Meet the team
Exceed Teaching School Hub draws upon the capacity of Exceed Academies Trust (as the accountable body) and system leaders from the region to fulfil its functions. Many of these colleagues combine their Hub-role with that of leading another organisation within or beyond the Trust. The Hub is striving for a partnership approach and seeks to draw on capacity from within and beyond Exceed Academies Trust.
Emma Dobson, Director of Exceed Teaching School Hub
Emma is the strategic lead for the Hub and oversees all aspects of the Hub's function in providing high quality teacher development. Emma ensures that the Hub invests in teachers as long-life learners, not only to improve the quality of education but also teacher confidence and ultimately teacher retention.
Membership:
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Sub-Committee of Trustees
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Strategy Group
- Exceed SCITT Board
- Statues and Monuments Review Strategic Group
Louise Stewart, Deputy Director of Exceed Teaching School Hub
Louise is the Deputy Director of the Hub with key oversight of the Appropriate Body Service. Louise ensures high quality implementation of the ECF across the schools that work with our Appropriate Body Service. Louise aims for all Early Career Teachers to receive high quality support and development, so that they build strong foundations for a long and successful career in teaching.
Membership:
- Ambition Visiting Fellow
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Strategy Group
- Strategic Board member for West Yorkshire Maths Hub
- Chair of Governors for Baildon Glen Primary School
Mehreen Ali, Early Career Teacher Programme Lead
Mehreen is an experienced primary school teacher and leader who is responsible for the implementation of the ECF Based Training for Early Career Teachers and Mentors. Mehreen is committed to ensuring all ECTs receive the right level of professional support and their entitlement of an evidence-based curriculum. She supports Mentors and Induction leads to implement endorsed principles and practise at a school level. Mehreen is also responsible for the quality assurance processes of the ECT Programme.
Membership:
- Ambition Visiting Fellow
- Trained Instructional Coach
Leanne Ruddock, Headteacher
Leanne is the Headteacher of Harden Primary School in Bingley, our lead school, and is an experienced primary school teacher and leader. Leanne is committed to ensuring teachers are well inducted into their career and have the opportunities for continuous professional development at all levels. She works closed with the Exceed SCITT for Initial Teacher Training and as a vising fellow on the Ambition programme, delivering on both the ECF and the NPQEYL.
Membership:
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Strategy Group
- Ambition Visiting Fellow
Andrew Johnston, Research Champion
Andrew is a teacher at Copthorne Primary School. He has over three years of experience of supporting teachers at Copthorne and across the Exceed Academies Trust schools to access and engage with research and evidence-informed practice, including lesson study.
Eleanor Johnson NPQ Programme Lead
Eleanor is an experienced primary school teacher and leader who is responsible for the recruitment and delivery of the suite of National Professional Qualifications. Eleanor is committed to ensuring all NPQ participants receive the right level of professional support and engage fully with the teachers and leadership development opportunities NPQs provide. Eleanor is also responsible for the quality assurance processes of the delivery of the NPQ programmes.
Duncan Jacques CBE, Chief Executive Officer
Duncan is the accounting officer of the Hub and chairs the Exceed Teaching School Hub Strategy Group.
Current projects:
- Bradford Teaching School Hub
- National Leader of Education support (Leeds)
Membership:
- Regional Schools Commissioner Headteacher Board
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Sub-Committee of Trustees
- Exceed Teaching School Hub Strategy Group Chair
- Opportunity Area Board
- Exceed SCITT Board Chair
Becca Ferridge, Hub Administrator
Becca provides administrative support across the Hub, including the ECF Programme service and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).