Meet the Teams

It is a privilege to serve as the Headteacher of King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, a school I have proudly called home for the past four years. During this time, I have witnessed first-hand the talent, resilience, and ambition of our students and the dedication of our staff, all united by a shared vision: to ensure that every girl succeeds and thrives.

As a British-born Indian Sikh woman, I take great pride in leading a school in Birmingham – a city celebrated for its vibrancy and cultural diversity. Our community reflects a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and I am delighted that our academy embodies this spirit of inclusivity and strength. Being a mother of two has deepened my passion for education and strengthened my commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach her full potential.

At the heart of our approach is High Performance Learning (HPL). We believe that high achievement is possible for every student, and we are committed to developing the values, attitudes, and attributes that prepare our young women to succeed in a complex, global society. This aligns closely with the values of the King Edward VI Foundation – Ambition, Belonging, and Open-mindedness – which underpin all of our work. By living out these values each day, we ensure our students are not only well-prepared academically, but also grow as compassionate, confident young women ready to make a positive difference in the world.

As one of our students so beautifully expressed, we are “an eagle, soaring high and reaching our aspirations.” At Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, we truly believe that “Our girls can and our girls will.” I warmly welcome you to our school community and invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to support every girl to achieve her very best – academically, personally, and socially. Together, we will ensure that Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy remains a place where all our students can truly flourish and succeed.

I strongly believe that all students can reach their full potential with the right curriculum and support network. Having been a senior leader at the academy for ten years, I have seen the confidence, and the voice of our young women grow year on year, which places them in a great position to be the leaders of tomorrow.

I have the responsibility for the quality of education and lead on our HPL (high performance learning) drive to ensure more students reach the top. Our curriculum offers the very best learning experiences in a wide range of subjects which we implement carefully in each of our lessons. We support our staff to deliver on our mission to unlock potential and overcome barriers and believe that with practise, perseverance, and self-belief our students will be school-ready, work-ready and life-ready.

My name is Mrs Dennis, and I am proud to serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead at our school. In my role, I am responsible for ensuring the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of every student in our care. I work closely with staff, families, and external agencies to create a secure and nurturing environment where all pupils feel valued, respected, and supported. With a strong commitment to child protection and safeguarding, I lead on the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote a culture of vigilance and early intervention.  

My approach is rooted in empathy, consistency, and collaboration, ensuring that safeguarding is not just a statutory duty but a shared responsibility across our school community. I also provide training and guidance to staff, helping them to identify concerns and respond appropriately, and I am the first point of contact for any safeguarding issues.  

As Assistant Headteacher for Welfare and Wellbeing, I am passionate about promoting positive mental health, resilience, and emotional literacy among our students. I believe that safeguarding goes beyond protection—it’s about empowering young people to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. My work is guided by a deep understanding of the challenges our students may face and a commitment to ensuring that every child can learn, grow, and succeed in a safe and supportive environment 

I have been working at KEVI HWGA since January 2020 and have had the privilege of working in a dynamic role that has given me an insight into all aspects of our academy. I am proud of working in such a diverse and aspirational environment, to serve amazing students, and along with dedicated colleagues, helping to prepare them to realise their full potential.

I am most passionate about every student achieving the best possible outcomes for themselves and my role is to ensure that we all work together to support them with this, through evidence-led approaches to learning and consolidation, backed by cognitive science

I have worked within the King Edward VI Foundation for a number of years, and I was delighted to join HWGA in September 2025 as an Assistant Headteacher. Coming from a family of teachers, I am deeply passionate about all aspects of teaching and learning. I believe that every child deserves the very best education, and I am committed to ensuring that all the girls at HWGA receive the highest standard of teaching.

My role is to support teachers in delivering lessons that truly make a difference and to help foster a school environment where students can thrive. While I believe strong academic outcomes are vital, I also feel that schools should prepare young people with the skills they need to be successful and happy in life. I look forward to working alongside colleagues to nurture well-rounded, confident individuals who are ready for the future.

