Welcome
Life at The Pingle Academy
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mr S Hall
Principal
“I was brought up in Preston in Lancashire with my 3 sisters and was fortunate to be able to study Sports Science and PE at Loughborough University. I have taught PE at two different schools and joined The Pingle Academy in 2005 as Head of PE. I became Acting Principal in September 2021. We have been on a remarkable journey at The Pingle Academy for a number of years and I am proud to have been able to work with so many amazing students and colleagues during this time. The opportunities and achievements that I have seen and been part of are truly inspiring and it goes to show what can be achieved when we all work hard, be kind and choose wisely!“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Ms A Smith
Vice Principal
“I was born in Dundee but we moved to Birmingham when I was 2. My first degree is Applied Psychology and computing and I have a Masters in Educational leadership. I have also recently completed my NPQH. I’ve carried on my education because I believe in a life long love of learning and my goal is to foster that in others. I am excited at becoming part of the Pingle Academy as Vice Principal and look forward to getting to know the students and community over the coming years.“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mr P Harvey
Vice Principal
“My favourite subjects at school were Physical Education, Mathematics and Technology. Sport and PE have always played a large part in my life, both professionally and personally, whilst helping me to develop my confidence, leadership and interpersonal skills.“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mr J Done
Assistant Principal
“My name is James Done and I am acting Vice Principal. My role is to ensure that the curriculum studied by all our students is designed to meet their needs, leading to good progress and achievement. I support students to meet our high attendance standards - good attendance at the academy is one of the main factors in getting good results.“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mr S Waller
Assistant Principal
“I was born in Durban, South Africa and lived there until I was three. My parents immigrated to the UK and settled in Brighton on the south coast. South Africa remains a huge part of who I am and most of my family still live there. I spent a lot of time there as a child and have love returning whenever I can. After school I went to Sheffield University to do a geography degree. Easily some of the best years of my life! I loved every second. After university I travelled for a while and eventually lived in London for three years working for an African tour operator. Eventually it was time to settle down so I did my PGCE and settled in the midlands. I trained at Pingle all those years ago and was lucky enough to get my first job here as well. Pingle is unique and is without doubt a very special place - I have met some incredible people over the years and am inspired every day watching students fulfil their potential.“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mrs D Wilcox
Assistant Principal
“I grew up in Burton, so very local. I studied French and Hispanic Studies at the University of Birmingham and spent a year living abroad in Spain. I have a GCSE in Italian and a part of my degree is Portuguese. I love to travel and I have friends all over the world. I have been a teacher for over 20 years, including being a Languages and English teacher, a Head of Sixth Form and now an Assistant Principal. I love my job and I am so proud to work at The Pingle Academy. I am so proud of all of my students and I love to see them successful, happy and thriving.“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mr D Riley
Assistant Principal
“In my role as Assistant Principal I also oversee the behaviour and engagement of the students as well as leading on careers across the Academy. Before becoming a teacher, I had a number of jobs, including a valet, lifeguard, security and bar manager. I never realised I wanted to be a teacher until I actually became one!“
Work Hard / Be Kind / Choose Wisely
Mrs N Toshney
Assistant Principal
“I have been teaching at The Pingle Academy for all of my teaching career, it is like a second family. I am so proud of my achievements at Pingle. Teaching business and law has enabled me to support our students onto the next stage in their lives. I am proud that I have helped so many achieve the grades needed to become solicitors, doctors, forensic scientists, pilots, managers, plumbers and builders to name a few. I hope to continue to do this for many years to come.“
