Leadership

Mel Saville

Executive Principal

My background is in primary education. I have worked in Bradford for my whole career and am proud to live and work in the city.  I joined Bradford Academy in January 2015 and became Primary Principal in October 2016.

I am the Executive Principal.  I work across the all through team to ensure that  all children are receiving the best possible education and that children are safe and well looked after while in the building.   Whilst there is a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work in my role, attending meetings and completing paperwork, I make sure that I interact with learners across both phases of the school every day.

Every decision made as Executive Principal comes down to our vision.  I believe that every student can be a shining light in our community, whatever their challenges or abilities.

My ambitions for our students is that they believe in themselves and use this belief to achieve great things.  I want my learners to be confident and happy and know that they can make a positive contribution in school and in the wider world.

Chris Rowbottom

Secondary Principal

I have worked in the Secondary Education Sector for the last 25 years in a variety of schools. My leadership experience extends across several schools in different contexts for the last 15 years. I have performed leadership roles at all levels, ranging from my initial experience as an Assistant Headteacher, through to Associate Headteacher and Consultant Associate Headteacher more recently.

I completed the NPQH qualification in 2017 and prior to that have worked as a Specialist Leader in Education. My initial leadership experience involved working with the pastoral group to develop reliable and effective behaviour management systems. More recently I have worked across all aspects of leadership and have taken significant responsibility for improvement planning and strategic direction.

I believe schools should have high expectations, provide excellent pastoral support, deliver effective teaching and demand high standards. If these elements are present, along with a range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities, then students can develop as they wish and flourish.

Jen Jakes

Principal – Primary

I qualified as a Primary Teacher in 2001 and have thoroughly enjoyed working in Bradford for most of my career. I joined Bradford Academy in 2015 as Inclusion Lead and since then have also worked as a Vice Principal.

 I began my current role as Primary Principal in June 2023. I work with a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for all our children. In my role as Primary Principal, I ensure that children are being taught well and are learning more, to prepare them for their next stage of learning. I also ensure that all children are safe and can access learning.

Every decision is influenced by the Bradford Academy vision where all children are given the skills to be responsible, respectful and resilient a shining light in our community.

My ambition for the children is that they are happy and confident and go on to achieve their best, making a positive impact in the wider world.

David Haworth

Vice Principal – Curriculum & Personal Development

I graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2002 with a degree in Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status. I have worked in two schools across the Bradford district and in each school I have gained experience in different roles including leading departments, year groups and now key stages. This experience has also allowed me to develop my understanding of key areas of school life such as achievement and progress, support and guidance and teaching and learning.

As Vice Principal for Personal Development I work across school and liaise with outside agencies to ensure learners in school are provided with a wealth of opportunities to develop character and knowledge that will help them become active citizens and positive members of our community.

My ambition for our students is that they utilise the opportunities they are provided through our school so that they can fulfil their potential and move on to viable pathways that allow them to enjoy a successful future.

Holly West

Vice Principal Primary – Quality of Education

I joined Bradford Academy as an NQT in July 2012 after graduating from Bradford College, and I have been incredibly fortunate to have taught across all Key Stages including EYFS and I currently teach in Year 3. Throughout my career, I have always loved being in the classroom and working alongside children

Over the years, I have taken on a number of leadership responsibilities. I became Literacy Lead in 2015 and a Specialist Leader of Education for English in 2018, before progressing to Senior Assistant Vice Principal and now Vice Principal for Quality of Education and Attendance. Although I have a leadership role, being a teacher at heart is incredibly important to me.

I am passionate about making sure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and, most importantly, enjoys coming to school and believes in themselves. I particularly love reading and English and want every child to discover the joy that books, stories and writing can bring. I believe that developing a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give children and something that can stay with them throughout their lives.

As Vice Principal for Quality of Education, I work closely with subject leaders across primary to make sure our curriculum is exciting, ambitious and full of opportunities for children to develop their knowledge, skills and interests. I also lead attendance, working with families and children to remove barriers and help every child make the most of their time at school.

I feel very proud to be part of Bradford Academy and of the children and families we work with. My hope is that every child who comes through our doors feels valued, develops a love of learning and leaves us believing that anything is possible. I want our children to be confident, kind and resilient young people who are proud of themselves, their school and their city, and who have the courage to follow their dreams.

