Our Senior Leadership team
Mr A Weatherhogg
As someone who has lived in the Dudley area my whole life, it is an honour to be able to serve the community that has given me so much. The son of a girl from Dudley and a boy from Tipton, I spent my formative years in the Pensnett area, attending St Mark’s Primary School and Pensnett School of Technology. From there I completed my A Levels in History, Geography and English at Halesowen College. Unable to choose between the Humanities subjects, I completed a degree and masters in Politics at the University of Birmingham. Teacher training soon followed, where I trained in Birmingham as a History teacher. In 2006, I began life as a teacher at Ounsdale High School (now Wombourne High) in South Staffordshire, where I taught happily until I came to Wordsley. I had a number of roles, including Head of Humanities and Deputy Headteacher. It was a major wrench for me to leave Wombourne but the lure of Wordsley was just too strong.
Away from school, I am a parent to two young children, which I absolutely love. My son is very active and sporty, playing for multiple football and cricket teams. My daughter is extremely creative, meaning I become a ‘dance-dad’ on a Saturday, as well as attending other clubs such as gymnastics and swimming. I am a huge believer in the power of sport and the need to nurture young people’s talents and develop their interests. I am a massive sports fan. I support Liverpool FC and attend games where I can. I also love to watch cricket, attending England and Warwickshire/Birmingham games. I coach a Kewford Eagles team and spend a lot of my life at my son’s cricket fixtures, even umpiring and scoring when required.
My other passions are travel and reading. There is a big world out there waiting to be discovered. This boy from Pensnett has loved travelling the world, as it broadens horizons and brings you into contact with amazing people. Reading is also the window to a wider world and new perspectives. I love reading; historical fiction and crime novels are my favourite!
Mrs H Griffiths
Quality of Education
Intent
"I have been a teacher all of my working life, leaving King Edward VI in Stourbridge to take up a teaching degree in Cheltenham at The College of St. Paul and St. Mary, completing most of my teaching practice in Gloucestershire and achieving a BEd (Hons) First Class. I am a mathematician, although not according to my former maths teachers, and initially taught for a number of years in Worcester. I came back to this area briefly in the 1990s to teach at Summerhill, then Crestwood before returning as Head of Maths at my former school in Worcester. Nine years later I returned in 2007 to take up an Assistant Headteacher post at The Wordsley School and completed the ‘Holy Trinity’ of local schools – as a locally born Ashwood Park girl I am immensely proud to teach here and be part of the Wordsley family, having happily attended here as a pupil back in the mid 1980s (although it was known as Buckpool in those days).
I have led on all aspects of school life, from classroom teacher, pastoral lead, curriculum lead to just making a school tick and run well - I lead on our fantastic £6m new build extension and refurbishment which opened in 2021. I thoroughly enjoy my time here, and I am proud of the way the school reflects our local community and exudes the sense of belonging that pupils and staff have here. It is fantastic to see our pupils leaving school extremely well prepared for life, be that further education or an apprenticeship, and their very varied future working careers.
Out of school I live in Stourbridge, with a family including two grown up children and a Cavachon called Bertie, who I enjoy walking in the woods and countryside, with the odd refreshment break. I have a passion for reading and holidays, and love to spend time in Cyprus and Pembrokeshire, walking on promenades, beaches, cliffs enjoying sun, wind and even rain, and chilling with the latest blockbuster. I enjoy rugby, and with over 10 years as a ‘rugby mom’ on the muddy sidelines, I now prefer the comfort of Twickenham or an arm chair, for a more civilised sporting experience."
Mrs L Parry
Quality of Education
Implementation
"I’m a ‘local girl’; having grown up in Brockmoor, I attended Brockmoor Primary School. I know the local area really well and am proud of my roots. After leaving school I secured a job in accountancy at Dudley Council. I completed my degree in Business at Wolverhampton University at the age of 24 and decided that it was time to pursue my real passion in life – teaching! For eight years I taught within the adult education sector, supporting the Wordsley community in gaining computer skills and business qualifications. In 2003 I qualified as a teacher of Business and ICT at The Wordsley School and haven’t looked back since. I have held a number of different responsibilities during my time here, and was most proud to play my part in the school securing its specialist status as a Business & Enterprise and Music College.
As Deputy Headteacher I still love being in the classroom and take great pleasure in seeing pupils flourish. With responsibility for Teaching and Learning, I relish the challenge of working with a great team of staff who work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of education to our young people.
Away from school, I have two children, one at university and the other at secondary school. With them both growing up I felt there was room in my life for someone else and so adopted a rescue dog. I now have two and both keep me busy, but I do love walking! I love to read, and when I get chance like nothing better than a good crime thriller."
Mr A Fisher
Personal Development
"I was born in Dudley where I completed my education until I was 18. From an early age I always knew I wanted to teach music and allow others to experience and enjoy all the opportunities I had as a child. I went to The University of Central England and The Birmingham Conservatoire to study for my Bachelor of Education and Music. I’ve taught as a teacher and lecturer of music and music technology at Thorns Community College and Stourbridge College before joining The Wordsley School in 2004. In 2007 I had the privilege of becoming the Curriculum Achievement Leader for music, leading a successful department that has nurtured and inspired a wealth of musicians. Since 2015, I have been a member of the senior leadership team, becoming an Assistant Headteacher from September 2020.
