The Staff and Governors at Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School are just one of the reasons we have such a wonderful school. Many have been with us for a number of years which provides excellent continuity for the children and our specialist teachers offer a unique learning experience.
Teaching Staff
Mr David Martin – BA (Hons), MA in Business, PGCE (QTLS), PGCE (QTS). National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL)
After spending thirteen years in the business sector, Mr Martin began his teaching career at Craven College and within Professional Sports Associations where he taught Sports Science. He has been at Ghyll Royd School for eleven years, firstly as a Physical Education Specialist, developing the PE curriculum, then as Form 3 and Form 2 Class Teacher and for the last three years as our Head Teacher overseeing the successful inspection in February 2015 and our school development plan. Mr Martin has led the implementation of the assessment and reporting arrangements for the school and has completed the ‘Senior Leadership Course’ with the National Teaching and Leadership College.
Miss Sarah Gresswell – Form 6 Teacher – BA (Hons) in History, PGCE with Teach First
Miss Gresswell has a History Degree from the University of Reading. She completed her PGCE as part of the charity program Teach First. She has worked across a wide range of age groups from EYFS to KS2. Before starting her teaching career, she worked for The University of Cambridge Library, in the manuscripts department. She also enjoys long distance running and rowing and has been a coxswain for both junior and adult rowing teams. Miss Gresswell will be developing the Year 6 and Science Curriculum next year.
Mr Hadley Nicholson – Deputy Head and Year 5 Teacher – BA (Hons) PGCE Primary
Mr Nicholson has a BA (Hons) in Applied Psychology and Philosophy from Liverpool John Moores University. He completed his MA in Education, specialising in ‘Child Development’ and ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’. Prior to teaching, Mr Nicholson worked as an expedition leader in the Colorado Rockies and as a freelance travel journalist. In the past he has also been an England U19s Basketball player and before joining Ghyll Royd taught at Malsis School as a Form and Physical Education Teacher. Mr Nicholson has also completed the MPQ ‘ Leadership Course’ with the National Teaching and Leadership College.
Mr Richard Laycock – Year 4 Teacher – Lower KS2 Phase Leader – Cert Ed, BA (Hons) QTS
Mr Laycock has been a teacher at Ghyll Royd School for eleven years and has taught all classes from Forms 3 – 5. He is our History specialist and has developed this area of the curriculum over a number of years. Mr Laycock is currently our Phase 2 Leader.
Mrs Sue Beeson – Form 3 Teacher – Diploma in Teaching (Australia)
Mrs Beeson began her teaching career in Australia and has taught for over thirty years in the primary sector. During her eighteen years at Ghyll Royd School she has taught Forms 1, 2, 3, and 6 and for seven years she was Head of Key Stage 2 and Deputy Headteacher.
Miss Megan Brown – Year 1 and Year 2 Teacher – BA (Hons) QTS in Primary Education
After successfully completing her four year Primary Education Degree at Bradford College, Miss Brown went on to work at Sandal Primary School in Baildon as a Year 1 Teacher. Alongside this, Megan has developed interests in music (playing, listening and attending concerts), sport, travelling, skiing and yoga! Miss Brown also has the additional role of student mentor, overseeing trainee teacher development. From September, Miss Brown will take over the English co-ordinator role.
Mrs Cath Downes – Year 1 and Year 2 Teacher – KS1 Phase Leader – BA (Hons) in History & Archaeology, PGCE (QTS)
Mrs Downes taught at Moorfield School for twelve years including four years as Head of Key Stage 1. She has been teaching Form 1 at Ghyll Royd School for seven years and was instrumental in the introduction of the ‘Learning Challenge’ curriculum. Mrs Downes is currently Phase 1 Leader.
Specialist Staff
Mrs Elizabeth Coultas – Music Teacher – BA (Hons) LTCL (TD) ALCM
Mrs Coultas has taught music for 27 years. She has a BA (Hons) Degree in Music and also holds a LTCL Teaching Diploma from Trinity College London and an ALCM from the London College of Music. She also plays the clarinet and piano.
