Kate has wide ranging leadership experience over the last decade, both as a principal but also as a part of a senior leadership team that took a school in challenging circumstances to outstanding over just three years. Her experiences of leading on learning and teaching and then on improving student outcomes resulted in significant improvements across more than one school. She has been a leader in coastal, urban and rural schools and brings a wealth of experience to Ormiston Denes Academy.
Kate is passionate about ensuring that every child is happy, safe and successful and that each child is an individual whose talents should be discovered and nurtured and whose needs cannot be allowed to be a barrier to learning. She believes that developing quality leaders is key to sustainable progress and that quality first teaching is key to ensuring that no child is left behind.
Rebecca joined Ormiston Denes Academy in September 2021. Prior to this appointment, Rebecca was vice principal at Flegg High Ormiston Academy for 2 years. Rebecca began her teaching career in 2002 at Cliff Park High School where she soon became a head of year. After 8 years she moved to Great Yarmouth High School where she continued as a head of year and became associate SLT before moving to Ormiston Victory Academy as assistant principal for raising achievement and then assistant principal for behaviour and attitudes.
Rebecca is passionate about students’ ability to succeed and believes that by listening to students and working with them and their families, we can break down barriers to learning so that every student can reach their full potential.
Rebecca teaches PE and English as her specialisms and enjoys cycle touring, travelling and spending time with her family.
After training and teaching in Australia, Adrian decided to leave the warmer weather for the UK in 2006. He has been in education for 20 years and took up the post as vice principal at Ormiston Denes in September 2019, moving from London with his family after teaching for 15 years in East London. Adrian’s time in education has been spent working relentlessly to improve outcomes for students facing education disadvantage, as he believes education is a key driver of social mobility and career and life opportunities.
Raising Achievement
Caitlin joined the Ormiston Denes team in September 2023, following a leadership role in another local academy. With her knowledge of the local context, Caitlin is passionate about removing students’ barriers to ensure that all students can achieve what they are capable of.
A keen history teacher, Caitlin has been teaching History for a number of years, as well as other humanities such as Geography. Her particular interest is in Modern History, such as teaching about Nazi Germany.
In her spare time, you will likely find Caitlin with her dogs, watching football or playing darts!
Assistant Principal Attendance & Safeguarding
Ms Rosie Horsfield has been a teacher for 24 years and has held posts including: Advanced Skills Teacher, Lead Practitioner and Assistant Principal. Rosie joined Ormiston Denes Academy in October 2023. Prior to this appointment, Rosie was Assistant Principal at Paradigm Trust. Rosie began her teaching career in 2000 at Copleston High School where she soon became an Advanced Skills Teacher working with schools and teachers across the county to develop and improve the quality of teaching and learning. After 14 years she moved to Colchester Academy where she continued as a Lead Practitioner for Humanities before moving to Pakefield as Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. Rosie is passionate about keeping children safe in and out of school and fervently believes that all children have the right to education. She believes that education is the key to unlocking life opportunities and possibilities. Rosie teaches History and English as her specialisms and has two teenage daughters she dotes on.
HR & Compliance Partner
Charlotte joined the team at Ormiston Denes in January 2024 and has worked for Ormiston Academies Trust for eight years, in a number of support staff roles, including Office Manager, Data Manager and Cover Manager, as well as supporting in other areas, such as Attendance and Enrichment.
Charlotte is the Support Staff representative on the Senior Leadership Team and is passionate about building collaborative teams and implementing streamlined and efficient processes and procedures to aid the most effective running of day-to-day Academy operations, to ensure that Ormiston Denes is a safe and comfortable learning and working environment for students, staff members and visitors.
In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys reading, musical theatre and spending time with her family.
Assistant Principal Quality of Education
Mrs C Dobson | Head of English |
Mrs C Wilkinson | Head of Mathematics |
Mr S Roper | Head of Science |
Miss S Steward | Head of Geography |
Mr A Bennett | Head of History and RE |
Miss G Best | Head of Modern Foreign Languages |
Mrs J Westgate | Head of Art & Design |
Mr D Haysom | Head of ICT |
Mrs J Turner | Head of Music and Performing Arts |
Miss C Gogar | Head of Physical Education |
Mrs K Hillier | SENDCo |
Mrs J Sheriff-Horner | Head of Year 11 |
Mrs H Turpin | Pastoral Manager for Year 11 |
Miss M Arnold | Head of Year 10 |
Miss K Ward | Pastoral Manager for Year 10 |
Miss L Grimmer | Head of Year 9 |
Mrs N Schroder | Pastoral Manager for Year 9 |
Miss H Smith-Howell | Head of Year 8 |
Miss L Eaton | Pastoral Manager for Year 8 |
Mrs L Parish-Heath | Head of Year 7 |
Mrs G Calver | Pastoral Manager for Year 7 |