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. Most of the classes have one teacher and a full-time teaching assistant.
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’ve 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’m 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, Deputy Head of School
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 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!
School Office
Sue Quirk, Federation Resources Manager
I love working in the federation! Before this job, I worked as a valuer for an estate agent for a few years, and before that I was a sales manager for a large hotel company. Although I’ve enjoyed all my jobs, this one is definitely my favourite! Working in the busy school office is brilliant: you get to do lots of different things and meet lots of different people. It’s great working with children, too – they make me smile! Outside of school, my time is usually spent running around after my two children, but when I’m not doing this, I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and walking our dog.
Sam Limbert, Administrator
I live in Leeds with my husband, five children and a border terrier called Milo. I enjoy working at Moortown Primary School with such dedicated staff and fantastic children. I love to cook and eat! When I am not working, cooking or eating you will probably find me with my nose in a book, doing yoga or walking Milo.
Steph Bones, Administration Assistant
I’ve two children who attend Moortown Primary and when I’m not busy running around after them, I like to travel down South to spend weekends with family. I love to watch movies – I love a good comedy or horror! My favourite season is Autumn – there’s nothing I enjoy more than wrapping up warm and taking my two dogs for long scenic walks!
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 Subby Bharath and Emma Gaunt.
John McGriffiths, Year 1 Teacher
I grew up in Lancaster before moving to York to complete an archaeology degree. After finishing my degree, I worked as an archaeologist all over the country, finding lots of exciting things along the way! In 2012, I completed my PGCE at York St John University and have since taught in primary schools in both Leeds and London. I love how different every day is as a teacher and it’s very rewarding seeing how much the children change over the year. Outside of school, my two young children keep me very busy and we all love getting out into the beautiful countryside all around us.
The teaching assistant in Year 1 is Nanaki Roth.
Caroline Taylor, Year 2 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.
Natalie Lake, Year 2 Co-Teacher
I’ve lived here in Leeds for many years now, after moving here to go to university. Since gaining my teaching qualification in 2011, I’ve taught in three Leeds primary schools, including Scholes (Elmet) Primary, one of the other schools in Sphere Federation. Outside of school, I’m a busy mum. I enjoy family time, visiting new and exciting places. I’m very proud to be a primary school teacher where I can watch children flourish in their education.
The teaching assistants in Year 2 are Gemma Burgess and Hollie Gilliland.
Key Stage 2
Oli Wain, Year 3 Teacher
Having lived in York for most of my life, I decided to move and study in Sheffield for my undergraduate degree. After this, I completed my teaching qualification at York St John University in 2019. Since then, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time 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. 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’m a Manchester United fan and go to watch them play as often as I can!
The teaching assistants in Year 3 are Amanda Charlesworth and Jonathan Fayers.
Dani Birch, Year 4 Teacher
I’m originally from Surrey but I lived in London while completing my degree in Motion Graphics from 2017-2020. I then made the move up to Leeds to begin my career in teaching. Even though I still feel rather new to Leeds, it’s great that my first teaching post in such a strong and supportive school. If there’s anything you need to know about me, it’s that I love anything that’s creative… from colouring and painting to animation and DT. I also love cooking and baking, especially sweet treats!
The teaching assistant in Year 4 is Asmat Maqbool.
Alice Needham, Year 5 Teacher
Originally from Manchester, I studied History at Newcastle University from 2014-2017. I then chose to move to Leeds in 2018 and have worked at Moortown Primary School since then as a Teaching Assistant, Student Teacher and now Class Teacher! I feel so lucky to be able to work in such a lovely school that’s 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 assistant in Year 5 is Nicky Russell.
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 assistants in Year 6 are Jacqui Kennedy and Alison Canning.
