Meet our Colton Hills Senior Leadership Team
(click on photo for more information)
Ms J Hunter
Headteacher
My background:
After completing my A levels, I moved to England to attend university before working for a Fortune 500 Global Corporation as a tri-lingual IT Trainer in their European Headquarters. I returned to England to train to be an MFL teacher and have held both academic as well as pastoral leadership roles during my career.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
This is my second headship and I have learnt that as Headteacher my role is to create the best learning environment for every child so that they are ready to flourish when they enter the world as young adults.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
One of things I most enjoy about teaching is seeing students realise that they have achieved things they thought were impossible moments or months before. Working with children from Year 7 to Year 13 is a privilege and I love to see them years later when they return as alumni to share their successes with us.
Interesting facts about me:
I am a founding fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and have had the honour of serving on their Council too.
Ms J Hunter
Headteacher
Mr Martin Winward
Deputy Headteacher,
Pastoral
My background:
Born and bred in Bolton, Lancashire. My route into teaching was sparked when I was training toward ordination as a Church Minister. I volunteered for a charity called ‘Teen Challenge’ which supported young adults overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. Having a degree in Biblical Theology with Greek lent itself to me embarking upon a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Religious Studies and becoming a teacher – I chose to be the hands and feet of pastoral care alongside teaching as opposed to taking a ministerial position.
I have worked for a substantive amount of years in Wiltshire as a teacher, manager and leader before embarking upon headship in the Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands and then closer to home in the Crown Dependency of Guernsey. I have recently completed a brief time of service in a specialist setting as Headteacher supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced trauma from a very young age.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
I am Deputy Headteacher for Pastoral. This is a role I am very familiar with having years of experience in various educational settings. My mandate is to ensure young people’s voices are heard and that their needs are fully met. Every child matters. I hope that all young people are able to realise and maximise their full potential. I wish for every young person to find their talent and to begin realising this whilst at Colton Hills. I want every young person to enjoy coming to school to learn and give my energies to making this happen.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Being a teacher is a privilege indeed! I hold dear to me the responsibility I have in ensuring every conversation counts and that young people need an advocate to ensure they are both welcomed into their place of learning as well as supported to succeed along their journey through school – that person is me and the team I lead. My responsibility is to ensure that young people are included, supported, and kept safe whilst in school..
Interesting facts about me:
I started my working life as a machinist and pattern cutter in my parents’ business in Manchester when I was 16. I have swum in oceans around the world and trained as a RLSS Lifeguard whilst living in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Swimming daily in the English Channel was absolutely amazing! I have loved running from an early age but only completed my series of marathons during Covid lock down. I completed a triathlon of Olympic distances to raise money for Ukraine Appeal in 2022. I now enjoy swimming, weight training as well as reading and walking as part of my hobbies. My chocolate brown labrador, Ghillie Dhu, is my greatest fan, alongside my wife and three children who I love very much.
Mr D Gittins
My background:
Born and raised in Shrewsbury. After completing my History degree I spent a few years deciding what I wanted to do and worked in a number of different areas. In 2004 I decided to train as a teacher and have been at Colton Hills since 2006.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
I am the lead for Teaching and Learning and CPD, I oversee the Sixth Form and also a History teacher.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I'm passionate about the importance of my subject - History, and love seeing the sense of wonder in students' faces when introducing them to a new concept. I really enjoy the honour of having the opportunity to shape young minds and support them in their journey to success.
Interesting facts about me:
Spending time with my family is the best part of my life and this keeps me pretty busy. Reading and film are my two biggest interests particularly anything in a historical setting!
Assistant Headteacher,
Teaching & Learning/CPD
Mrs K Fox
My background:
Born Walsall, I completed my GCSE and A levels, then progressed to complete a Sport Science degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, followed by a PGCE in Physical Education at Birmingham University. Completed a Master at Birmingham University and my NPQSL. Started teaching at Abraham Darby Academy and then progressed into Senior Leadership when I joined Colton Hills in 2016.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role is to support student well-being and develop students to become well rounded citizens, monitor and support behaviour, attendance, work closely with the SENDCO and safeguarding team to ensure students are supported and safe. I also look after admissions, lead and manage KS3 year teams.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I love teaching students new skills and finding their hidden talent in sport. I enjoy developing students knowledge about their health and fitness so they have an understanding of how to ensure they maintain good physical and mental health and well-being when they leave school. I also enjoy helping students to grow and develop into model citizens of society and develop important skills to ensure they are successful in all areas of life.
Interesting facts about me:
I pole vaulted for Great Britain and during my A levels years', sat my exams in the International School of Milan. My other full time role which I love is being a mum to my two little girls. I am one of four siblings and was the only child in my family to go to university, so I know about breaking the mould and believe everyone can do this!
Assistant Headteacher, Personal Development and Attendance
Mrs R Jackson
My background:
I live in the town of Stourbridge which is the town I was born in. While at University I also worked as a youth leader for Dudley council, this job helped me decide that I would like to be involved in working with young people as a career. After qualifying as a teacher I worked in at The Grange School in Aylesbury. After a year I moved to Joseph Leckie School in Walsall, where as well as teaching PE, I was the community sports development officer. After 5 years at this school I joined Colton Hills School as the curriculum leader and PE. During my time at Colton Hills School I have also been a house leader before taking on my current role.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role at Colton Hills School is to manage transition from primary to secondary school and year 7. I also manage enrichment.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Although the school has changed greatly in the time I have been here, it has always been a caring school. I have worked alongside some wonderful staff who are very dedicated to giving students the skills and knowledge to lead successful futures.
Working at Colton Hills allows you to work with students from different cultures and countries across the world. Through the students I have learnt many important and interesting things that allows me to be more aware of the world we live in. I enjoy teaching as I feel you can make a positive contribution to young people lives, it is wonderful to see how children flourish as they journey through the school.
Interesting facts about me:
Before being a Mum, I enjoyed participating in a variety of sports, particularly hockey. My spare time now is spent with my two daughters, we have some great adventures together.
Associate Assistant Headteacher, Pastoral KS3
Miss L McClure
Associate Assistant Headteacher, Quality of Education
My background:
Born in Portsmouth and returned to the coast to attend the University of Plymouth. Attained a degree in Marine Biology and worked in a school and a laboratory before joining Colton Hills as a learning mentor. I trained to be a teacher at Colton, before becoming the Head of Science, then an Associate Assistant Headteacher.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role at Colton Hills School is to manage Science and the Sixth Form.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Sharing my passion for the subject with the students. I have had the privilege of working with some amazing staff and students who inspire me on a daily basis.
Interesting facts about me:
Random fact, as a teenager I won a family holiday in a dance competition!
Mrs M Bassi
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
My background:
Born in Wolverhampton and lived here since. I have been working in the safeguarding field for 15 years within a school setting.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role is to oversee the strategic planning of safeguarding across the school and make sure we are compliant with Government guidelines. I manage a small team here at the school, including our early help officer who manages the majority of our early help assessments we open with our pupils and families. The landscape for safeguarding is ever changing and we do our best at Colton Hills to respond to this.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I enjoy supporting students and being their voice to ensure they are safe in school and in the local community.
Interesting facts about me:
I have 2 beautiful children, enjoy going to the gym early hours for a positive start to the day. I used to attend Colton Hills Community School as a student.
