Staff

Head of Academy – Miss S Taylor

I am extremely fortunate to be the Head of Academy at The Vale Primary Academy. I thoroughly enjoy working here and love the positive environment the team have created for the children to thrive in. I qualified as a teacher ten years ago after working as a teaching assistant, whilst doing my degree. I have since worked in various different schools across both Key Stages as a teacher, helping children make rapid progress and achieve their full potential. I have also worked with both staff and students to develop their practice and have recently been recognised for my skills as an experienced mentor by Delta. 

Assistant Principal / Year 6 Teacher - Mr Cooke

I am very excited to be joining The Vale Primary Academy this year. I have 10 years of teaching experience across a range of age groups and schools. Two years ago I joined Delta Academies Trust as a Director of Primary Learning and have worked with lots of children, staff and schools across the trust. I am really looking forward to working with Year 6 this year and supporting them to make progress and achieve their potential at the end of KS2. In the role of Assistant Principal, I will strive to ensure opportunities for all children to make progress and enjoy learning across the academy.

Assistant Principal - Mrs S Ellis - On maternity leave

I am very excited to be joining The Vale Primary Academy and being part of a fantastic team of staff, where I hope I can use my skills to support and develop them and myself. I have 11 years teaching experience from a school in Leeds, where I have taught across foundation stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I have been assistant headteacher at my previous school for three years too. I am really pleased I will be part of the Year 1 team this year and will strive to provide exciting, engaging and motivating learning opportunities.In my spare time, I love running and I have completed six marathons in the past few years, and am part of my local running club. I like to keep fit and keep a clear head at the same time.

Foundation Stage Teacher – Miss H Davis

I am incredibly excited to be spending my second year in EYFS and teaching the reception class. I am passionate about delivering creative lessons and provision for our children. In my free time, I enjoy partaking in yoga and spending time with family.

Year 1 Teacher/EYFS Lead – Mrs Oates

I am an enthusiastic Early Years Practitioner with 5 years experience across EYFS and KS1. I am passionate about givingchildren the best possible start to their education and love watching them grow in confidence and develop their independent skills as they progress across the foundation stage.I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching Castleford Tigers and keeping fit by playing squash and badminton.

Year 1 Teacher/SENCo – Mrs S Rowse

After teaching in KS1 for four years I have developed a deep understanding of this fundamental stage of our children’s education. As the SEN Co-ordinator for the Vale Primary Academy I feel incredibly passionate about breaking down the barriers for our children and making sure they’re fully supported so they achieve their utmost potential. My ongoing goal as a teacher is to inspire and nurture children so they can see their own brilliance and believe in themselves, allowing them to become the best they can be. In my free time I like to take my little dog for countryside walks, finishing in a cafe for coffee and cake.

Year 2 Teacher – Mr L Goodman

I have worked in educational institutes for over ten years, first as a Teaching Assistant and then as a Teacher.  This has given me experience in all year groups across primary and secondary education, including supporting children with varied special educational needs. I am extremely passionate in making sure all children are happy and successful. Out of school, I enjoy socialising and keeping fit, along with spending time with friends and family.

Year 3 Teacher - Miss Braithwaite

I am excited to be joining The Vale Primary Academy this year and can’t wait to get to know all the children in my Year 3 class! I recently graduated from the University of Hull after studying Primary Teaching for three years. I am passionate about teaching and making a difference in children’s lives. I think it is vital that I make sure all children in my class feel happy, safe and gain the necessary skills to help them achieve their best. I love to go for walks with my dog in the countryside around my village. I also enjoy photography and doing arts and crafts in my spare time. My family is also very important to me and I try to see them all as often as I can.

Year 4 Teacher - Mr Webster

I’m really pleased to be welcomed into The Vale Primary Academy team. I started my career in education by mentoring at the home of the mighty Leeds United as part of the Playing for Success scheme. Since then I’ve worked as a teaching assistant and then as a Teacher. I’ve worked with different schools throughout the Leeds and Wakefield area across all year groups. I aim to set my children up with skills, a positive attitude and a love of learning that will last them for whatever the future holds for them. I love history and walking. I can often be found exploring castles and ruins or walking up mountains and through fields during my spare time.

Year 5 Teacher - Miss Armstrong

I am very excited to get to know my new Year 5 this year, after a year of teaching both Year 1 and Year 5 at The Vale Primary Academy. Prior to teaching, I worked in children's publishing in London and love getting children excited about books, helping them on their journey to become life-long readers. I have a PGCE in Primary Education as well as a BA in English Literature. I love to get outdoors and spend most weekends enjoying the beach at the East Coast. I'm a keen hiker and am challenging myself to climb all three UK peaks this year. I also love the drawing, so I'm looking forward to getting creative with the children this year and developing their art skills.