I am so proud and delighted to be starting at KEVI HWGA in September 2025 as the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion. I will make sure that every girl in our school feels supported, valued and able to flourish. I will work closely with teachers, families and support staff to ensure that individual needs are met, whether that’s through learning support, wellbeing initiatives or celebrating the diverse talents and backgrounds of both our students and our whole school community. With over ten years of experience as a senior leader in Warwickshire schools, I bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their very best.

Beyond my leadership, I am passionate about the representation of women and girls, particularly in my subject of medieval history. I am dedicated to showing our girls the importance of seeing themselves reflected in the stories they study and the futures they aspire to. My role is all about creating a nurturing environment where every girl can feel confident, happy and ready to thrive.

I am proud to work at HWGA alongside dedicated staff who all believe that every student holds unique potential. I am passionate about fostering both academic achievements and personal excellence whilst developing the core values, attitudes and attributes that supports students to become the best versions of themselves.

My role is centred around creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive school environment where students feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. This involves establishing clear expectations for conduct, promoting positive relationships, and fostering a culture of mutual respect. Our personal development programs are designed to equip every student with the skills and confidence needed to face challenges, embrace new opportunities, and to make a positive impact in society. We aim for our students to become responsible, resilient, and compassionate individuals who are ready to succeed within the Academy and beyond.

As Associate Assistant Headteacher for Sixth Form, I have the privilege of leading a vibrant and ambitious community of young people in Years 12 and 13. My role centres on both the academic and pastoral development of our students, ensuring they are nurtured, challenged, and empowered to thrive. I oversee the sixth form curriculum and support student progress, while working closely with staff, students, and families to maintain a culture of high expectations and genuine care.

Our sixth formers are extraordinary – full of potential, resilience, and aspiration. It is a joy to champion their journeys, whether that means guiding them through university applications, preparing them for the world of work, or simply being a constant source of encouragement. Through the lens of the HPL philosophy, we equip our students not only to succeed academically but to grow into confident, compassionate individuals who are school-ready, work-ready, and life-ready.

Every day is about helping our students take one more step toward a future they are proud of – and there is no greater privilege than being part of that.

Since 2005, I have dedicated myself to teaching and gained extensive experience across KS3 to KS5. I have held positions as Extended Leader and Head of Faculty/Department in a range of schools, and I am currently the Director of IT & Innovation and BTEC Quality Nominee at HWGA.

I am committed to supporting colleagues and students in achieving excellence, establishing robust systems to maintain high standards and ensure compliance with awarding body requirements.

I am passionate about ensuring that every student reaches their full academic potential and is fully prepared for future pathways. Drawing on my extensive teaching and leadership experience, I strive to deliver high-quality education that secures academic success while also developing wider skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive beyond the classroom.

I began my journey at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy in 2011, where I have worked as Head of Year and Head of Department. Currently, I am proud to hold the position of Director of Digital Pedagogy.

As an avid gamer, I have always felt at ease with gadgets, electronic devices, and the online world. With the increasing integration of technology in our academy, it was inevitable that I would develop a passion for educational technology.

As director of digital pedagogy, I drive the integration of digital tools across all subjects, fostering a culture of innovation in and beyond classrooms. I support staff development by ensuring teachers are confident in using technology to enhance student outcomes. I also ensure that our digital climate supports a positive and inclusive learning environment, advocating for digital safety, security, and responsible usage within and outside the academy.

As Head of Sixth Form at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy since September 2021, I am responsible for overseeing the academic progress and personal development of our students in Years 12 and 13. My role involves coordinating the curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and providing tailored guidance to students as they prepare for university, apprenticeships, or employment. I work closely with both staff and students to track academic performance, offering interventions and support where necessary. Additionally, I provide pastoral care, helping students navigate the challenges of sixth form life, including time management, mental health, and well-being, ensuring that every student feels supported both academically and personally as they prepare for their futures. Having previously been part of the school community as a student myself, I am honoured to now serve the Handsworth community and continue the legacy of excellence at the academy.

