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 several 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 have taken 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 Senior Assistant Principal has also presented me with a number of opportunities, but at the moment my work centres around Safeguarding, compliance, policy, ICT development and communications.”

Joanna Locke
Associate Assistant Principal – SEND

“I was born and raised in Birmingham, where I continue to live today. My journey into the world of SEND and education began shortly after completing my A-Levels, when I volunteered as a teaching assistant. This experience sparked a deep passion for supporting children with additional needs, leading me to complete both Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning.

I then progressed to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), which further deepened my commitment to inclusive education. Thanks to a scholarship opportunity, I pursued a BA (Hons) degree in Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Studies alongside Education Studies. This paved the way for me to complete the Assessment Only Route into teaching, specialising in English—a key step in achieving my long-held goal of becoming a SENCO.

Over the past 16 years, I’ve been privileged to work within SEND across schools in Birmingham, Walsall, and Sandwell. Each role has strengthened my belief in the transformative power of inclusive education and the importance of championing every child’s potential.”

WOA SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Believe

Achieve

Succeed

Christine Jones
Associate Assistant Principal – Support Systems and Operational Standards

I grew up in Derry in Ireland and after getting my degree from Queens University Belfast I moved to England to complete my PGCE at the University of Worcester. I have always worked in Sandwell schools as a science teacher as I have always believed education is fundamental in opening futures that allow pupils to excel and flourish, enabling children to improve their life opportunities. During my time as a teacher I have held many different roles including head of house, head of year, head of science and lead practitioner for science. I joined WOA in 2019.

Myk Wagstaff
Vice Principal

“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 have volunteered as a school governor in Sandwell since 2003. I completed my NPQH in September 2020”

David Martin
Senior Assistant Principal – Behaviour & Culture

“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. 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 Senior Assistant Principal 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.”

Salma Khan
Associate Assistant Principal – Raising Achievement and Pupil Premium

I was born and still live in Wolverhampton. I began my career in accountancy before following my passion for working with children and vulnerable adults. After six years in the fields of domestic violence, mental health, and forced marriage, I retrained as a maths teacher. I’ve since held a range of roles in Black Country schools, including KS3 maths co-ordinator, head of maths and different designated safeguarding teacher roles. I’m now Associate Assistant Principal for Raising Achievement and Pupil Premium at WOA, where I’m committed to ensuring every child can succeed, no matter their starting point.

A Graduated Response to Staff Well Being

At WOA our pastoral care extends beyond that for our pupils and their families. We know that our highly-trained and experienced staff are our best resource for changing lives, and it is our duty to support them.

Our graduated approach to staff well-being means we can provide different levels of support based on individual needs and ensure we can respond to any ‘bumps in the road’ that may happen along the way to ensure our staff get the right help and support at times of difficulty. It starts with universal strategies that benefit everyone—such as fostering a positive work environment and promoting healthy routines. If challenges arise or become more complex, additional targeted or specialist support is introduced. This approach ensures that staff receive timely, appropriate care and that support grows as needed to maintain balance, resilience, and overall well-being. See below for the WOA Way!

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