Mrs Keeley Smith – Art Teacher – BA (Hons) Art Therapy, PGCE Primary
During her time at Malsis Mrs Smith accepted the role as Head of Art. She has a degree in Art Therapy, later practicing for five years before going on to complete her Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Mrs Keeley Smith – Modern Foreign Languages Teacher BA (Hons) PGCE Primary
Mrs Smith has been teaching for nine years and previously worked at Malsis School for 5 years and prior to that Christchurch C of E School in Skipton. During her time at Malsis Mrs Smith was KS1 co-ordinator and class 2 teacher. Mrs Smith has ‘A’ Level Spanish and spent a year living in Barcelona to further her language skills.
Mr Nicky Wilce – Physical Education Teacher – BA (Hons) Sports Science
Mr Wilce will continue to deliver high quality PE for Ghyll Royd School and Pre-School. He has a wealth of experience teaching PE and Sport in both the US and UK and holds a variety of Level 2 coaching awards, along with a master’s Degree in physical Activity, Exercise and Health.
Mrs Sue Hughes – Drama Teacher – BA (Hons) Performing Arts and Drama
Mrs Hughes has taught drama and directed productions for 30 years and has a degree in Performing Arts and Drama. She has been the Director of Performance Drama School for 16 years, which is a Trinity Guildhall Examinations Board approved Centre. Mrs Hughes is Ghyll Royd’s first specialist Drama teacher and joined the school in 2017.
Early Years Staff
Mrs Helen Hudson – Reception Class Teacher and Early Years Phase Leader – BA (Hons) English with Qualified Teacher Status
Miss Megan Brown – Reception Class Teacher – BA (Hons) QTS in Primary Education
Mrs Jennifer Johnson – Room Leader, Great Explorers – BA (Hons) in Combined Arts which included Early Education, MA in Art History, International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy (Level 5)
Mrs Julia Davis – Room Leader, Little Adventurers – Level 3 Nursery Management
Mrs Katherine Watson – EY Practitioner, Little Adventurers – Level 3 Early Years Childcare and Education
Mrs Sarah Langan – Part Time Early Years Practitioner – NVQ Level 3
Miss Effie King – Part Time Early Years Practitioner – Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning Support
Mrs Claire Neild – MA (Hons) in Sociology, Higher Level Teaching and Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Stacey Ellis – Degree in Early Childhood Studies and holds the NNEB qualification
Before and After School Care
Mrs Sarah Langan – NVQ Level 3
Mrs Julie Tomkinson – Level 3 in Pre-School Practice, Learning Support and Special Needs
Miss Effie King – Level 3 Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Mr Liz Coultas – Clarinet
Mr Alistair Pryde – Drum and Guitar – BA (Hons), L.MusLSM, NABBC
Mrs Clare Richards – Violin and Piano
Support Staff
Mrs Gilly Downs – School Secretary/PA to Headteacher – NNEB
Ms Louise Beanlands – Secretary
Miss Rebecca Wilson – Marketing, Communications and Events – BA (Hons) Broadcast Journalism (Industrial)
Mrs Emma Smeaton – Bursar
Mrs Bev Kitching – Finance Officer
Mr Sean Morgan – Chef
Mrs Del Dearing – Catering Assistant
Mrs Julie Tomkinson – Lunchtime and Play Supervisor
Mr Keith Holland – Caretaker
Mrs Maddie Holland – Cleaner
Mrs Zofia Wiacek – Cleaner
Governors
Mr Phil Stephenson- Chair – Mr Stephenson can be contacted via the School Office on 01943 865575 or email information@ghyllroydschool.co.uk
Mr Paul Barret – HR Governor
Mr Paul Nolan – Finance and Parent Governor
Mr Alistair Freegard – Marketing and Parent Governor
Mrs Sarah Williamson – Deputy Head at Giggleswick School – Education and Safeguarding Governor
Mrs Elizabeth Lammas – Education and Parent Governor
