Mike Sidebottom
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Academy Leadership Team
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
Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
I am a technically strong qualified accountant with 20 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.
Susan Tailor
Executive Headteacher
Throughout my career I have been passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people through collaboration, strong relationships and a shared commitment to excellence. As Executive Head across Woodbridge Trust, I have the privilege of working with colleagues, families, governors and our wider community to inspire successful futures for all.
I believe every child has the right to surprise us and should be supported to achieve their fullest potential. By nurturing curiosity, ambition and a love of learning, we strive to provide opportunities that help every learner flourish.
Lynsey Brierley
Headteacher – Ladywood
Having been part of the Ladywood team for over twenty years, it has been a privilege to witness first-hand how our school community continues to grow and evolve, and the positive impact it has on the lives of our children and families far beyond the Ladywood doors. I am proud to have the opportunity to build on a strong and meaningful legacy, shaped by years of dedication, care and commitment to our children and families.
Rooted in our Trust values of Integrity, Respect and Kindness, I am committed to creating opportunities for all children, families and staff, celebrating individuality and ensuring everyone feels valued and proud of what they can achieve. I am committed to creating an inclusive environment where individuality is celebrated, high aspirations are embedded and every child is given the opportunity to thrive. We commit to making a lasting difference to the lives of our children, both during their time at Ladywood and long into the future.
Carl Heatley
Headteacher – Firwood
I am proud to be the Headteacher of Firwood High School and to be part of the Woodbridge Trust. I have worked in education for over 25 years in a variety of senior leadership roles, leading school improvement, behaviour and inclusion, safeguarding, attendance and pastoral care. Throughout my career, my passion has always been to ensure that every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential.
I believe that belonging, strong relationships, high expectations and kindness are the foundations of an exceptional school. Every young person deserves to be known as an individual, have their voice heard, and be given the opportunity to succeed, whatever challenges they may face.
Ruth Macleod
College Principal
As Principal of Woodbridge College, my mission is to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential as they prepare to transition to the next stage of their journey.
I have served young people across the North West in both mainstream and special schools throughout my teaching career. I am passionate about teaching and learning and the professional development of staff to ensure that students get the very best educational experiences.
Vicky Barker
Head of WSS
As Head of SEND Service, my mission is to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the borough are supported, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We work in every school across Bolton to support children with additional needs, ensuring that high-quality, person-centered provision is at the heart of everything we do. As a trauma-informed practitioner, I am deeply committed to creating safe, supportive environments where every child feels seen and understood. I am passionate about driving inclusive practice and the professional development of our teams to ensure that every child in Bolton receives the very best educational experience and is well-prepared for the next stage of their journey.