SLT

Helen Fry

Headteacher

As Headteacher, my role is to ensure all aspects of life at Watling Academy run effectively to provide the highest standards of Care, Education and Opportunity. I joined Watling Academy in September 2022, initially as Deputy Headteacher with overall responsibility for Education.  I have several years’ experience of leading provision and support for students with SEND, as well as whole school provision within the areas of both Care and Education. I am committed to ensuring that Watling Academy supports all students to achieve their own ambitions and maximises progress both within and beyond the curriculum. Watling Academy has grown rapidly since opening in September 2020 and has become an exceptional school in Milton Keynes. As we continue to grow to a full 11-18 school, I will be overseeing this growth to ensure that all students are supported to become confident and successful members of our school and local community. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness central to what we do every day and an important part of my role involves ensuring that Watling Academy is a happy, safe and inclusive community.

James Cassidy

Deputy Headteacher

I am Deputy Headteacher at Watling Academy and I have been at the Academy since we opened in September 2020. In my role I oversee Teaching and Learning to ensure that all students receive the very best teaching and opportunities to learn whilst at school. I work with members of the Senior Leadership Team to monitor standards across the school and to celebrate examples of excellent teaching and learning. As teachers we are very passionate about our work. We are constantly seeking new ways of delivering subject material and providing opportunities to develop students as learners. It is my role to support teachers in developing aspects of their own teaching practice to give students the very best learning experience that we can.

Jo Harris

Deputy Headteacher

I am Deputy Headteacher at Watling Academy, overseeing Care and Opportunity. I believe that every student should have access to a range of educational experiences that inspire and motivate them to flourish and succeed, both academically and socially. Inclusion is at the heart of Watling Academy, and part of my role is to ensure that we work collaboratively to remove any barriers to learning, allowing all students to be challenged, engaged, and equipped to achieve their personal best. No two students are the same, and it is crucial that we get to know students as individuals, meeting their needs with the highest levels of support and pastoral care.

Anthony Brown

Acting Deputy Headteacher

I am Acting Deputy Headteacher and a Science teacher at Watling Academy. I believe that all students deserve the opportunity to maximise their knowledge and skills during their time here, and my role is to support teachers in closely and effectively monitoring the progress of all students. This allows us to support all individuals and to provide the best possible education for every student. Another important aspect of my role is making sure Watling provides the most suitable pathways and qualifications for learners as they move through the school, and that the courses we offer cater for all of our students. These things combined are crucial in maximising every student’s chance of success and giving each individual the best opportunity to move onto their chosen career path once they leave Watling.

Natalie Bennett

Assistant Headteacher

I am an Assistant Headteacher, English and Media Studies teacher at Watling Academy. I am also the Academy’s SENDCo. I am passionate about ensuring all our students, regardless of their abilities or experiences, have access to the best education, care and opportunities whilst they are at Watling. My role includes working with staff across the Academy to ensure our students with SEND, EAL and identified as Pupil Premium get the support needed to achieve their potential. Another important aspect of my role is working with those students who are in care, ensuring appropriate support is in place for them within school, working alongside our safeguarding team and external agencies as needed.

Martin Gibbs

Assistant Headteacher

As an Assistant Headteacher at Watling Academy I am responsible for Admissions, Punctuality and Transition, I also teach Physical Education. I started at Watling Academy when it opened in 2020 and have enjoyed being involved in a wide range of roles, from Head of Year and Head of Department to being involved in the setting up key areas of the Academy such as the House System and Student Council. I firmly believe that every student should thoroughly enjoy their time at Watling Academy, developing as an individual, whilst being given the opportunity to meet their academic potential. To achieve this, I work with our Heads of Year, Assistant Heads of Year, Form Tutors, and Pastoral Assistants to support our students; identifying and overcoming any barriers they may have along the way. The Pastoral team and I are looking forward to working with students, parents and carers alike to ensure the best outcomes for all at Watling Academy.

Cameron Parks

Assistant Headteacher

I am an Assistant Headteacher at Watling Academy, where I teach Spanish and lead the curriculum for Wellbeing. As the school’s Mental Health Lead, I play a central role in supporting students’ mental health needs and overall wellbeing. In today’s world, where mental health is more important than ever, we at Watling Academy place a strong emphasis on fostering a healthy, supportive environment for both students and staff. We understand that a positive mental state is the foundation for both personal and academic success, which is why our commitment to wellbeing is woven into everything we do.

In addition to my teaching role, I also support and coordinate the Personal Development of students, ensuring those who may require a personalised approach are equipped to make positive choices and succeed.

I am passionate about promoting the academic and personal growth of every student. I believe that resilience is a key part of achieving success, and that mental wellbeing plays a crucial role in helping students realise their potential. Through our Tutorial, assembly, and wider wellbeing programme, we are dedicated to helping students, and staff alike, look after their physical and mental health so they can thrive throughout their time at Watling Academy and beyond.

Adam Say

Assistant Headteacher

As a member of the leadership team at Watling Academy, I hold primary responsibility for Behaviour and Safeguarding, in addition to teaching Physical Education and Mathematics. I work closely with our Pastoral, SEND, Wellbeing, and Safeguarding teams to ensure that every student, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, feels safe, supported, and valued.

I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where all students have a voice, feel empowered to express themselves, and are equipped to thrive academically and personally. Pastoral care is at the heart of my work, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

I joined Watling Academy because of our shared vision to deliver exceptional pastoral support and to contribute to the continued growth of the school. I am proud to be part of Watling Academy at this exciting stage of its development. As an experienced Senior Leader and teacher, I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of both our students and the wider school community.

Jeremy Stormer

Assistant Headteacher

I joined the Senior Leadership team at Watling Academy in the 2021-22 academic year as an Assistant Headteacher, having previously been part of the Senior Leadership team at Ousedale School. My key areas of responsibility are leading attendance and the development of opportunity for our students, as well as teaching Physical Education and Travel and Tourism. I work alongside the attendance and pastoral teams to ensure high levels of attendance, encouraging pupils and families are supported to maximise the educational and broader opportunities available to them. Opportunity at Watling Academy is valued alongside Care and Education, and I work alongside the brilliant team of staff here to ensure students receive a wide range of opportunities such as extra-curricular clubs, outdoor education, trips, that broaden their horizons and develop them holistically. I also lead in the continued development of our Careers Provision to ensure all students are well-prepared for their next steps when they leave Watling Academy, be it for education or employment.  Through careers-related activities and our curriculum, students will be prepared for the range of opportunities available and have access to personalised guidance to support their decision-making. I am determined to support our students in pushing their boundaries and going beyond what they believe they are capable of, whilst having an experience they will never forget.

Hannah Webb

Assistant Headteacher

I am an Assistant Headteacher at Watling Academy, focusing on Curriculum, Progress, and Intervention. I teach Health and Social Care and Physical Education, and I am committed to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum across all key stages to empower students and teachers. I believe in creating a learning environment that challenges students and adapts to their individual needs, enabling them to thrive through engaging and relevant curriculum content. At Watling Academy, we promote the three key themes of our curriculum intent—Milton Keynes, STEM, and Environmental Sustainability—helping students reflect on their role within the local community. By closely monitoring student progress and implementing targeted interventions, I aim to encourage all students to achieve their academic aspirations and excel in their educational journey.