Steph Griffiths

Vice Principal Primary – Personal Development

I qualified as a primary teacher in 2008 and have taught in BD4 for 11 years. During this time, I have taught across all key stages and led the following subjects across Primary: Maths, media literacy, most able provision, PSHCE, teaching and learning and key stage two. I became Assistant Headteacher at an outstanding primary school in 2014 before coming to work at Bradford Academy as Assistant Vice Principal in 2016. In September 2018 I took up the post of Vice Principal.

I am the Vice Principal for primary with teaching responsibilities. I currently teach in year 6 for three days a week. During my two days out of class, I currently support teaching and learning across school, which means I have the opportunity to spend time in every class.

My ambitions for our students is that they grow up to be kind, respectful and believe in themselves. I want them to know that they can do and be anything they want when they are older and that with perseverance they can achieve anything.

Jess Sutcliffe

Vice Principal – Quality of Education & Personal Development

I was born and grew up in Bradford. I came into teaching in 2005 after qualifying in Biology and Psychology at University of St Andrews followed by a PGCE at Leeds University. I first taught at Hanson School and joined Bradford Academy in 2007 as a Lead Practitioner. I became Director of Personalising Learning in Science and progressed to Assistant Principal for Achievement in KS3 and Transition. I have been Assistant Vice Principal since 2015. I have had two children along the way.

As the lead for curriculum, my main role is to ensure that our school provides each student with access to the knowledge and skills they need to progress in life. I lead the staff in their thinking about what they are teaching and how they are teaching it. I am responsible for checking that our curriculum is ambitious, challenging and rich and making sure that we have a broad range of subjects at each level to suit the needs of all learners. My role also encompasses the after school elective timetable and Learning Resource Centre provision.

My ambition for our students is that they leave us with everything they need to take control of their future. That they are kind and principled and well equipped to deal with anything that comes their way.

Jodie Bates

Assistant Principal – Quality of Education & All Through Experiences

I qualified with a degree in English Language with Sociology from the University of Sunderland and following this completed a PGCE in Primary Education. During my PGCE, I completed a two week work experience placement at Bradford Academy secondary and found that I really enjoyed working in secondary. Following this, I applied for a job as an NQT to be a Core teacher and started working at Bradford Academy in 2013. Since then I have taken on a range of roles within the academy including DoPL of Core, Head of English, Head of Year 7 & Transition, Assistant Principal for KS3 and most recently Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. Alongside this role I teach English to students ranging from year 7 to year 11.

In my role, I aim to ensure all learners have access to purposeful, engaging lessons and that we maintain high expectations of what all our learners can achieve. I support new staff in their induction at Bradford Academy and for many in their first years as teachers ensuring they get the training required to live our vision for all learners allowing them to become a ‘shining light’ in their community. Furthermore, I lead on literacy alongside our Literacy Lead ensuring literacy is a priority for all to equip our learners with the skills needed in later life whilst working alongside our LRC manager to create a love of reading amongst our learners.

My ambition is that learners feel safe, valued and part of the community at Bradford Academy whilst becoming well-rounded, driven and kind individuals ready for the world beyond school. I want all of our students to have access to a range of opportunities and experiences throughout their time at school that will truly equip them in reaching their full potential.

Layla Azeez

Assistant Principal – Learner Progress

I graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BSC Honours Degree in Behavioural Sciences. I followed this with a PGCE PCET where I gained qualified teacher and lecturer status 15 years ago. That very same year I was employed as a Health and Social Care teacher at Bradford Academy and have been privileged to work here ever since.

I have had the pleasure of being Head of Department for the last 13 years leading across Social Studies, Humanities and currently the Health and Business Department. Alongside this role I also lead on the Careers and Technical Education (CTE) for Health and Child Development, where I sit on the local CTE board as a member. This enables students to gain access to careers education including work placements and opportunities linked to industry in and around Bradford. I have recently progressed to Assistant Principal being responsible for the Quality of Education leading on whole school curriculum and progress.

My ambition is to promote student development and wellbeing, advocating a love of learning. I am privileged to shape and influence the lives of young people so they are fully equipped for their next destination and for being global citizens.

Katie Matthews

Assistant Principal – Learner Experience & Support

Being a sport enthusiast it was obvious from a young age that I would study sport and Physical education pedagogy. Representing at various levels for Football and Hockey, I balanced this with my studies. In 2006 I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University, qualifying as a teacher of Physical Education, entering the teaching profession immediately in the September of that year. I had previously taught in schools across Wakefield, and an international language school in Swanage. This then lead to me starting here at Bradford Academy as Head of Sport, Leisure and Recreation in 2014. I still continue this role today, along with being the Assistant Principal for Key Stage 3, which I was appointed to in 2018. Prior to this I had the privilege of balancing The head of department role with being the Director Hawking House. As head of for Sport, Leisure and Recreation I create an engaging curriculum for all learners within the academy, promoting the benefits of physical education. Whilst educating them that sustaining a healthy and active lifestyle will promote life skills and benefits across their multifaceted life path.