Away from school, I have two children, Amelie and Sebastian, who inspire me each and every day. Amelie is a very keen ballroom dancer and tennis player and Sebastian, being three, is into everything! As a musician, I perform regularly in a band playing lead guitar, with the highlight of performing numerous times for the S.A.S.
My life as a husband, father, teacher and musician is hugely rewarding. I wouldn’t want it any other way!"
Mr J Griffiths
Behaviour & Attitudes
I was born in Gloucester where I spent the first 18 years of my life. I then attended Aston University and studied Industrial Product Design with a year in industry working in aerospace. Although I thoroughly enjoyed designing products and working in continual improvement, deep down I had always wanted to be a teacher and following the completion of my degree decided it was the right time. I have taught D&T and mathematics in the Black Country for 14 years and have held additional roles including Head of Year and Subject Leader for mathematics. Although born in Gloucester, I class the Black Country as my home; growing up I would regularly visit my grandparents who lived in Rowley Regis and I have lived in the area for the past 10 years.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf and watching Gloucester Rugby as often as I can.
Mrs C Harrison
Born in London, growing up in Kensal Rise (Queens Park), then moving to the Midlands, Shropshire and finally settling down in Staffordshire. After leaving school, like many others, I was unsure of my career path. I was fortunate to work for my Stepfather within his Architects Practice being educated in business skills whilst my siblings turned to construction (Architect and Contracts Managers).
In 1991, I joined TSB to work within the Banking Sector, firstly business banking with the transition into private retail banking, attaining various qualifications in business banking (CBI) and holding numerous roles over that period. In 2003, I joined the City of Wolverhampton Council Landlord Services, during their journey to evolve as Wolverhampton Homes, working for Property Services and Corporate Services directorates. Being fortunate to work and lead on an array of services and project management activities from environmental, waste, materials management, governance and business assurance, to name a few. I do believe as individuals we have the ability to carve a career path, education and knowledge create many opportunities, with learning empowering and enriching our lives.
On a personal note, I have a daughter who is currently studying at University. My partner and I are keen on sport especially football supporting Wolves and season ticket holders. We are fond of the great outdoors enjoy walking and hiking.
Miss S Austin
SENCo
I am so happy to be returning to my local area, I was born and bred in Dudley, went to school and college in Halesowen and then University in Coventry.After studying Sports Science with Health Sciences at University, I started my career in education nearly 20 years ago
My journey began as a behaviour mentor, however the majority of my career I have worked and taught PE in the Wolverhampton area. During this time I have held many roles which I am very proud of, a few being Director of PE and a Lead practitioner of SEND. SEND has always been a passion of mine, and in 2019 I took up my dream role as SENCO. There is nothing more rewarding than engaging, supporting or being the voice for students that don’t think they can. I was absolutely delighted to be offered the position of Assistant Head – SENCO a short while ago, and I’m very excited to get to know the whole Wordsley community.
Outside of school I am mum to a 7 year old little boy and a 2 year old poochon called Barney. We all love going on adventures but our weekends are mainly taken up by playing or watching sport. I am a West Brom season ticket holder (don’t hold it against me) and love Formula 1.
Mr T Brain
Curriculum Intent & Impact
Born up the road in Quarry Bank to two Brummy parents and now living in Stourbridge - I love this area and I’m so proud to work at The Wordsley School.
I always wanted to be a History teacher due to the wonderful staff who taught me. They showed me what an amazing and inspiring profession teaching was and unearthed a passion for my subject. When I left Sixth Form, I decided to follow my love for History at Cardiff University. Having completed my degree specialising in Roman and Medieval History, I spent time developing my knowledge of teaching by working at Redhill School before completing my teacher training at Worcester University in 2013. I then taught History for two years at George Salter Academy in West Bromwich, before moving to The Wordsley School in 2016 as the Head of History.
Over the coming years I was able to lead a successful department, inspiring our pupils’ love of History at Wordsley and beyond. I have held additional responsibility for developing Teaching and Learning across the school. This involved helping our amazing staff develop new strategies and ideas to ensure our pupils receive the highest standards of education at Wordsley. I had the privilege of becoming Curriculum Achievement Lead for Humanities and I was appointed to the position of Assistant Headteacher in September 2023.
Outside of school, me and my wife (also a teacher!) enjoy travelling; we love going on adventures exploring new countries, places and delicious food! I’m a lifelong supporter of Arsenal, love watching Formula One and enjoy a good book (not just the History ones!).
Mr R Howse
Attendance
My journey into education began as a Royal Marines Commando, serving on the frontline in Afghanistan. I witnessed the struggles of the local people trying to survive in a warzone and the sheer doggedness of the children battling their way to and from school each day. Their willpower was awe-inspiring, and their resolve and endeavour to learn is what I remind myself of as the Associate Assistant Headteacher - Attendance
Pupils at The Wordsley School are positive, resilient, and compassionate. They embody the values of The Wordsley School and display a real passion for helping each other develop and grow into young, well-rounded adults. As a Wordsley pupil you can expect a true sense of togetherness, loyalty, and strong determination to succeed regardless of the opportunity or competition; whether it be that difficult homework or an exam, we never give in. We are comfortable with the uncomfortable and strive to always push ourselves that little bit further.
