meet the team
As Executive Principal, it is my privilege to introduce our team. Our full-time staff of around 60 is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil at Joseph Norton Academy is able to settle quickly and is well supported to make good progress over time.
Our staff are trained professionals with an excellent array of skills and a shared commitment to the school's vision.
Key Contacts
If you have any questions or queries about our school, please contact Ruth Radcliffe in the first instance.
Sarah Wilson, Executive Principal
Sarah has overall responsibility for the school with the support of the school's governing body. Together they set the school's strategic direction by analysing current needs and planning for the future. Sarah is a member of the Department for Education's Headteacher Reference Group and gives advice on the potential impact of new policies on secondary and special education.
Todd Cheetham, Head of School
Todd joined Joseph Norton in March 2022 from Greenacre Special School in Barnsley, with over 10 years of experience. Todd is responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the school and has overall responsibility for the quality of education.
Oliver Taylor, Assistant Headteacher
Oliver is responsible for the leadership and development of our SEMH and PSHE curriculum and teaching pedagogy, which directly impacts the Personal Development of our students. Oliver is also responsible for the accreditation, vocational learning, careers and work experience of our Key Stage 4 learners, ensuring students are best placed to transition into life after Joseph Norton.
Catherine Astwood-Haslam, Assistant Headteacher
Catherine is passionate about the development of our pupils: both socially and academically. She has widespread experience of creating bespoke learning plans and interventions to suit individual pupil needs, as well as supporting teams in creating a more diverse and fully inclusive curriculum. She has worked as an independent education consultant for a large charity organisation, visiting schools across the UK to support and enthuse senior leadership teams in both primary and secondary settings. Catherine oversees the Elements and Cornerstones curriculum. She is also responsible for progress across the school.
Craig Skirrow, Assistant Headteacher
Craig joined Joseph Norton in April 2023 having worked at Springwell Academy Leeds as the curriculum leader for PE for the previous 5 years. Craig is responsible for the leadership and development of the PE curriculum as well as the induction and development of ISW’s.
Kirsty Field, Assistant Headteacher
Kirsty joined Joseph Norton in April 2023, she is responsible for the leadership and development of the KS3 curriculum; a curriculum that has been carefully tailored to support the individual needs of all pupils. She has an extensive knowledge of teaching and learning in SEMH provisions and supports staff, through meaningful CPD sessions, to create a substantial and comprehensive curriculum.
Darryl Jones, Pastoral Manager DSL
Darryl is our school's Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL). Darryl will often be the first person you will meet at our school and his team members will be your first contacts if you have any questions or queries. Darryl is also a Positive Regard consultant and delivers training at schools and settings across the country.
Ruth Radcliffe, Operations and Partnership Manager
Ruth's role is integral to the smooth running of the school. She is responsible for the leadership of human and physical resources and oversees areas such as health and safety, first aid and recruitment. Ruth is also responsible for overseeing the management of the school's finances. This includes helping to set and monitor the school's budget. Ruth also supports with school uniform, school transport and income generation.
Mollie McKay, SENDCo
Mollie is our school SENDCo. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of our SEN policy, which includes:
Supporting the identification of children’s special educational needs
Co-ordinating provision
Liaising with parents
Liaising with other providers, outside agencies, educational psychologists and external agencies
Supporting transitions to and from the school