Principal

Clare Barber: BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, CIPD

Clare is the Academy Principal and has more than 10 years’ experience as a senior leader in schools across the north of England.  She is also a qualified English teacher and has taught in several schools, before joining West Grantham Church of England Secondary Academy in September 2020.

Clare has previously worked in industry, across a wide range of businesses, including the BBC and McCann Erickson Advertising.  She also spent 4 years living and teaching in Colombia, South America, before returning home to take up a position in a school closer to home.

Clare made a decision, early in her educational career, to work exclusively in schools that face challenging circumstances and supported that commitment through participation in the Future Leaders programme.

Vice Principal Quality of Education

Kirsty Kuffour: BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH

Kirsty is the Vice Principal and has strategic oversight of the quality of education.

Kirsty began her leadership journey over a decade ago, in Nottingham, where she held a post as 2nd in English.  Since then, she has had experience as Head of English and as a senior leader, leading safeguarding, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

She has worked across other schools in the Trust and continues to support in her areas of expertise.

Vice Principal Inclusion

Teresa Pendleton: BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, NASENCO

Teresa is the Vice Principal for inclusion and has strategic oversight of SEND and behaviour and attitudes.

Before joining the school, Teresa was an Assistant Headteacher, SENCO and teacher of English.   Teresa has had experience supporting schools with improving provision and outcomes for SEND across schools within a multi-academy trust in Nottinghamshire and has led on safeguarding and SEND in 4 different local authorities.

Assistant Principal Data and Assessment

Tom Butt: BSc (Hons), PGCE

 Tom is an Assistant Principal and is in charge of data and assessment.

Tom began his teaching career in 2012, before moving to a school in Leicester to take up a role as KS3 Science Co-Ordinator.  Tom joined West Grantham in 2015 as 2nd in science before becoming Head of Science in 2020.

Assistant Principal Behaviour and Attitudes

Wayne Martini: BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQSL

Wayne is the Assistant Principal for behaviour and attitudes.

Wayne joined the school in 2008 and whilst working as a cover supervisor he qualified as a teacher of PE.  He quickly progressed through middle leadership as Head of Year, Head of House and Head of Key Stage 4.

Assistant Principal Quality of Education

Stevie Thornton: BA (Hons), PGCE

 Stevie is the Assistant Principal at West Grantham, and his focus is on the quality of education.  He is responsible for strategic oversight of the school’s coaching programme, Christian distinctiveness, SMSC and British values.

Stevie began his teaching career in, and around, the Surrey/London border.  During this time, he held posts such as Head of Religious Education, Head of House and Key Stage, and Deputy Head of 6th Form.  Stevie also has experience as a staff governor at a previous school.