Staff

Our Leadership Team

Leigh Moore
Principal

“I grew up in Oldbury and have remained local ever since. On graduating from University, I made the decision to return to teach in the Midlands so that I could give something back to my local community. I started my career as a History teacher working in Sandwell before spending five years as an education business manager for schools in Birmingham, the Black Country and the East Midlands. In 2006, I returned to the classroom (once again in Sandwell) as an English teacher and in 2008, was promoted to senior leader – I have over seven years’ experience, including as acting headteacher, with a particular focus on curriculum, achievement and safeguarding. I am passionately committed to improving life chances and opportunities for young people in Sandwell and I’m proud to take up the position of Principal at Wodensborough Ormiston Academy in January 2016.”

Craig Smith
Senior Assistant Principal / Designated Safeguarding Lead

“I grew up in Campbeltown, on the west coast of Scotland. After studying Biology and Education (specialising in Special Education) at The University of Stirling, I moved to the midlands and have been here ever since. After a year of teaching in Scotland, I joined Wodensborough in 1997 and have had a number of roles in the academy including SENCo and Senior Leader for Inclusion. My current role as Assistant Principal has also presented me with a number of opportunities, but at the moment my work centres around systems, compliance, policy, ICT development, HR and communications.”

Myk Wagstaff
Vice Principal – Quality of Education

“I grew up locally and still live within Sandwell. I graduated with a degree in music from the University of Wolverhampton, Followed by a PGCE from the University of Worcester. After a short time working in Worcestershire. I spent 15 years working in Sandwell at our sister academy, OSCA. During this time I have undertaken many different roles as a Senior Leader including Curriculum, Progress, Assessment, Sixth Form, Teacher Development and Head of House. I joined WOA in June 2017 . My Current Role is Vice Principal and I take the lead on improving the Quality of Education across the Academy, leading on our curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Assessment as well as supporting all of our leaders to do their best for our students. I am also designated as a Specialist Leader of Education. I also have volunteered as a school governor in Sandwell since 2003. I completed my NPQH in September 2020”

Nicola Atkins
Assistant Principal – Compliance and Destinations

“I grew up in Sedgley and completed my Degree at the University of Wolverhampton where I studied English in my first year, before moving on to complete a BA Honours degree in Sports Studies with Leisure and Recreation Management. Following this I completed my PGCE at Worcester University. I have worked in Sandwell for the past 18 years and have undertaken a number of leadership roles in my previous school. This led to my appointment as the Director of Applied Learning and Technology, where I was able to implement a full suite of vocational qualifications. From this I was able to progress onto the senior leadership team at Wodensborough as a Senior Lead for Vocational/CEIAG (careers education advice and guidance and work experience). Here, I am able to implement a careers programme; inpiring students to succeed and make the transition from school into further education or the workplace.”

Simon Bowler
Vice Principal – Behaviour and Attitudes

“My first move to the West Midlands from Nottingham was to study for my degree in Geology and Geography at the University of Birmingham and later returned to complete my Secondary Geography teaching qualification.

Since graduating, I have worked in schools in Nottingham and the West Midlands to gain experience in many areas of school leadership, including teaching & learning and curriculum, but most enjoy working with pastoral teams to support our students to achieve their goals. As Vice Principal for behaviour and attitudes, I work closely with our Year Teams, SEND support, safeguarding and the Hub Team.”

David Martin
Assistant Principal – Pastoral Standards

“I was born, and now live in Stourbridge, having lived in Manchester for four years whilst studying Business Management at Manchester University.

Having attained my degree, I returned to the Midlands to study for my PGCE in Mathematics at Birmingham Metropolitan University. Having gained my qualifications,  I began my teaching career working in another Sandwell secondary school before joining Wodensborough in 2016. I have held a number of posts since joining the school including Head of Year/ Head of School, Associate Assistant Head of Pastoral Systems. My current role as Assistant Principal of Pastoral Standards enables me to play a key role in creating a calm, caring and supportive environment conducive to a positive learning experience in which all students at Wodensborough can flourish.”