Moortown Primary has an intake of up to 30 each year – this is sometimes called the Published Admission Number (or PAN). This means we are a ‘single form entry’ school – one class of up to 30 children from Reception all the way to Year 6.
As well as the class teachers, there are lots of support staff, too. Classes have extra adults to support for the majority of time.
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. 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 some time watching my daughter compete in kickboxing but as she is an adult, only when she says I can! I do a lot of knitting and enjoy making baby clothes. I love reading and am also attempting to write a novel; watch this space!
Paul Wilks, Deputy Head of School
Mr Wilks also teaches in Reception on Fridays.
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!
Lottie Flynn, Early Years Leader
Since a young age, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I worked in a Nursery for six years whilst studying before becoming a teacher. I was born on a leap year which makes me a similar age to the children I teach! My favourite part of teaching is Phonics. It’s so exciting to teach children the tools to be able to read. I am always looking for ways I can develop as a teacher and learn more. I studied for a Masters in Professional Practice where I enjoyed researching how I can improve my practice as a teacher. Outside of school, I love to bake – I used to work in my family’s cake shop. I also enjoy exploring new places, the outdoors and camping.
Caroline Taylor, Living and Learning Leader
Mrs Taylor is our Living and Learning Leader. She also teaches in Year 4 on Fridays.
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 Junior Leadership Team, 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.
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.
Paulina Szczepańska, Administration Assistant
Hello / Witam! I am from a small town called Brodnica in Poland and have lived in Leeds since 2006. I live with my partner, two children… and two ferrets! Outside of work, I love to cook and bake or read a good book. During weekends, I enjoy exploring new places, going on long walks or hiking with my family and friends. Working at Moortown Primary School is great! The staff, children and parents are very friendly and supportive.
Geiselle Readman, Administration Assistant
I’ve lived in Leeds for over 10 years now, but grew up just down the M1 in Sheffield. I have a Masters in Psychology and have worked in the social sector most of my life. I’ve always found working with children to be the most rewarding…and fun! I’m a big kid at heart who loves animation, jazz music and computer games. In my downtime, I’m usually found curled up in bed with a good book, dabbling in a little writing of my own, or even doing weird dances in the living room (with my husband and daughter).
Early Years and Key Stage 1
Charlotte Wood, Reception Teacher
Mrs Wood teaches Monday to Thursday. Mr Wilks teaches on Fridays.
From a young age, I wanted to be a teacher – I even had my own class of teddies! In 2016, I completed my Early Years teaching degree at Leeds Beckett University. Shortly after, I started working as a teaching assistant here at Moortown Primary. I then spent three years teaching at St James’ CE Primary, another Sphere Federation school, before returning to Moortown as a teacher in 2022. I love teaching in Early Years and seeing where the learning journey begins – it’s definitely the place to be! In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, spending time with my family and walking TJ, my fur baby! I’m also a proud mum to my daughter, who was born in 2024 and who keeps me very busy!
Dani Birch, Year 1 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!
Sadie Newman, Year 2 Teacher
I grew up in Bristol before deciding to move to Leeds to study Psychology at university, and I’ve stayed here ever since! Upon graduating, I went on to complete my teacher training, and I’m so excited to be teacher here at Moortown Primary School. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me spending time with my family and friends, going on long dog walks (preferably stopping for a coffee on the way) and running – when the weather permits!
Key Stage 2
Jen Wilson, Year 3 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, painting pottery or maybe at a farm – I love feeding the animals. Whatever I’m up to, it’s usually with my big, crazy family including two of my own children who never sit still.
Nicola Wadsworth, Year 4 Teacher
Mrs Wadsworth teaches Monday to Thursday. Mrs Taylor teaches on Fridays.
I’ve been a teacher for quite a long time now! Over the course of my career, I’ve taught from Reception to Year 6, although mainly in Key Stage 2. I enjoy teaching in the Y3/4 phase – at first, this was at Scholes (Elmet) Primary and now here at Moortown Primary. Helping children to learn, progress and develop self-confidence is an extremely rewarding job to have. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, keeping active and walking my dog.
Caroline Taylor, Year 4 Teacher
Mrs Wadsworth teaches Monday to Thursday. Mrs Taylor teaches on Fridays.
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 Junior Leadership Team, 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.
John McGriffiths, Year 5 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.
Georgia Goswami, Year 6 Teacher
I’m originally from Leicestershire but I moved to Norwich in 2017 to complete my Chemistry degree and subsequently my teacher training at the University of East Anglia. I then moved to Yorkshire to start my career in teaching. I’ve loved every minute of teaching so far (even the challenges) and my favourite subjects to teach are Art, PE, Maths and of course, Science. Outside of school, I love to bake, travel and paint but most of all I like to spend time with my family pets, Poppy and Belle – two very mischievous Jack Russells.