Following this my journey at Bradford ACdemy took me to the senior leadership team, undertaking the role of Assistant Principal for Key Stage 3. As Assistant Principal for Key Stage 3, I promote had the opportunity to build an identity and independence within year 7, 8 and 9, building learners that are self-regulating, and proud to be a Bradford Academy learner. Creating opportunities for them to thrive both in character and academia, making choices that will shape their lives both as young adults and their GCSE pathways.

Most recently my role on the senior leadership team as progressed to Assistant Principal for Key Stage 4. This role focuses on year 10 and 11 and their latter secondary years. This role encourages learners to build upon their fundamental skills gained at key stage 3, and prepare for the world of work, apprenticeships and further education. Guiding learners through years 10 and 11 is incredibly rewarding, building bespoke pathways that suit their end goal. Addressing the needs of every learner, ensuring that every learner is known, valued, understood and guided through the most challenging years of their educational journey thus far.

My ambition for our students is that whilst at Bradford Academy they build their very own blue print, that encompasses a healthy and active lifestyle, and a character that exhibits resilience and the confidence to make difficult life choices.  Not only leaving the academy with opportunities based on their grade profile, but as a young adult that has the courage to follow their OWN life path within the world.

Curtis Brennan

Assistant Principal – Learning Culture

I was born in Canada and lived there until starting my teaching career at Bradford Academy. I qualified in 2012 having graduated Nipissing University with an Honours degree in History with English as well as a Bachelor of Education. After finishing my concurrent degrees, I applied to teach at Bradford Academy. I had initially thought teaching in the UK would be a one-year foreign foray but the staff, culture and most importantly, students, motivated me to remain not only in the UK but at Bradford Academy for the past 11 years.

Throughout my time at the Academy I have led both within the English Department, being a Key Stage Leader, and the wider school, having been the Head of Pankhurst House and Head of Year for 9, 10 and 11 before being promoted to Assistant Principal of Key Stage Four. Throughout this time, with the assistance of the Academy, I have also gone on to earn my NPQML and Masters in Education at Sheffield Hallum University.

I believe that for a child to flourish they need a school community which challenges them academically, supports them emotionally, and develops their character through providing opportunities which challenge them, expose them to new ideas and experiences, and develop self-esteem and resilience.

Lucy Smail

Kabir Hameed

Assistant Principal – Behaviour

I initially worked for Yorkshire Building Society as a Sales/Mortgage Advisor. In 2004, my first child was born, igniting my passion to work with young people in Bradford. As a native of Bradford, I aimed to give back to the city where I grew up. This led me to a position as a learning mentor at the primary school I attended as a child. In 2007, I joined Bradford Academy and have remained dedicated to the youth of Bradford since then. My roles have evolved to meet the Academy’s needs, but my commitment to Bradford’s youth has remained constant.

Currently, I serve as the Associate Assistant Principal for behaviour at the Academy, overseeing the pastoral team’s daily operations. I also ensure that we consistently uphold our standards for rules and regulations, striving to raise the bar and close educational gaps. Beyond managing the Academy, I am deeply passionate about inspiring our young people. I take the lead on various extracurricular activities, such as organizing Anti Bullying Week, arranging trips like the one to Disneyland Paris, London and running a Summer school program to support our Year 7 students transitioning from primary to secondary education.

My ultimate ambition for our learners is to help them unlock their potential, foster self-belief, and, most importantly, develop into compassionate individuals who contribute to making Bradford a positive place to live.

Jane Berry

Assistant Principal – Safeguarding

Up to 2005 I worked within the finance sector and due to a change in family circumstances I made the decision to apply for a job within a secondary school.   I always knew I wanted to work with children in the hope that I could make a difference at an important time in their lives.

I worked as a teacher’s assistant and SEN support within the Science Department.  Within a year I became Learning Mentor for Year 7 and then the Pastoral Manager for Year 7 & Year 8 working and supporting learners and parents.  Within the next 3 years I was promoted to KS3 Lead and Safeguarding Lead.

In March 2021 I had the opportunity to apply for a position within safeguarding at Bradford Academy.   I hope that with support, learners will grow to be respectful and kind towards others and themselves.