Academy Leadership Team

MIKE
SIDEBOTTOM

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I am honoured to be the CEO/Executive Headteacher of Woodbridge Trust. I have always loved working with young people, especially the most vulnerable. I have over twenty years' experience working in education and love being in the classroom. My philosophy of getting the best from every young person through a fun, supportive and nurturing environment has never changed.

I have experienced a range of school leadership roles, taking on my first headship six years ago. My team and I were successful in removing the school from special measures to good in a short space of time. I am a governor at a local primary school and a trustee at an outstanding alternative provision.

I am committed to build on Woodbridge Trust principles of high expectations, integrity and equality with an unflinching commitment to preparing our pupils for successful and rewarding lives. I will ensure that Woodbridge Trust is strong, vibrant, happy and ambitious for all our children/young people as well as our incredible team who work so hard to achieve our mission of "inspiring successful futures for all."

JENNIFER

MOORE

I am a technically strong qualified accountant with 17 years’ experience in various industries from Public sector Educational settings to Private Sector, Manufacturing businesses. I have always been a strong advocate for enabling and encouraging self- development of myself and others and within my role as CFO I have had the opportunity to do this.

With my career background in business and my core values rooted in best financial value principles that include integrity, objectivity and openness. I am committed to striving to support the values of Woodbridge Trust in order to secure aspirational outcomes for our pupils and staff.

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER/

FINANCE DIRECTOR

SUSAN

TAILOR

HEAD TEACHER - LADYWOOD

I have had the honour of being part of the Bolton Community since I became an NQT, working alongside colleagues from both mainstream and special schools. Ladywood School’s overarching mission statement of ‘Believe and Achieve’ is something I hold as a core personal value.

I believe that children have the right to surprise us and should be enabled to achieve their upmost potential. As a school we aim to ignite curiosity, make learning electric and offer a curriculum that brings learning to life.

CATE

MARSDEN

DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS

I started my teaching career in Bolton in 1999 in a mainstream setting and very quickly became interested in children with additional needs. Inclusive practice, in that the whole education system will facilitate learning where teachers and learners embrace and welcome the challenge and benefits of diversity, is something I am still extremely passionate about. 4

Our aim at the Woodbridge Trust is to have high expectations and aspirations for the learners we support, helping schools, help learners to become the very best versions of themselves giving every child an opportunity to succeed.

DAWN
EVANS

HEAD OF SCHOOL - FIRWOOD

I have worked across the North West teaching in both Mainstream and Special School Secondary settings.

I have worked as a Senior Leader at Firwood for over 15 years and as Head of School, I am fully committed to ensuring all our students are able to learn without limits and are able to reach their full potential through a rich and diverse curriculum which prepares all students for their next steps.

MARIE

CULLEN

COLLEGE PRINCIPLE

I have always worked in Bolton, serving the community in which I live. As a primary school teacher I always wanted to improve the support for children with additional needs and went on therefore to become SENCo for the school.

Wishing to develop my skills further I became a teacher at Firwood High School, a senior leader and then Deputy Headteacher. During this time I also led Post 19 initiatives, in partnership with the local council, such as Project Search and Bolton Employability.

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the Post 19 developments for Woodbridge Trust. As Head of College I am passionate that our young people should progress into their adult lives as happy, fulfilled and successful individuals, whatever that means for them.

HEATHER

SCOTT

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

I am honoured to be the Chair of Woodbridge Trust Board, as well as the Chair of Trustees. I have been involved in governance for many years, initially as a governor then vice-chair of governors at Markland Hill Primary School in Bolton. In 2012 I became a governor at Ladywood School and then the Chair of governors in 2012.

For the last few years, I have worked toward the foundation of Woodbridge Academy Trust and assisted in the planning and processes to make this happen. For more than 30 years, I worked for the National Health Service as a Speech and Language Therapist, specialising in working with children with Special Needs. My links with Ladywood School began in 1992, and since then I have worked with many Bolton children and their families.

I have led a team of therapists and assistants who worked in people’s homes, nurseries, schools and hospitals. As a core member of the Child Development Team, I was part of the multidisciplinary approach with families during diagnosis and beyond. I have completed various management courses, and have been heavily involved in training staff from Health, Education and Social Services.

Clinically I have led regional study and development groups. On a personal note, I am married with 4 grown-up children.