Meet the Leadership Team

Name	Role
Emma Merry	Interim Principal
Update coming soon
Tanya Goody	Vice Principal: Quality of Education
Tanya is the Vice Principal for Quality of Education and has over 20 years of senior leadership experience from a variety of school settings. She leads on key areas including teaching and learning, curriculum development, staff training, recruitment, and assessment. She is currently studying for her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), further strengthening her leadership expertise. She is passionate about creating an inclusive, high-achieving school environment and works closely with students, families, and staff to support every child’s success. Tanya is committed to continuous improvement to ensure all pupils receive the highest quality education and opportunities to thrive.

Lindsay Underwood	Assistant Principal: Quality of Teaching
Lindsay is a dedicated leader with over 20 years’ experience as an English Specialist Leader in Education and a teaching coach. As Assistant Principal for Quality of Teaching, she plays a pivotal role in driving high standards of teaching and learning across the school. Lindsay leads the school’s coaching programme, using a blend of observation, coaching and data-driven strategies to foster a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement. She is passionate about empowering educators at all stages of their careers, from early career teachers to aspiring leaders, and is committed to building leadership capacity across the staff. Holding a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and soon to graduate as a Fellow with Ambition Institute, Lindsay exemplifies a deep commitment to educational excellence and lifelong learning. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that high-quality teaching and educator development are interdependent—and essential to unlocking the full potential of every student and teacher.
Sally Birkby	Assistant Principal: CPDL and Research Lead
Sally is the Assistant Principal for Continuing Professional Development and Learning (CPDL), where she leads on staff development. Sally is committed to ensuring a culture of excellent teaching and learning is embedded across Weavers with staff excited and empowered to develop at all stages of their career. This ongoing development is across three levels: whole school; team and individual. With a strong background in teaching and leading in Maths, Sally is passionate about empowering teachers through evidence-informed practice and collaboration. After completing her NPQSL, Sally was inspired to bring to Weavers a range of SSAT accredited leadership development programmes. Leading on the facilitation of these four programmes for senior, middle, pastoral and those that aspiring leaders, Sally is committed to fostering a culture of professional development and providing opportunities for staff to showcase their strengths.
Matt Higgins	Assistant Principal: Academic Data and Assessment
Matt is the Assistant Principal of Academic Data and Assessment, where he leads the strategic use of data to improve student outcomes. With a strong background in educational leadership, data analysis and teaching PE and Maths, Matt collaborates with staff to design effective assessments, monitor academic progress, and drive data-informed decision-making. Passionate about continuous improvement, Matt ensures data is used effectively by teachers and leaders to monitor progress, set targets, plan lessons and improve outcomes for all our students. His strong drive for progress, attainment and next steps data to be shared with students and parents/guardian in a format that encourages growth and a healthy discussion on how to ‘be the best they can be’ makes him a vital part of the school’s leadership team.
Rose Oliva	Assistant Principal: Outcomes
Rose is the Assistant Principal for Outcomes, with over 10 years of senior leadership experience across diverse school settings. She leads on raising attainment, working closely with the different departments, while also championing independent learning, students’ motivation, homework, and Pupil Premium strategy. Currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), Rose is committed to inclusive leadership and ongoing commitment to ensuring every child receives the highest quality education and support to succeed. She acts as a bridge between academic and pastoral teams, aligning wellbeing and learning to support every student holistically. Rose works closely with students, families, and staff to create a nurturing, high-achieving environment where all pupils can thrive.
Deborah Noakes	Assistant Principal: Behaviour and Attitudes
Deborah is the Assistant Principal for Behaviour at Weavers Academy, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping a positive and inclusive culture that reflects the school’s core ethos: every teacher has the right to teach, and every student has the right to learn. Central to her work is a commitment to empowering staff to cultivate the right learning climate—both within and beyond the classroom—ensuring that all students can make meaningful progress. With a deep understanding of the diverse needs of young people, Deborah is dedicated to developing and implementing strategies that support every learner, particularly those who require additional help. Her passion for behaviour and culture led her to complete the National Professional Qualification (NPQ) in Behaviour and Culture, further enhancing her expertise in this vital area of school leadership. Deborah leads a highly committed behaviour team made up of pastoral managers and key workers. Together, they have fostered a culture where every child is seen, heard, and valued. Her leadership has been instrumental in building a school environment rooted in high expectations, mutual respect, and a strong focus on student well-being.
Kirstin McRae-Smith	Assistant Principal: Inclusive Provision
Kirstin McRae-Smith serves as Assistant Principal for Inclusive Provision. In her role, she oversees key areas that support student success and equity, including Literacy, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Transition. She also line manages the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) ensuring that all students receive the tailored support they need to thrive. Kirstin is the Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, as well as for Young Carers, advocating for some of the most vulnerable learners in the school community. Her commitment to inclusive education is underpinned by a strong belief in the power of trauma-informed practice. She recently completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership, with her final research project exploring the barriers to becoming a more trauma-informed school. This work reflects her passion for creating safe, supportive, and nurturing environments where every child can flourish.
Emma Huett	Assistant Principal: Ambition, Character and Ethos
Emma is the Assistant Principal for the Ambition, Character, Ethos and STEAM, where she leads on Personal Development.This plays a vital role in shaping the ambition, character, and well-being of our students throughout their secondary school journey. This role ensures that every young person is supported to grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate individual, ready to thrive in life beyond school. Key Areas of Responsibility include PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) which addresses the real-life challenges faced by teenagers, including topics like mental health, relationships, digital safety, financial literacy, and personal identity—empowering students to make informed, responsible choices. Careers, to ensure that students are prepared for the real world; Co-curricular program, which encourages students to discover their interests, develop new talents, and build confidence outside the classroom; Building Community engagement by working with local organisations and charities; Rewards & recognition that celebrates academic effort, personal growth, and positive contributions to school life.
Sarah Lightbody	Associate Assistant Principal: DSL
With extensive experience across both secondary and primary education settings, Sarah is a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and best outcomes for all students. Sarah has a deep understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and the importance of early intervention. Sarah's approach is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families and creating a safe and supportive school environment where every young person can thrive. Sarah and her team work closely with colleagues and external partners across SEND, Behaviour, and Attendance to take a holistic approach to student support and ensures that every young person receives the tailored care and guidance they need to thrive both academically and personally. Sarah's practice is rooted in compassion, vigilance, and a relentless commitment to keeping children safe from harm, while empowering staff and families to play an active role in safeguarding and student development.