I joined the Academy in April 2022 as the Director of Raising Standards Disadvantaged (Academic). In this role, I have the privilege of working with our under-resourced students and their families, striving to level the playing field and uplift our local community through comprehensive school strategies, extra-curricular activities, and collaboration with external agencies.

My passion for this role stems from my own experiences growing up in a disadvantaged background. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp how these disadvantages could create barriers in my life, but I certainly felt them as a young woman of colour navigating the world. These personal experiences have fuelled my commitment to equipping our students with the tools they need to overcome the challenges they may face.

In addition to my leadership role, I am a Mathematics teacher who enjoys tackling A Level papers in my spare time. As a new mother, I now have a deeper understanding of the parents of our students at HWGA.

What I cherish most about HWGA is witnessing our students express their passions, whether through Culture Day, the Talent Show, or various fundraising events. I am proud to be a part of the HWGA community.

I joined the school in September 2023, and have been Director of English in April 2024. Having been educated and previously taught within the foundation, I have a deep understanding and passion for our school’s ethos and values.

I am particularly passionate about literature and theatre, and I strive to instil this enthusiasm in my students. My literary interests span gothic literature, Shakespeare, and modern and contemporary literature and culture. My curriculum goals focus on developing students’ academic writing skills, increasing their confidence and oracy, and nurturing success at both GCSE and A Level.

What I enjoy most about the school is the supportive and vibrant community. The dedication of both staff and students to continuous improvement and excellence makes it a truly inspiring place to work. In my role, I relish the opportunity to guide and mentor students, helping them to discover their own love for literature and achieve their full potential.

I have been the Director of Science at HWGA since 2022, bringing with me extensive experience from a variety of school settings. Over my long teaching career, I have held numerous roles, each contributing to my commitment to delivering high-quality science education. At HWGA, my primary responsibility is to ensure that science teaching is of the highest standard, fostering a stimulating and supportive environment where students can thrive academically and develop a lifelong appreciation for science.

Science has always been my passion, with a particular love for both physics and biology. I am captivated by how physics explains the laws governing the universe and how biology uncovers the intricate mechanisms of life. From exploring forces and energy to understanding the complexities of ecosystems and the human body, I strive to share my enthusiasm for these subjects with students, making learning both engaging and meaningful.

In my role, I am dedicated to supporting both staff and students, ensuring that our curriculum not only prepares students for exams but also equips them with practical skills and scientific literacy to succeed in their future endeavours. Through hands-on experiments, innovative teaching strategies, and a focus on critical thinking, our department works tirelessly to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and informed global citizens.

I am proud to be part of a team that values the curiosity and potential of every student, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact at HWGA.

I joined HWGA in September 2014 and really enjoy being a part of the Academy. Having overseen the coordination of KS3 within English, I have also held the roles of Head of Literacy, Acting Assistant Head of Sixth Form, and currently Lead Practitioner. It is through these positions that I have deepened my knowledge and experience in many aspects of school life, both pastorally and academically.

In my role as Lead Practitioner, I model excellent practice, sharing skills and experience with other teachers. I work closely alongside the Director of English, making sure the KS3 curriculum develops students’ reading, writing, and oracy skills, exposing them to a variety of texts and igniting a love of literature.

I am a passionate English teacher working across all key stages in both literature and language, hoping to promote the same enjoyment that I have for the subject in my students. I understand the importance of equipping our girls for the future, ensuring they excel through their educational journey and are ready to enter the world of work.

I joined HWGA in 2019 and currently serve as a lead practitioner in mathematics. Passionate about the subject, I am dedicated to exploring innovative methods for enhancing mathematical skills. I strongly believe that using representations is key to unlocking a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. I want students to not only understand the maths but enjoy and succeed in it, too.

