MR HOLLYWOOD
Principal
Mr Hollywood
Peter first joined The Gorse Academies Trust as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2011, joining The Morley Academy after previously gaining a First Class BSc Hons in Sport and Exercise Science (BSc) from Leeds Metropolitan University and a Post Graduate in Education from Liverpool John Moores University.
At The Morley Academy, Peter worked within the PE department as both a teacher and Post-16 Co-ordinator of Vocational Subjects, successfully introducing and leading Level 3 BTEC in Sport in order to provide greater opportunities for students to access Higher Education.
In 2014, Peter secured an opportunity to become Head of PE at a new British Curriculum School in Dubai, providing the opportunity to challenge himself within a different educational context. He successfully built a PE department which enjoyed both academic and extra-curricular success and as a result, was appointed to the Secondary Leadership Team as Director of Sports and Performing Arts.
In 2017, Peter re-joined The Morley Academy as part of the Senior Leadership Team in the capacity of Assistant Principal i/c of Year 11, successfully guiding the year group to a Progress 8 score of +0.55. In 2019, Peter was successful in his application to become Vice Principal of The Morley Academy and led on driving standards in Teaching and Learning.
Peter joined Boston Spa Academy in September 2020 as Senior Vice Principal and continues to focus on Raising Achievement of all students through the development of key areas of Teaching and Learning and academy life.
MISS MAUDE
Vice Principal inc Safeguarding, Inclusion and Behaviour
Miss Maude
In 2008 Kirstie Maude joined what was then Morley High School as a Newly Qualified Teacher, after previously gaining a BA (Hons) degree from John Moores University, Liverpool and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Huddersfield University. She was very fortunate to work alongside Sir John Townsley and Leanne Griffiths in their journey to transform the school into the ‘Outstanding’ and ‘World Class’ academy as it is widely known as today and fulfil her childhood ambition of teaching.
After her first year of teaching Kirstie was promoted to KS3 Leader of ICT allowing her the opportunity to embed key teaching and learning pedagogy into the curriculum and develop quality assurance procedures. Following a couple of successful years, Kirstie was promoted to Leader of ICT and Computer Science. Through her diligence and tenacity, Kirstie led the department through a period of change in the educational landscape and as such secured a number of outstanding results for students in all key stages.
In 2015 Kirstie was appointed as a member of the Senior Leadership Team in the role of Assistant Principal. This role allowed her to develop as a senior leader and have the strategic leadership responsibility of a year group, where behaviour, attendance, attainment and attitudes to learning were the key focus. Kirstie’s passion for pastoral care with a focus on improving attendance, behaviour and student outcomes has developed and through her diligence has improved standards across all year groups she has worked with. In addition, Kirstie has also led the SEND provision and is passionate about an inclusive society and ensuring all students can access the curriculum and be successful learners.
In 2020, Kirstie joined the Senior Leadership Team at Boston Spa Academy and continues to drive standards, both pastorally and academically, in order to facilitate the academy’s aim of being ‘exceptional without exception.’
MRS MCKEOWN
Vice Principal inc Post 16
Mrs Mckeown
After graduating from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies, Rebekah went on to become Head of Religious Studies and then Director of the Humanities Faculty in secondary schools in Oxfordshire. She joined The Gorse Academies Trust when she made the move to Yorkshire in 2015 and joined Elliott Hudson College in its first year.
At Elliott Hudson College Rebekah experienced a wide variety of roles in the Post-16 sector, including Head of Alliance, Assistant Principal with responsibility for Careers and Destinations, and more recently Senior Assistant Principal in charge of Teaching and Learning. She took the decision in 2021 to move back to 11-16 provision and was delighted to be given the opportunity to do so at Boston Spa Academy.
At Boston Spa Academy Rebekah has responsibility for Professional Standards, including teaching and learning, quality assurance processes, and CPD.
MISS BULLOCK
Assistant Principal
Miss Bullock
Graduating with a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from University of Huddersfield, Samantha became a teacher following her training with GORSE SCITT. She has worked in a number of different roles across TGAT due to the excellence of her teaching and leadership. We are delighted to have Dr Bullock working with us as Boston Spa Academy.
