Moortown Primary has an intake of 30 each year. This means we are a ‘single form entry’ school – one class of 30 children from Reception all the way to Year 6.
There are lots of support staff, too.
School Leaders
David Roundtree, Head of Federation
I’ve a degree in marketing but didn’t especially enjoy the world of business so I entered the world of teaching instead – I love it! As a teacher, I really enjoyed English, Maths, Art and PSHE. A few years into my teaching career, I did a Masters degree in Primary Education and later on completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I’ve taught in lots of schools and also worked as a primary Maths lecturer in a university. I became a headteacher in 2007 and I’m now proud to be the head of Sphere Federation, a federation of three schools: Scholes (Elmet) Primary, St James’ CE Primary and here at Moortown Primary. As well as leading the three schools alongside their brilliant Heads of School, I really enjoy the opportunity to support other teachers, school leaders and schools as a strategic partner and National Leader of Education working with Noctua Teaching School. In school, I’m known for my green sludge smoothies (brocolli, spinach, spirulina…). Out of school, I enjoy arty things, including printing and visiting art galleries – and I go to the gym often (though I’m not sure I’d say I enjoy it!).
Clare Weekes, Head of School
Although I graduated quite a while ago, Moortown is only the second primary school I have worked in. When I finished my degree, I worked for Kirklees Council for 16 years and then I made the move to Moortown – a great move and made better by the fact that I can walk to work (not an advantage when it is snowing and I am the only one who can get to school!). I taught in Key Stage One for the majority of my teaching career and mostly enjoyed teaching Art and English. As well as being Head of School, I am the SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead – keeps me busy and it is certainly never boring. Out of school, I spend a lot of hours standing round a kickboxing dojo watching my daughter who is a blackbelt first dan – always quite warm (often sweaty) places so preferable to a freezing cold football pitch. I love reading and am also attempting to write a novel; watch this space!
Paul Wilks, Senior Leader
I’ve lived in Leeds for most of my life and grew up quite close to Moortown. Being a teacher is great -it’s far more interesting than my previous roles in insurance and cheese mincing! I’m lucky to work with a great team of people at Moortown and Sphere Federation and enjoy the opportunities this brings. Alongside my role within the federation, I’m an SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) for Noctua Teaching School Alliance. This has allowed me to work across Leeds
with newly qualified teachers and at university with trainee teachers. Outside of school, my days
running and mountain biking have been replaced with running around after my daughter and trying to
find a quiet half an hour to read a book, watch TV or possibly enjoy a nap!
David Owen, Senior Leader
I’m from Durham, in the north east, where most of my family still remain. I left to study Management at Warwick University, dreaming of having my own business. After graduation, I worked for a few years in various roles in Plymouth and Newcastle, including IT support and training to be an accountant. The latter proved to be really boring, so I left and went into teaching instead – a job where there’s never a dull moment! I’ve loved it ever since. I enjoy all the different subjects, but particularly like teaching Maths, English and Science. My role includes leading English at Moortown and across Sphere Federation and as a SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) for Noctua Teaching School Alliance, I support schools across the city to improve different aspects of reading and writing. Outside of school, life is busy – I have two young children who keep me entertained and sleep deprived. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking (especially ice cream!), reading and drumming.
School Office
Paula O’Malley, Federation Resources Manager
With over a quarter century under my belt, I’ve had a very long association with Moortown and seen many changes in my time! I’ve had various roles, firstly as a parent, then as a parent and staff governor, treasurer of the PTA, and I also managed the out of school club at one point. I started out as the School Administrator in 2006 and then was promoted to the Resources Manager job. When we joined Sphere Federation, I took on more roles to do with estates and health and safety. There is never a dull moment and no two days are ever the same. I do honestly laugh every day in my job and work with a fabulous group of people. In my spare time, I’m a bit of a foodie and love swimming and kickboxing.
Nicky Russell, Administration Assistant
I started working at Moortown Primary in 2011, while both my sons were pupils here – they’ve now left and are at high school. My main role at Moortown is in the office, where there’s such a variety of tasks that no two days are ever the same. As well as working in the office, you’ll find me outside in the playground at lunchtimes as I’m a lunchtime assistant. I’m also part of the school’s safeguarding team. Outside of school I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening and walking. I always go for a walk along the beach whenever I go and visit my parents in Dorset, where I grew up. I’m part of the school’s safeguarding team.
Early Years and Key Stage 1
Lynda Burke, Reception Teacher
I always wanted to be a teacher and as a young child played schools with my dolls and teddies. When I was a bit older, I converted the garage at home into a classroom where I would ‘teach’ the younger children in the street. During my twenties, I travelled extensively and tried out different jobs before finally qualifying as a teacher. I began my teaching career in London where I taught Year 2 and then Reception. After three years, I decided to fulfill my ambition to teach in Africa. In September 1997, I arrived in a hot, dusty, desert town in Eritrea to teach Grade 2 English and train teachers to teach the new English curriculum. When war broke out between Eritrea and Ethiopia, I returned to my home town of Leeds. In January 1992, I arrived at Moortown for a three week placement – I’ve been here ever since! Teaching Reception at Moortown is so rewarding and it has been wonderful to see so many children progress through the school and beyond. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, cycling, walking, reading and planning my next holiday!
The teaching assistants in Reception are Gemma Burgess, Emma Gaunt and Sharron Stewart.
