Introduction from Gemma Earles, Headteacher, Ernesford Grange Community Academy.
Welcome to our Senior Team. Our aim is to give you an insight into who we are, what we do and what drives us to make a difference to the lives of our students.
My role as CEO of the trust is to make sure all children, in all our schools, no matter what their starting point, achieves their very best. Whether it is ensuring we have the right staff, the best facilities or the most up to date technology; the most important thing is how these impact on our everyday classroom teaching. I have a proven track record of ensuring exceptional student progress, whether this is with my own classes, as a Curriculum Leader of mathematics or as Headteacher of a whole school. I have the ability to help diagnose issues, find solutions and move a class, subject or school forward. I am exceptionally excited about working directly with the Ernesford Grange staff, to help them further improve the quality of education, which has dramatically improved since they joined Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust back in 2014. As a Trust we are so proud of Ernesford Grange for achieving a Good Ofsted rating in 2018 and my aim now it to work with the leaders to help them achieve Outstanding in their next inspection.
It is a privilege to be Headteacher at Ernesford Grange. For the past few years, I have been working as Headteacher of a Secondary School in Bradford and I am very proud of the improvements that we have made jointly as a school. Previously, I was Associate Headteacher at Sidney Stringer Academy and, prior to that, I led on Teaching and Learning across the trust, where I had the opportunity to work across different schools. I started my career as an MFL teacher and teaching will always be my favourite part of working with children. I love reading and researching about teaching and learning and how to be the most effective teacher. I love being part of a community school and working together with all the stakeholders to ensure that Ernesford remains firmly part of the wider community is very important to me. Outside of school, I love to read and to travel. Both provide the perfect escapism needed at the end of a long, busy day or term.
| I have had the privilege of working at Ernesford Grange Academy for ten years, and my passion for this school has only grown stronger. What drives me each day is seeing our students develop not just academically, but as well-rounded individuals with strong character. I believe education is about more than exam results, it is about helping young people discover their true potential and equipping them to become valuable, contributing members of society. There is nothing more rewarding than watching our students grow in confidence, resilience and compassion, knowing they are prepared to make a positive difference in the world. |
Promoting and developing literacy across the curriculum is one of my key roles as well as a personal passion. We continually develop our students’ reading, comprehension and communication skills to ensure they become confident and critical thinkers – perhaps one of the most important life skills. In addition, along with our research-driven staff, I am excited to explore the teaching and learning benefits of advancing technology. We are continually developing our use of specialist software and online learning platforms to promote an independent learning culture among our students.
As an English specialist, I love the arts and thoroughly enjoy reading, listening to music or accessing any platforms which broaden my horizons of peoples’ ideas and opinions. I enjoy a range of sports and I am a keen cyclist although I am not in the same league as Mrs Burrows! I am passionate about food and cooking and will regularly trial new flavours and combinations for my brave wife and daughter to try.
One of my main roles at Ernesford Grange is to develop students’ literacy skills. I have a true passion for reading and wanted to share that passion with all students to ultimately show how important it is to read on a regular basis. As well as this, it is extremely important for students to articulate themselves so they can express their perspectives; evaluate their peers’ opinions and boost their confidence so they are able to flourish in all subjects.
I became a teacher as I wanted to instil a belief in others, just as Shakespeare mentioned ‘it is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves’ and to motivate students in order to shape their own futures. This is where my everyday practice still holds true.
Throughout this year I will be shadowing different parts of the Senior Leadership Team, initially working closely with the Teaching and Learning Team. With this, I have developed a whole school project to integrate tangible strategies to aid in students thinking metacognitively, which will in turn allow students to think critically and plan, monitor and evaluate their own learning.
I believe that great teaching is a collaborative journey. My role focuses on supporting our wonderful teachers to deliver an engaging, high-challenge curriculum that empowers students to think critically and act independently. I am passionate about the ‘reflective’ side of pedagogy and always looking for ways to refine what we do to better serve our learners. I am an English teacher and I find immense joy in sparking a lifelong passion for reading and helping students find their voice through critical analysis.
As Head of Sixth Form, my mission is rooted in the belief that education should do more than just facilitating grades; it should shape global citizens. I am passionate about empowering our students to become caring, understanding individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world. Beyond the classroom, I find my balance through a love for music and film, and I am often at my happiest when cooking for friends or exploring the outdoors on a long walk.
I am deeply dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired. I lead on attendance with a focus on helping students understand the importance of being present, not just in the classroom, but as active participants in their own learning journey. Overseeing the PSHE and SMSC Tutor Programme, I am passionate about nurturing the personal growth, emotional well-being and social awareness of each student, ensuring they have the skills to face life’s challenges with confidence and kindness. As a PE teacher at heart, I believe in the joy and lessons found in sports, where students learn resilience, celebrate successes and build lasting friendships. Everything I do is guided by my commitment to helping students flourish in school and beyond.
| At the heart of my leadership is an unwavering commitment to the ‘whole child’ ensuring that our students enjoy a rich, diverse curriculum that meets their needs. I firmly believe that students thrive when they are genuinely well-cared for and it is this culture of support that ultimately fuels high performance. I pursue outstanding outcomes for all students because I know that strong examination results are the currency our students need to navigate the world. My mission is to ensure every student walks out of our gates with the confidence and qualifications to shape their own future |
I have a personal love for learning and since my teenage years I have been passionate about supporting others with additional needs to thrive. This passion paved the way for a role supporting learners with additional needs, EAL and those in care within the education sector. I work to try and ensure that student can thrive.
Having gone through the full academia experience of achieving a Ph.D and moving into research, I began supporting outreach work for the University of Warwick Physics Department. And fell in love with the role. Everyone who is lucky enough to have accumulated subject knowledge should endeavour to share it, and I am certain this country will be better with a well educated young generation. I want to play my small part in helping students appreciate the world around them.
My roles and responsibilities include:
- Head of Science Faculty
- Lead on Science Teaching and Learning for MAT
- Coventry SCITT Subject Development Leader for Science
- Ogden Trust Teaching Fellow – MAT Advisor and Secondary CPD
- Coventry Ogden Trust Partnership Coordinator
- STEM Learning Lead Facilitator
- SLE in Science
I have various interests and hobbies, these included:
- Supporting Chelsea FC
- Golf (4 handicap)
- Lego
- Photography
- Astronomy
- Live Music and Buying CDs (Over 1000 Albums now)
- Looking after my Parrot Frankie and hiding from my Cat Seamus