The John Of Gaunt School

Matthew Woodville

Headteacher

I’m really proud to be the headteacher of The John of Gaunt School after the privilege of being a headteacher in various south-west schools since 2014. Living in the local community, what strikes me as special about The John of Gaunt School are the opportunities and great teaching it provides the young people in its care – similar to my own school experience that gave so much and had such a large impact on who I am today. After graduating from Queen Mary’s College, University of London in law, and a brief spell working in the city, I found my true calling and a job that gave real satisfaction and made me happy; making a difference to the next generation. That remains my driver today, to improve the life chances of every young person who comes through the gates. Outside of work, a geography teacher at heart, you’ll generally find me and my family on a country walk or slowly chipping away at the South West coast path, wild swimming in sea or river or competing at board games.

Ben Rhodes

Deputy Headteacher

I have proudly served the community of Trowbridge in my capacity as Deputy Headteacher of The John of Gaunt for 6 years. My main responsibilities are based around the quality of curriculum, timetabling the curriculum, the effectiveness of our distributed leadership and the progress of disadvantaged students. I have experience of working in 6 different schools with responsibilities in pastoral, pedagogical and curriculum roles. I have held senior leadership roles in 4 of these schools and am a Specialist Leader of Education. I am passionate about my profession and I am driven to ensure I can help provide our students with the best life-chances possible. I feel privileged to work within such a child-centred school. Outside of teaching I coach the Under 13 Bath Junior Rugby squad and enjoy either hosting or visiting Trowbridge Rugby Football Club, competing against a few familiar faces!

Linda Baines

Assistant Headteacher / DL - Post 16 Studies

I have worked at The John of Gaunt School for over two decades and am proud to be part of this school and a long serving member of its community. As well as being an English teacher, I am an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for leading the Sixth Form. I lead a dedicated team of staff and together we are all united in offering students a wide range of opportunities to equip our learners for their future pathways. It is an absolute privilege to see our young people flourish, gain independence and become responsible and purposeful citizens of the next generation. In this role I work in liaison with local universities and alongside local employers through our school's careers programme. Outside of school my time is filled being a Mum to my primary school aged child. At weekends you'll mostly find me on a muddy boot walk or in Dorset where I grew up and my family still live.

Helen Kerr

Assistant Headteacher

My name is Helen Kerr. I am Assistant Head Teacher at The John of Gaunt School where I have worked for nearly two decades. I teach currently PSHE and RE but have also taught ICT and Citizenship in previous years. My responsibilities as a member of the senior leadership team centre around student care and wellbeing. I have responsibility for behaviour for learning within the school and alongside this I have strategic responsibility for the pastoral teams within the school. I look after all school admissions and in particular I work with the year 7 Team to oversee transition from primary school and to ensure students successfully settle into The John of Gaunt School. I also work with outside agencies to support personalised learning provision for those who need this outside of school A key element of my role is as the school’s designated safeguarding lead, supporting, with my team, a range of student needs. I am passionate about supporting young people’s mental health and am a part of the Local Authority training team as a national instructor for Mental Health First Aid courses. Outside of my school life I have been married for over 20 years and have a teenage daughter and a rather daft golden retriever. This year, like many others, I have developed a real enjoyment of cycling and most weekends will find me exploring local countryside on my bike.

Sara Ambrose

Assistant Headteacher

Following a 6-month placement teaching English as a foreign language on my GAP year, I realised that teaching was my calling. After I graduated, I spent time working in the city of Bristol as a youth worker, teaching assistant and cover supervisor before qualifying as a teacher of both English and Drama. After teaching both subjects in my early career, I developed as a leader of English in 2 different schools. I then spent 4 years raising attainment as the Head of English in a school in BANES. I joined The John of Gaunt School as an Assistant Headteacher in September 2018 and am proud to be part of such a wonderful community. One of my responsibilities at The John of Gaunt is literacy across the curriculum. My aim is for all of our students to have a reading age in line with their chronological age because I believe that this is the best way for them to access a broad curriculum and be successful in their futures. Throughout my career, I have always been passionate about the role school has in not only raising attainment but developing the whole child and am excited by the possibilities and opportunities we provide for our students. I am also a firm believer that to be successful in school - you have to be in school! I am proud to lead our attendance strategies; to support families and ensure that all of our students are in school regularly, making the most of their time with us. Outside of school, I enjoy playing Touch Rugby - but two snapped ACLs have meant a temporary retirement from league involvement!

Amy Eyers

Assistant Headteacher

It has been my pleasure to return to The John of Gaunt School in my current capacity as Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for ensuring high quality teaching and learning and the continuous professional development of staff. Prior to this role, I worked here for seven years, firstly as director of the key stage 3 curriculum in English and whole school literacy and then as Director of Learning for the English and media studies faculty. I have experience working in and alongside a range of primary and secondary schools in Trowbridge and across Wiltshire, as a Specialist Leader of Education focusing on improving literacy across all ages; for several years I also facilitated the Collaborative Schools Literacy Forum. Outside of teaching, I am an English literature examiner for AQA and, as a lifelong learner, have recently completed courses in floral design, botany and scientific illustration.

Abbie Lanng

Assistant Headteacher

I have always had a passion for education and truly believe that everyone has the ability to achieve and excel in whatever they put their minds to. My love for teaching started when I volunteered as an environmental education officer in Kent, working with students from Hackney. This really opened my eyes to the positive impact adults can have on young peoples lives. I left this to complete my teacher training and started my first teaching job at the St John’s Academy, Marlborough, in 2008. I joined the John of Gaunt School in 2014, initially as the Director of Learning for Science, progressing to Assistant Headteacher in September 2020. My current responsibilities include raising standards, data and assessment. It’s a real pleasure to work in such a student-centred, progressive community-based school. I have recently completed both the Teacher Leaders course and my NPQSL. These have allowed me to become a more reflective leader. I am a very enthusiastic and passionate teacher. I truly believe that for students to progress they must be fully involved in the lessons, as the Chinese proverb says ‘Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.’

Nigel Reeves

Business & Finance Manager

I joined The John of Gaunt School in April 2018 and in 2021 will have worked in Education (specialising in Finance) for 30 years. During that time I have seen many changes in the education world and been involved in lots of projects including the construction and opening of a new secondary school. With these skills I hope to play a continuing part in the ongoing success of the school and the constant challenge of matching the Education requirements with the funding available. Outside of School as well as being a family man, I am a keen sports fan and can still be found playing cricket on a Saturday afternoon.

Sandra Nichols

Headteacher's PA

I am immensely proud of being part of this wonderful school for over 20 years! During that time I have seen countless Year 7 students arrive nervously on their first day and leave at the end of their education full of confidence and excitement for what lies ahead. I believe every child is entitled to an excellent education, and they will certainly receive that at John of Gaunt. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, walking and watching Formula 1.

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Staff

Our Senior Leadership Team