Jackie Freeman, Year 1 Co-Teacher
My journey at Moortown Primary began when my own children attended the school. The ‘family feel’ within the setting was the first thing that struck me whilst searching for a primary school. I’m so glad, even after all the years, that feeling is still evident. During my time at school, I have been given many opportunities to develop my role and responsibilities. Because Moortown Primary is quite a small school, I’ve been able to get to know many children and their families. Outside of school, I like to keep busy. Being a keen gardener, enjoying a swim and spending time with family and friends are always on my agenda. My greatest passion, and the one I am most proud of, has been watching my own children flourish. We all enjoy family time and visiting new and exciting places together. I suppose the next stage for me is the role of ‘granny!’ A little while yet though – I hope!
Caroline Taylor, Year 1 Co-Teacher and Health Leader
I’ve a degree in geography and after working as a cartographer (creating maps) and a waste management scientist, I decided to have a change of career and become a teacher. I’ve been at Moortown ever since! As a teacher, each day, week and year is different to the last. It’s so rewarding to see how the children grow and learn. I’m passionate about health and encouraging children to be happy and healthy. My role as Health Leader covers Living and Learning to School Council, PE to school meals and everything else health related! When I’m not at school, I’m spending time with my family including my two daughters. I also enjoy yoga and running. I love to visit the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, too.
The teaching assistants in Year 1 are Subby Bharath and Nanaki Roth.
Ben Parker, Year 2 Teacher
I was born in Middlesbrough and lived there until I moved to Leeds in 2017. I love living in Leeds and love working at Moortown Primary School. I originally completed a degree in Sports Science with the ambition to becoming a PE teacher. However, after volunteering in a primary school, I knew this was the career path I wanted to take. Every day as a primary school teacher is fun, exciting and interesting – I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy watching and playing a variety of sports, especially football. I also love listening to music, collecting vinyl records and going to gigs.
Alice Needham, Year 2 Student Teacher
Originally from Manchester, I studied History at Newcastle University from 2014-2017. I then chose to move to Leeds in 2018 to start my job as a Teaching Assistant at Moortown Primary School. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a TA and have embarked on my teacher training this year. I feel so lucky to be able to train in such a lovely school that is full of fantastic children. My favourite subject is Art – any children who know me know I always love an excuse to get the paintbrushes out! I also love exploring new places and have spent time travelling across South America, Australia, and South East Asia. My favourite thing to do when I’m away is to try new foods – I’ve even eaten a scorpion!
The teaching assistants in Year 2 are Christine Potter and Nicky Russell.
Maria Rushbrooke, Additional Key Stage 1 Teacher
I grew up in Rotherham, lived in Liverpool for University, York for my teacher-training and have now lived in Leeds for several years. Having studied Ocean Sciences at university, I’m still obsessed with all things ocean. The children and other staff in school will often hear about my attempts to rid the world of plastic and pollution – I don’t even mention it that much! When I’m not in school, I enjoy heading into the Yorkshire Dales for unnecessarily long walks, now dragging my little boy along with me. He’ll tolerate it as long as there’s water to play in and snacks to munch on. After many happy years at Moortown, I still love my job which brings with it new joys and challenges each day.
Key Stage 2
Oli Wain, Year 3 Teacher
Having qualified at York St John University, I’m thrilled to have starting my teaching career at Moortown Primary School where I’m keen to help children be the best they can be! Watching children enjoy their learning is one of the aspects I love most about teaching. My favourite subjects are Science, Geography and PE, having studied Environmental Science at Sheffield Hallam University. Outside of school, you’ll probably find me on a football pitch, in a gym, or on my mountain bike. Although often leaving me disappointed, I am a Manchester United fan and go to watch them play as often as I can!
The teaching assistant in Year 3 is Asmat Maqbool.
Paul Wilks, Year 4 Teacher
I’ve lived in Leeds for most of my life and grew up quite close to Moortown. Being a teacher is great -it’s far more interesting than my previous roles in insurance and cheese mincing! I’m lucky to work with a great team of people at Moortown and Sphere Federation and enjoy the opportunities this brings. Alongside my role within the federation, I’m an SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) for Noctua Teaching School Alliance. This has allowed me to work across Leeds with newly qualified teachers and at university with trainee teachers. Outside of school, my days running and mountain biking have been replaced with running around after my two daughters and trying to find a quiet half an hour to read a book, watch TV or possibly enjoy a nap!
The teaching assistants in Year 4 are Alison Canning and Amanda Charlesworth.
David Owen, Year 5 Teacher
I’m from Durham, in the north east, where most of my family still remain. I left to study Management at Warwick University, dreaming of having my own business. After graduation, I worked for a few years in various roles in Plymouth and Newcastle, including IT support and training to be an accountant. The latter proved to be really boring, so I left and went into teaching instead – a job where there’s never a dull moment! I’ve loved it ever since. I enjoy all the different subjects, but particularly like teaching Maths, English and Science. My role includes leading English at Moortown and across Sphere Federation and as a SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) for Noctua Teaching School Alliance, I support schools across the city to improve different aspects of reading and writing. Outside of school, life is busy – I have two young children who keep me entertained and sleep deprived. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking (especially ice cream!), reading and drumming.
The teaching assistants in Year 5 are Yvonne Billard and Katie Pearson.
Jen Wilson, Year 6 Teacher
I’m originally from Sheffield but came to Leeds to study PE at Leeds Metropolitan University – the city hasn’t been able to get rid of me since! I went on to complete my training to become a teacher which I think is the best job in the world. Outside of school, you’ll find me at some sort of sporting event. I play hockey for Ben Rhydding Hockey Club but I will watch absolutely any sport. I also love animals (dogs in particular) and spending time with my big, crazy family.
The teaching assistant in Year 6 is Jacqui Kennedy.
