been a Headteacher in two schools in Liverpool and Accrington with nearly 10 years experience in the role, and 30 years experience in teaching. I have always asked the staff I work with to treat the children in our care as if they were our own. I will certainly continue to do this at Rudheath.
I am a keen sportsman having played football at representative level and Welsh league and rugby at club level. I have also coached Cheshire and Greater Manchester county u19 football (Greater Manchester won national final).
I have been married for 25 years and have 2 daughters, one is currently studying Business at Liverpool John Moores and one has just completed her GCSEs and will start her A-Levels in September.
I have a love of travel and am about to spend a month in Australia and Bali.
I am excited to be part the Rudheath team. It is a warm and caring school with staff who are determined to go the extra mile for your children.
Christine Williams, Deputy Headteacher
My name is Christine Williams. I have recently joined Rudheath Senior Academy and am really looking forward to working with the staff and students to drive the school forward on its exciting journey.
I have been teaching for 20 years and have worked across schools in Liverpool and Lancashire. I have been a senior leader for 10 years, responsible for Quality of Education and in particular, Teaching and Learning. I have extensive experience of working across a large trust, developing teaching and learning practices and also supporting other leaders to drive practice within their schools. I particularly enjoy supporting colleagues in the classroom through Instructional Coaching and evidence based pedagogical CPD. I was delighted to previously win the Pearsons silver award for Secondary Teacher of the year.
I believe that every child has the opportunity and chance to achieve and experience the life chances that they deserve. To be able to make an impact on young people’s lives every day is the reason why I love working within education.
Outside of education, I love to travel and visit music festivals. I have extensively travelled across the world and my aim is to visit as many countries as possible and learn about the different cultures. This I believe brings life to teaching Geography in the classroom, sharing experiences with students to bring the subject alive.
I have also recently become a mum to my beautiful son, Alexander, which is my new boss in my life! He will certainly become our new travel and festival partner with his backpack at the ready.
Lydia Garrett, Assistant Headteacher
I’m Mrs Garrett and I am an Assistant Headteacher at our wonderful school.
I am the person who coordinates any support or extra interventions needed to make lessons more accessible for our children. This year I have been working with a Primary School and a College in our trust, which has allowed me to really focus on the transition points. I can see how difficult it is for a Y6 student moving up to Y7 and a Y11 student moving up to college, so I’m continuing to work with the trust to develop our transition offer here at Rudheath.
Before joining Rudheath, I worked in several schools and colleges in Warrington as Head of English Faculty and Pastoral Leader. I have been known to teach English, Media Studies, Drama and Business Studies too. I thrive off watching our children grow and develop into ‘excellent and kind’ members of our society.
When I’m not in school, I have 3 children and a dog to keep me busy! My long-suffering husband is a driving instructor, so we are a family who is passionate about helping others to achieve their potential. My eldest daughter has in fact has started secondary school this year, so I share your worries and fears with you!
Despite living in a house full of girls, during our free time, you will find us watching a Marvel film – we are in love with Spiderman at the moment.
Despite all the challenges we have faced over the last few years, your children are an absolute pleasure to spend time with. I look forward to seeing what the coming years have in store for us – hopefully less lockdowns!
Katie Goodwin, Director of SEND
Jemma Morrell, Assistant Headteacher & DSL
Hi, my name is Jemma Morrell, and I am one of the Assistant Headteachers at Rudheath Senior Academy. I have worked at the school since 2007 and nothing gives me greater pleasure than interacting with students and families whose lives, I have been a part of for many years. Some of the wonderful children that I taught at the start of my career are now bringing their own children to the school gate which makes me feel very blessed…if not a little old!
I joined the academy as an English teacher and have been fortunate to have a variety of different opportunities at the school including being the head of English which I enjoyed for many years. I am passionate about Literature and reading and read every day.
When I’m not being busy at the academy, I love spending quality time with my husband and two children. We enjoy being in our caravan and have travelled to different parts of Europe with it. I also love to sing….as many of our students will agree and can’t resist a session on the karaoke!
Despite the challenges for education in recent years, I am passionate about learning and passionate about Rudheath. I look forward to many more years of working with your wonderful children.
English and Languages Faculty
Grace Lycett, Teacher of English and Head of Faculty
Alice Shaw, Teacher of English and Assistant Head of Faculty
Ruth Stockley, Teacher of MFL and Assistant Head of Faculty
Charlotte Doswell, Teacher of English and Teaching/Learning Coordinator
I am Miss Doswell and I am an English Teacher and the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for Rudheath Senior Academy.