MR BRENNAN
Assistant Principal
Mr Brennan
Mr Brennan began teaching History at Boston Spa Academy in 2002 and now specialises in A-Level History, Politics and Law. Since 2002 he progressed into pastoral and curriculum leadership roles in History, Humanities and the House system. During this time he was also an examiner for A-Level Politics.
In January 2017 he took on the role of Head of the Sixth Form provision and is determined to ensure all students progress to the best possible destination when they leave school.
He is a passionate traveller and has led school trips to Berlin, New York, Romania, Kenya and China, as well as being closely involved with lower school cricket teams and football tours to Skegness.
MRS SHIRES
Assistant Principal – Behaviour
Mrs Shires
Rea Shires graduated from the University of Northumbria in 2015 with a first class Bsc (HONS) in Sociology and History. Rea then worked in a number of differing educational settings in Newcastle before completing her teaching training with the GORSE SCITT in 2017.
Rea began her career at The Morley Academy in 2017. Rea has worked in a variety of leadership roles with responsibility in both curriculum and pastoral aspects of school life. At the end of her NQT year, Rea was promoted to Head of Year, where she was responsible for the year group’s pastoral and academic development.
In 2019, Rea was promoted to the role of Associate Assistant Principal at The Morley Academy. Within this role, Rea’s passion for exceptional pastoral care was further ignited with a focus on improving student achievement, behaviour and attendance. Due to her outstanding impact in this role, Rea was promoted into an Assistant Principal in 2021. Rea following her maternity leave was successful in securing the role of Assistant Principal at Boston Spa Academy with the leadership of KS4 behaviour: a remit which continues to ignite exceptional outcomes beyond what they may deem to be possible.
MRS POTTER
Assistant Principal
inc Transition
Mrs Potter
Lou Potter graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BSC (HONS) in Health and Sport Studies in 2001, following the education route within her degree. Lou then went on to study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Physical Education at Liverpool John Moores University. Lou graduated and started her career as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2002 at Ridgewood School in Doncaster.
Lou started at Boston Spa School in 2007, since then she has undertaken a variety of leadership roles with responsibility in both curriculum and pastoral aspects of school life. Through Lou’s teaching she embeds the fundamental values of leadership, teamwork, and good sportsmanship into her practice, within both the curriculum and through the extra-curricular program. Lou’s pastoral experience extends beyond the classroom and school setting as she has led or supported over 40 residential school trips, both in the UK and Internationally. Lou believes that giving students opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, develops independence and personal skills which are invaluable attributes to enhance school experience and develop a well-rounded student, whilst also creating memories that last a lifetime.
In 2019 Lou was delighted to start her new role as Head of Year 7 which then progressed to leader of Key Stage 3, being a pastoral leader is the most rewarding role that she has had the privilege of holding to date, supporting students and their families is invaluable. Lou demonstrates exceptional pastoral care, supporting students to achieve being the best version of themselves, in their academic studies as well as emotionally, allowing students to face challenges positively, whilst being kind people to know.
Most recently Lou was appointed as an Assistant Principal on the Senior Leadership team at Boston Spa Academy, leading on Behaviour in Key Stage 3. Lou is excited about undertaking this role and continuing to support our students and their families on their journey through their time at Boston Spa Academy.
MR TAYLOR
Assistant Principal
Mr Taylor
James graduated from Durham University in 2012 with a PhD in mathematics. After training to become a teacher at the University of York and two years spent as a teacher in Sutton Coldfield, James joined Boston Spa Academy as an Assistant Leader of Mathematics in 2015. James played a substantial role in the development of the maths department over the following decade, culminating in his leadership of the maths team since 2020. During this time the department has been one of the highest achieving maths departments in the North of England with Progress 8 scores in the region of +1 over the last three academic years.
Currently James is an Assistant Principal with responsibilities including assessment, examinations and timetabling. James also continues to lead the mathematics department alongside these duties.
