Welcome
Life at The Pingle Academy
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Mrs M Oliphant
Executive Principal
“I grew up in Nottingham and attended Colonel Frank Seely school in Calverton. At a young age I was always interested in sports and lucky to have been good enough at it to achieve a high standard of representation in Netball and Tennis. Academically, I had to work hard and remember the legacy of my science teacher, Mr Brown, who inspired me to work hard and always encouraged me. Little did he know, I would go on to complete my A Levels in English, Biology and Sociology that allowed me to access a teaching course. It was at university that I realised the importance of education and the very real opportunities that a solid education provided. I progressed in my teaching career working up to Vice Principal and then proudly became the Principal at Hartshill School, a job I loved and enjoyed for three years.“
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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.“
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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.“
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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.“
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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.“
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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.“
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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!“
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Miss S Rea
Assistant Principal
“I was born in Burton-on-Trent, not far from The Pingle Academy and after a brief couple of years living in Melbourne, Australia my family moved back to South Derbyshire and I went to school at John Port in Etwall. I went to university in Swansea, Wales where I discovered on the open day that you could see the sea from the lecture hall and that had me hooked! I studied History there and loved every minute of it. I decided that I wanted to carry on talking about History all day long and I wanted to help people to see how amazing the subject is too. Being a History teacher seemed like the perfect fit and I did my PGCE at Nottingham University before being lucky enough to get a job at The Pingle Academy where I have been ever since.“
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Mrs E Warren
Assistant Principal and Head of Sixth Form
“I studied English and French at the University of Manchester. As part of my degree, I spent my third year living and teaching in Paris, which was a fantastic experience and gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in French life and culture. I later completed my PGCE at the University of Nottingham and began teaching in 2007. Sixth Form education has always been a particular passion of mine. It is such an exciting and important stage in a student’s education, as they develop greater independence and make decisions that will shape their future. I am very proud to be Assistant Principal and Head of Sixth Form at The Pingle Academy, supporting students to overcome challenges, fulfil their potential, and progress successfully towards university, apprenticeships, or employment.“
