Meet our Colton Hills Senior Leadership Team
(click on photo for more information)
Ms J Hunter
Headteacher
Miss H Nutting
Assistant Headteacher, Quality of Education - KS4 and Pupil Premium
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
My background:
I am from Wolverhampton, born and bred locally! I have been a second in department for English, a Head of English, a faculty leader, an Assistant Headteacher and now a Deputy Headteacher. I have worked at schools across Wolverhampton and Birmingham during my career.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
I am Deputy Headteacher for Curriculum, so my responsibility is everything that happens in classrooms - what we teach, how we teach it and the results that we achieve.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Teaching is a wonderful job because it allows you to share your passions and to inspire the next generation of young people. I particularly enjoy working at Colton Hills because of our diverse student body, which means that I am often learning as much from their students as they are from me. We have a parent community really committed to success, which makes the job so much more enjoyable.
Interesting facts about me:
I am a local boy, and a Wolves fan! I also love all kinds of sports, particularly American Football, where my team is the Green Bay Packers. My interests are wide and varied - music, literature, theatre, film, travel, exercise and videogaming. I have written a few books and have a completed a triathlon - these are my proudest achievements!
Deputy Headteacher,
Quality of Education
Mr S Blower
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!
Acting Deputy
Headteacher,
Teaching & Learning/CPD
My background:
I'm originally from Rugeley but now live on a smallholding near Stafford. I've worked in schools across the Midlands in various different roles including head of faculty and Director of Teaching and Learning, most recently I worked at a school in Cannock as Assistant Headteacher.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
As Deputy Headteacher - Pastoral, my role is to ensure all students are able to come to school and experience a calm, safe environment. I am also the strategic lead for Safeguarding and work closely with Mrs Bassi.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I was instantly attracted to come and work at Colton Hills after visiting the school and meeting the students and staff we have here. I came into teaching as I wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and through this role I feel that is possible. I enjoy forming long lasting, meaningful relationships based on mutual respect.
Interesting facts about me:
I have a great love for the outdoors and particularly enjoy walking with my family and two big dogs. I'm a Walsall FC season ticket holder and spend my weekends in the garden growing vegetables, cooking, watching my son play football and walking.
Mr S Williams
Deputy Headteacher,
Pastoral
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
Miss H Nutting
My background:
I have lived in Wolverhampton for most of my life, although I did move to Nottingham whilst at university. During my GAP year between University and Teacher training I moved to Wiltshire to work in horse racing. I completed my teacher training 18 years ago and have mainly worked in Wolverhampton/Walsall schools ever since.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role in school is to have an overview of achievement across the school, ensuring that systems are in place for all students to achieve their maximum potential. I have particular responsibility for KS4 and of course leading the Maths Curriculum.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
Working at Colton Hills is fantastic due to the diversity and enthusiasm of the students and the hard working nature of the staff.
Interesting facts about me:
I have been officially given the award of 'Number 1 Aunty' from my two nieces who I try to spend as much time with as possible. I have a cat called Geri who is excellent at chasing spiders and wrecking Christmas trees. I also have a Horse called Gina whom I have owned since she was born. This hobby means I'm up early and get in late but she is totally worth it. I love computer games and I am amazing at Minecraft in my own opinion!
Assistant Headteacher KS4 & Curriculum Leader Maths
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 S Rowley
Associate Assistant Headteacher - Quality of Education
My background:
Born and raised in Wolverhampton. I have been involved in lots of other experiences before training to teach. I have previously been in Credit Control and Book-keeping. However, my passion has always been in teaching and sharing my passion for English, growing from teaching into leading a core department and now school-wide.
What's your role at Colton Hills?
My role involves developing Disciplinary Literacy across the school and working with Year 10 and 11 students ensuring they achieve their potential.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
English is a subject surrounded in stories and language. Language is a powerful tool, both written and orally where worlds come alive through knowledge of the world. Watching students grow in their academic and pastoral journey is a privilege. CHCS is a school where all students are given opportunities to grow, regardless of their starting point.
Interesting facts about me:
I am a mother of two grown boys and enjoy playing darts and dancing (although I have two left feet)!
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.