A few years ago, I made the decision to relocate and move “tut North” from rural Cambridgeshire. Prior to working at Rudheath, I was the Head of Key Stage 3 English and Lead for Parental Engagement. I am extremely passionate about teaching challenging, canonical works of Literature and encouraging students to be critical of the world around them. Additionally, I am a keen advocate for empowering our young women. Within my previous school, I established a “Female Lead Society” which aimed to provide students with more positive female role-models and encourage female students to be the best version of themselves every day. This is something I’m keen to establish at Rudheath, so watch this space…
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends and am a Disney and musicals fanatic!
Sarah Pierce, Teacher of English and Head of Year
Jemma Wilson, Teacher of English
Ayisha Ul-Haq, Teacher of English
Maths, Business and Computing Faculty
Adam Wright, Teacher of Maths and Head of Faculty
I am Mr Wright, and I am the Head of Mathematics and the Head of Faculty for Maths, Business and Computing here at Rudheath Senior Academy, having previously held roles as a Head of Year and as 2nd in the Maths Department. I have worked here for 16 years and really enjoy working with the staff, students, and the sense of community here. Personally, I love striving to make a difference in my own subject which isn’t always everyone’s favourite, but I aim to make Maths accessible and enjoyable for everyone!
I have a passion for skiing having frequently holidayed in the French Alps and am looking forward to the forthcoming trip to Andorra and eventually getting onto the ski slopes with my own children next year.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and playing squash.
Rebecca Rive, Lead Practitioner: Maths
Michael Sweeney, Lead Practitioner: Maths
Daniel Foley, Teacher of Business Studies/ICT and Assistant Head of Faculty
Stephen Simcock, Teacher of Business Studies/ICT
Science and Technology Faculty
Victoria Hudson, Teacher of Science and Head of Faculty
Thomas Davies, Teacher of Science and Careers Lead
Hello, I am Tom Davies – Science Teacher and The Careers and Destinations Coordinator for Rudheath Senior Academy.
This is my 3rd year teaching, and I can honestly say getting into this profession was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was fortunate enough to complete my teacher training here and never left. No two days are the same and I thoroughly enjoy my life here a Rudheath.
Taking the lead on Careers and Destinations for the school has awarded me the fantastic opportunity to have a real impact on the futures of our students here at Rudheath. I am currently working with our year 11 cohort and staff team to ensure they have plenty of options for their further education. This involves
working closely with our local colleges and providing support and advice to our students.The role has also allowed me to plan and organise careers-based activities for our students including drop down days for year 9. The days are based around our options pathways, providing our students with exciting informative experiences designed to support their choices for their GCSEs. The role is something I am extremely proud to undertake and can’t wait to see what more I can bring to Rudheath.
Outside of school I am really into my rugby, captaining my local team on the weekends. The topic of ‘Are you better than Mr Chambers’ is of regular debate by our students, I can assure you the answer is yes. Rugby is a passion which I have been able to bring into school, providing the opportunity for students to come and a learn a few new skills at my weekly rugby club.
Amanda Cooper, Teacher of Food Technology and Head of Year
My name is Amanda Cooper, and I am a Food Technology Teacher and Head of Year 11. I have been teaching for over 20 years and have taught both Art and Food Technology. I have been a Head of Year for 6 years and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop strong relationships over the course of the academic year with our students. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked for the Youth Service which gave me some great experience working with children from many different backgrounds and cultures. I also worked as a nanny for a year which enabled me to indulge in my love of travel.
I have 2 children, my son is 10 and very sporty, playing football, rugby, and cricket. You’ll often find me on the side of a sports pitch supporting him and his team! My daughter has left school now and has a passion for horses. She has found her ideal job working in an Equestrian Centre. I love walking and often go on walking weekends away. My parents live by the sea, and I love going home to see them and taking long walks on the beach. I feel very lucky to work here, I love my job and the ethos of ‘Excellence and Kindness’. I look forward to working with your children for many years to come.
Rebecca Cooper, Science Technician
Sharon Dean, Technology Technician
Stuart Grose, Teacher of D&T and Assistant Head of Faculty
Yasmin Hanslod, Teacher of Science
Phil Magee, Teacher of Science
Creative Arts Faculty
Humanities Faculty
Guy Lambert, Teacher of History and Head of Faculty
I am Guy Lambert Head of Humanities at Rudheath Senior Academy. I have taught History for over 20 years at various schools across the Northwest. I have been a Head of Faculty for 3 years and have seen the faculty grow into a highly successful team offering learners numerous opportunities to enhance their learning experiences. I am especially proud of the number of trips and visits the faculty offers, enhancing all learner’s cultural capital. The faculty work hard to support all learners especially those in Year 11 who attend the legendary History P6 mug club on a Friday after school. You can keep up to date with everything that is happening in the Humanities faculty by following @rsahumanities on Instagram.
Outside of the classroom I have two sporty daughters who keep me very busy taking them to various gymnastic and artistic swimming competitions throughout the country. In my spare time I am a keen marathon and ultra-marathon runner taking part in events all over the UK and Europe. Including several high-profile city marathons such as London and Berlin as well as Ultra trail events such as the Lakeland 50 miles race and the UTMB in France.
