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.
Paulina Szczepanska, Administration Assistant
Hello / Witam! I am from 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.
Early Years and Key Stage 1
Charlotte Wood, Reception Teacher
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. After that, I worked at St James’ CE Primary for 3 years, another Sphere Federation school. I love teaching in Early Years and seeing where the learning journey begins – it’s definitely the place to be! After three fantastic years at St James’, I’m excited to be back at Moortown. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, seeing my family and walking TJ, my fur baby!
The teaching assistants in Reception are Emma Gaunt and Gill Boulton.
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 assistant in Year 2 is Asmat Maqbool.
Key Stage 2
Dani Birch, Year 3 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!
Alice Needham, Year 4 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 assistants in Year 4 are Amanda Charlesworth and Gemma Burgess.
Georgia Goswami, Year 5 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.
The teaching assistant in Year 5 is Nicky Russell and Subby Bharath.
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.
Miss Wilson works teaches Monday to Thursday. On Friday, Mr Wilks teaches the class.
The teaching assistant in Year 6 is Jacqui Kennedy.