I’m so glad to be working at HWGA. This is my first academy in the UK. Previously, I worked as a teacher in Hong Kong for a long time. I am deeply interested in Mathematics, Physics, Classical Music, and AI, as all these subjects are closely related to Mathematics. I specialise in teaching A-level Mathematics and hope my students enjoy learning, embrace challenging problems, and achieve excellent marks in their public exams. I also believe that AI can be a powerful tool to foster learning by personalising educational experiences, providing instant feedback, and creating engaging, interactive resources to help students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

As the Pastoral Care Manager at HWGA, I am privileged to lead a highly dedicated and passionate team of pastoral staff. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a role where I can support and inspire the young women of today as they navigate their journey through secondary school. With consistency, dedication, and passion, I believe that every student at HWGA can achieve their full potential.

Our pastoral care system is centred around the students, ensuring a fair, nurturing environment for all. Since stepping into this role in September 2021, I have witnessed remarkable growth and confidence in our students, which continues to inspire me daily. It is a joy to see them flourish, develop into their own unique selves, and grow both academically and personally. I remain excited and passionate about supporting their development and helping them thrive.

I am the senior pastoral manager of a well-established pastoral team at KEVI HWGA, working together to ensure we are providing high quality support to every year group. My role encompasses the following: I support the students overall however with a focus on the students in Year 11. I ensure that their wellbeing is a priority and that any issues they may have, I can support them through discussions, referrals for Mentoring and mediations.

I am dedicated to my role as it enables me to encourage and support students overcome challenges and barriers to ensure they perform to their full potential. I have a passion for pastoral care and my door is always open for all students of all year groups to discuss concerns or just for a chat. I look forward to continuing working together with our fantastic students this academic year.

I have been working at Handsworth Wood Girls Academy since January 2021 and it has been a pleasure to be here, to support young women through a rigorous, thoughtful, compassionate and consistent pastoral team that really values your child, their happiness and wellbeing.

My role is to support the children with Mentoring and workshop opportunities to enhance their development and wellbeing and managing the Inclusion process at the school to ensure the behaviour is not repeated and the students who experience the Reflection Room, have had the rehabilitative and intensive work to support their transition back to the classroom. I am also the lead for Off-site Direction and AP, and I support the students who need this service, to overcome their current barriers to learning with placements to other educational providers.

I have worked at HWGA as the Safeguarding Manager and Senior Mental Health Lead since 2021. I am committed to helping the school ensure all students, parents/carers and staff are safeguarded and receive the necessary support for their mental health.

I ensure our students are receiving the most appropriate care and interventions to ensure they are not only reaching their full potential academically but also emotionally and socially.

I am the pastoral manager for year 7 and have worked at KEVI Handsworth Wood Girl Academy since January 2020 supporting pupils in all year groups. I am dedicated and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people. I believe everyone can fulfil their potential to the best of their ability as long as they have the passion, focus and drive. I work alongside such an amazing team which will support our students to fulfil their potential. I would like our students to be successful in their coming future and ensure they leave us with confidence, independence and a voice which speaks their mind.

I am the Pastoral Manager for Year 8 students. In this role, I am responsible for overseeing students’ well-being, punctuality, attendance, and academic progress, ensuring they receive the guidance and support necessary to excel both personally and academically. The school’s ethos of promoting educational excellence, embracing challenges, and fostering a community grounded in scholarship, character, and civic responsibility aligns closely with my own values. I am dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential while supporting the school’s vision and mission to cultivate an inclusive and nurturing environment.

I have recently joined the academy and look forward to working with the students and their families to ensure best outcomes are achieved. One of my key principles are for students to feel safe, heard and happy, which aligns with my role as a pastoral manager. I will be closely working with year 9 and I am eager for my journey to begin at HWGA.

As the Pastoral Manager for Year 10, I am excited to be part of the HWGA community and to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff in supporting the well-being and growth of our students. I bring with me a wealth of experience in pastoral care, having worked in a variety of educational settings where I’ve always felt it’s essential that students feel seen, heard and valued.