Grace Bailey, Teacher of RE/History
Phillip Brown, Teacher of Geography and Head of Year
Hello, I am Mr Brown, I am a Teacher of Geography and Head of Year 9. I started working at Rudheath in 2004 and so am one of the longest serving members of the Teaching staff here. I pride myself on building positive relations with students and parents and ensuring that all students feel happy, safe, and confident at school.
I have a passion for outdoor activities and travel, and I am very much looking forward to the ski trip to Andorra which is taking place in a couple of weeks’ times.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, my 3 daughters are all keen sportswomen who are involved in a variety of enrichment and extracurricular activities. At the weekend you will often find me at the side of a football pitch or at Moss Farm helping to coach Middlewich Girls FC.
Lucy Heaton, Teacher of Humanities
My name is Lucy Heaton. I have over 16 years’ experience working in education; 13 years in a pastoral role at my previous secondary school and three years here, teaching Humanities at Rudheath Senior Academy. I thoroughly enjoy working at the Academy, with both the staff and the students. I feel very proud of all our hard working and dedicated students, particularly Year 11 at this time of year having started their GCSEs. They have had a challenging time over the course of their secondary education and yet they continue to show our values of ‘excellence and kindness’.
I am extremely pleased that both the History and Geography trips to London this year were a resounding success, and I am looking forward to planning more Humanities trips for the next academic year.
On a personal note, I have two young boys who are keen and heavily involved in sport, particularly football. When I’m not in school, you’ll find me on the side of the pitch watching them or walking our new puppy! I also enjoy open water swimming which I have found is not only good exercise, but great for the mind too!
Sport and Wellbeing Faculty
Richard Russell, Teacher of PE and Head of Faculty
Lucy Burch, Teacher of PE
Hello! I’m Miss Burch and I joined the team at Rudheath Senior Academy as a PE Teacher in 2021. In addition to this role, I am also the PE School Sports Coordinator for our Rudheath cluster. This role provides lots of opportunities for primary school students to take part in sporting events and for our RSA students to develop their leadership skills.
Prior to joining Rudheath Senior Academy I worked in two other High Schools teaching PE. I am passionate about providing students with sporting opportunities to enrich their school life. I’m equally as passionate about after school clubs and there’s so many on offer here at RSA.
Outside of work I am a competitive endurance runner and member of Vale Royal Athletics Club. I love spending time with family and friends and enjoying the outdoors too!
Keira Fleming, Teacher of PE and Head of Year
My name is Keira Fleming and I am a teacher of PE and Head of Year 7 here at Rudheath Senior Academy. I have been teaching for 7 years, working in one of the largest schools in Greater Manchester before moving to Rudheath in 2020.
My favourite part of teaching PE is teaching pupils transferable skills such as resilience, leadership and teamwork through playing sport and knowing they will use them for the rest of their lives.
I have enjoyed my role as Head of Year as it has given me the opportunity to get to know more of our pupils and the amazing things they do outside of the classroom and build relationships with their families.
In my spare time I play competitive field hockey which I am extremely passionate about. I have also recently completed all the Wainwrights – walking up 214 mountains across the Lake District with my partner and dogs Doug and Bruno. My proudest moment is giving birth to my baby girl in September and watching her develop and grow.
Anna James, Teacher of PE
Matthew Marnell, Teacher of PE
Safeguarding and Pastoral
Daniel Cooper, Pastoral Manager (Key Stage 4)
Hello. I’m Mr Cooper and I joined the team at Rudheath Senior Academy as Pastoral Manager in 2021. In addition to this Pastoral role, I have responsibility for co-ordinating ‘Student Enrichment’ and so am excited to explore new opportunities for Students throughout all year groups. Watch this space!
Prior to joining Rudheath Senior Academy I undertook a similar role within a Secondary School on the Wirral, for 12 years. My professional experience prior to this is as a Teacher of PE and prior to that, working within a Secondary School SEND department in West Yorkshire.
I thoroughly enjoy working within a Pastoral capacity and supporting students to develop holistically as they transition from Primary School and then beyond as they leave school at the end of Year 11.
I have previously held responsibility for delivering a successful Duke of Edinburgh Award to Pupils and giving pupils the experiences beyond the classroom which again supports their holistic development into adulthood. There is nothing that builds character and team spirit more than being in a tent in the middle of rainy Snowdonia!
Outside of work I love to spend time with friends and family and enjoy long muddy dog walks on the weekend.
Edie Jardine, Children’s Advocate
My name is Edie Jardine, and I am the Child Advocate. I have over 25 years of safeguarding and advocacy experience and have worked for organisations including the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, and the National Counter Trafficking Service. I am lucky to have such a lovely role here at RSA and feel very privileged to be a part of the students experience at school. I am passionate about advocating for children’s rights and ensuring all children have a voice and are listened to; “when the world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”- Malala Yousafzai.
