This is my 12th year at Glenmoor and Winton academies and I have loved every minute. This place is very different from when I first started but the outcome has always been the same - high achievement and high standards and I have been along for the ride. I have had many opportunities to take on several middle management roles and been encouraged, supported, and mentored during each. I have had the pleasure of being a HOY for 7 years, Deputy in PE and my newest role Head of Department. Along with this I have worked closely with UL to produce resources and lessons for the United Learning hub. Without the opportunities I have had at the academies none of this would be possible as I have built confidence and improved subject knowledge through ongoing CPD and courses. We are always being challenged and pushed to be the best we can be, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I often get asked will I ever leave Glenmoor and Winton? This is a very simple and quick answer – NO because of the staff but most importantly the students. The students at Glenmoor and Winton are what makes me the teacher I am today, and I am #GWPROUD.
I have worked at the Academies for 15 years and I have seen a huge change over the years especially when we became part of the United Learning team. The teamwork at the Academies is beyond belief, every member of staff has an important role and I believe we all care about each and every pupil. Working together we have created an atmosphere of dedicated learning. Pupils and staff all work together to achieve a fantastic outcome for themselves and others. I have always been lucky to be able to tell people I truly do love my job.
I enjoy each and every day. The job is challenging and can be tough, but it is extremely rewarding. I enjoy every aspect of my role – working with young people who impress, surprise and who you genuinely care for their outcomes each day. I feel lucky to work with such caring, supportive and friendly colleagues. Every day is different and I have complete job satisfaction in what I do.
I initially started as a Teaching Assistant with no ambition to become a teacher. I was encouraged by our former principal to enrol on the Future Teachers programme (then called Train to Teach). I completed a two-year qualification process, one as a cover trainee and the second as a formal trainee. I completed my NQT year and after that started my first role within the Academies. I was the Anti-Bullying Ambassador which gave me my first real responsibility outside of teaching. I supported with other aspects such as E-Safety and supporting year groups pastorally.
Glenmoor and Winton Academies provides a working environment that any young professional, with the correct skillset, an opportunity to thrive. There is so many challenging, but rewarding aspects to teaching here. The Academies offer staff the chance to progress their career with different roles and responsibilities but first and foremost, I have always found GW to be a rewarding, caring and dynamic place to work. You work with fantastic students who under our support, continue to thrive and excel. Working at GW you feel gain the job satisfaction from one of the greatest professions in the world
Warren Doyle, Teacher & Football Academy Lead
I joined the school in 2023 as a Cover Supervisor through the Future Teacher programme and went on to complete my ITT year here. This September, I begin my ECT years, and I feel incredibly lucky to be continuing my journey in such a supportive and purposeful environment. From the very start, I was made to feel part of the team. The induction process was welcoming, and there’s always been someone to turn to for guidance.
Teaching Ethics and Citizenship here is incredibly rewarding. The Academies place real importance on helping students grow, not just academically, but as kind, thoughtful individuals who are ready to make a difference in the world. Lessons have purpose, and students are eager to engage with the ideas we explore within the curriculum.
What I value most is the culture of care. High standards are set, but staff are trusted and supported every step of the way. There’s a shared commitment to doing what’s best for our students, and it shows in every part of school life.
If you're looking for a school where your contribution genuinely matters and where you can develop in a meaningful way, this is an incredible place to build your career.
Yaz Altun, Teacher
I began at GW as a learning coach in 2023. Straight out of university, I was unsure what I wanted to do or where my career was headed but was sure I wanted to work in education and more specifically, wanted to work with young people to help them realise their potential. My role as a learning coach gave me valuable insight around how to support SEN students and their learning needs. I then moved into GW's Boost team working with students who needed support with their social, emotional and mental health needs. I am now a pastoral lead, putting all of the skills I have learnt throughout my time at GW into use supporting our year 7 students. GW has provided me with some brilliant opportunities for growth and development, supporting my career and opening doors to progression. The schools values are ingrained in everything we do here and through my role, I am able to help guide and develop young people's future.
I began at GW as a learning coach in 2023. Straight out of university, I was unsure what I wanted to do or where my career was headed but was sure I wanted to work in education and more specifically, wanted to work with young people to help them realise their potential. My role as a learning coach gave me valuable insight around how to support SEN students and their learning needs. I then moved into GW's Boost team working with students who needed support with their social, emotional and mental health needs. I am now a pastoral lead, putting all of the skills I have learnt throughout my time at GW into use supporting our year 7 students. GW has provided me with some brilliant opportunities for growth and development, supporting my career and opening doors to progression. The schools values are ingrained in everything we do here and through my role, I am able to help guide and develop young people's future.
Charlotte Bullock, Pastoral
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Glenmoor and Winton Academies over the past seven years. There is a strong, supportive sense of community here that encourages personal and professional growth every day. I began my journey in 2018 as a Teaching Assistant and, over the years, progressed through several roles including Future Teaching, UL Teacher Training, ECT, and now a qualified Mathematics Teacher and SENDCo. I have felt supported every step of the way and have thrived in this nurturing environment, which has helped me to grow, develop, and feel truly part of something special. What drives us as a staff body is the shared commitment to constantly improve so that we can provide our students with the best possible secondary experience. Our role in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and pursue exciting career opportunities beyond school with a sense of belonging.
Matthew Marle, SENDCo