In my role, I will be working closely with Year 10 students to help them navigate what can be a challenging but exciting time in their school journey. I believe strongly in building positive relationships with students, where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. It’s important to me that every student feels supported, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential. Together with our wider pastoral team, we’ll be here to provide guidance, offer a listening ear, and help students manage any challenges they may face, so they can focus on their growth and success.

I am the First Aid Medical Lead at HWGA, a role I’ve held since 2024. With a background in pharmaceuticals, I bring both clinical expertise and a genuine passion for student wellbeing.

My focus is to ensure that every student at HWGA feels safe, supported, and cared for, whether it’s a minor injury, a sudden illness, or simply someone in need of reassurance. I aim to create a calm, responsive, and health-conscious environment where wellbeing is part of everyday school life

Working closely with staff, students, and families, I manage medical needs, respond to emergencies, and promote a proactive approach to health across our school community. I’m here to support throughout your journey at HWGA.

With over two decades of experience working with children and young people, I have had the privilege of supporting students through a wide range of challenges.

As a school Learning Mentor, my role is to provide a safe, supportive space where pupils can talk openly, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

My aim is to help every student feel listened to, valued, and empowered to reach their potential both in school and beyond. By working together, we can break down barriers to learning and strengthen their wellbeing and resilience.

I am passionate about seeing young people grow in confidence and succeed in their own unique way.

I have served the KEVI HWGA school community for the past six years in the role of Attendance Officer, taking us through the covid years and now navigating and promoting school attendance post-covid.

I am passionate about the critical link between attendance and academic success, with my personal mantra being “If you’re not here, you’re not learning.”

By working closely with students and parents, I am dedicated to establishing a culture of commitment to education by focusing on supporting families, removing barriers to attendance, and fostering a culture of belonging.

We aim to encourage regular attendance and help students to understand the long-term benefits of being in school.

As Head of Sixth Form at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy since September 2021, I am responsible for overseeing the academic progress and personal development of our students in Years 12 and 13. My role involves coordinating the curriculum, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and providing tailored guidance to students as they prepare for university, apprenticeships, or employment. I work closely with both staff and students to track academic performance, offering interventions and support where necessary. Additionally, I provide pastoral care, helping students navigate the challenges of sixth form life, including time management, mental health, and well-being, ensuring that every student feels supported both academically and personally as they prepare for their futures. Having previously been part of the school community as a student myself, I am honoured to now serve the Handsworth community and continue the legacy of excellence at the academy.

SENCO – Mrs L Bindley  (lbindley@hwga.org.uk)

You can also contact our SENCO for any EAL queries.

I am so proud and delighted to be starting at KEVI HWGA in September 2025 as the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion. I will make sure that every girl in our school feels supported, valued and able to flourish. I will work closely with teachers, families and support staff to ensure that individual needs are met, whether that’s through learning support, wellbeing initiatives or celebrating the diverse talents and backgrounds of both our students and our whole school community. With over ten years of experience as a senior leader in Warwickshire schools, I bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their very best.

Beyond my leadership, I am passionate about the representation of women and girls, particularly in my subject of medieval history. I am dedicated to showing our girls the importance of seeing themselves reflected in the stories they study and the futures they aspire to. My role is all about creating a nurturing environment where every girl can feel confident, happy and ready to thrive.

I joined HWGA School in 2024 as a graduate teaching assistant, and from the moment I stepped into this role, I’ve been driven by a deep passion for helping students thrive. As a Graduate TA , my mission goes beyond simply supporting classroom instruction; I’m here to make a real impact in each student’s academic journey. I believe that learning is a dynamic process, and my goal is to create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to push themselves beyond their limits. Whether it’s helping them break down complex concepts or providing that extra bit of encouragement when they’re feeling uncertain, I’m dedicated to guiding them towards their full potential.

Every day, I’m reminded of the incredible power education holds to change lives. Watching students gain confidence in their abilities, grow in their knowledge, and celebrate those “lightbulb” moments is what makes this role so fulfilling. I’m excited to continue supporting students, helping them navigate challenges, and celebrating their successes every step of the way.