Outside of school I am busy with my two sons aged 11 and 13. I am a football coach at my local football club and spend a lot of time walking my greyhound. I also undertake volunteering and have recently volunteered in Morocco, which was a great experience.
Ashley Woods, Pastoral Manager (Key Stage 3)
Nadine Wilkinson, Pastoral Manager (Transition and Year 7)
Attendance
SEND and Inclusion
Sandra Blackmore, Teaching Assistant
Jackie Brooks, Teaching Assistant
Hannah Boyd, Teacher of Inclusion
Sara Cartwright, Behaviour and Engagement Manager
Alice Parr, Teaching Assistant
Sandra Skellington, Teaching Assistant
Janet Yarwood, Teaching Assistant
Business Support
Jack Jevons, Business Manager
I am Jack Jevons – Business Manager at Rudheath. I have the absolute pleasure of seeing first-hand what great things both our staff and Trust team do for our school community – from investment in facilities to awesome trips and events.
You’ll usually find me in the office near Main Reception. Sometimes you’ll see me walking around school with our fantastic Caretakers looking at how we can collectively improve and look after our school environment. We are truly lucky to be amongst such nice school grounds and with brilliantly passionate staff.
In a previous life, I used to work at Marks and Spencer (food hall for those interested) and worked there for 5 years after leaving college. It was my first job and one that I still hold with great fondness; skills in teamwork, communication and resilience were formed whilst stacking the shelves, and those attributes I am confident have helped me in my career so far working in education.
Outside of school, I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, and hiking in the hills of the Peak District. The time spent outdoors and keeping active helps me to keep revitalised and raring to go as we strive for Rudheath to be the school of choice.
As many of our students prepare for young adulthood, I am continuously reminded that our students at Rudheath demonstrate our core values of Excellence and Kindness. Whether it’s sharing in memorable school trips, chatting to students over lunch or finding out what career aspirations our Year 11 have in mind, I am always delighted to see and hear our student’s chip away at their very own success story.
My office door is always open to students and parents/carers alike. I am humbled to work amongst an excellent Business Support Team, all of whom are friendly, caring and bring something special to our school. They all share the same drive and passion to be a part of creating wonderful possibilities for our children.
Brian Bennett, IT Officer
Janet Billington, Caretaker
Sarah Dean, Receptionist
My name is Sarah Dean, and I am the Receptionist here at Rudheath Senior Academy. I have worked at the school since October and already feel part of the team. I love the values of ‘Excellence and Kindness’ that I try to instil into my own children too. My day is always busy and challenging but also lots of fun. Every day is varied but I thoroughly enjoy talking to pupils, parents, and staff.
When I’m not being busy at school, I love spending time with my family – my husband, son, and daughter. We enjoy walking our two dogs and days out and about in the local area.
I look forward to being part of the team at Rudheath for a long time to come and getting to know many more of you.
Sophie Dowling, Business Administration Assistant
Laura Oakes, Office Admin Assistant
Gareth Malam, Assistant Caretaker
Emma Sayle, Cover and Operations Officer
I am Emma Sayle and I am the Cover and Operations Officer at Rudheath Senior Academy which means I am privileged to be able to work across many different areas of the school and support some of the fabulous events that take place here (and of course to inform you of all of the great things that are taking place in the school newsletter!). I began working here in September and soon settled in. I have worked in Senior Schools for the last 12 years in many different roles including Exams Officer, PA to the Senior Management Team and Personnel Manager. I love that no two days are the same and that everyone is dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the children. Life at Rudheath is fun and fast paced with a brilliant sense of community and there are some wonderful things for the children and staff to be involved in.
I have 3 of my own children and 3 dogs so weekends usually go by super fast, I love spending time with them and we all enjoy being outside and so very much welcome the warm weather coming. I love being challenged and over recent years I have completed some charity fundraisers which have included climbing Snowdon and Helvellyn, walking 50km of the Jurassic Coast and a parachute jump. I also love going to the theatre and socialising with friends and family.
Ruth Shorrock, Exams and MIS Manager
I joined Rudheath Senior Academy in September 2021 as the schools Exams & MIS Manager. Prior to this I worked within academic administration for more than 15 years’ ranging from a primary school setting, right up to a University Law School. Most recently I worked at Hartford Church of England High School as the Exams & Data Officer. My role primarily involved supporting the school with student related data and reporting this back to parents and students in a meaningful way in the form of progress reports.
I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to work at Rudheath Senior Academy. The school’s values of excellence and kindness fit well with my own beliefs. I have a positive outlook and am keen to use the skills I have gained; in a job I love doing. I look forward to supporting our Year 11 students throughout this year with their exams.