Jenny Brown: Headteacher
Jenny studied Mathematics at the University of Nottingham before completing her PGCE in Mathematics at the same institution. She began her teaching career at Ashfield School in 1998 as a Maths teacher and Assistant Head of Trent House. Since then, Jenny has worked in a range of schools across Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City and Derby City, taking on leadership roles including Head of Maths, Head of PSHCE and senior positions focused on curriculum and school improvement.
Her first two headships were in developing Free Schools, where she enjoyed the challenge of establishing new schools for their local communities. Returning to Ashfield for her third headship feels like coming full circle, and Jenny is delighted to be back where her career began. She still loves being in the classroom and values working with such a variety of people.
Jenny remains passionate about the value a strong school community brings to students, families and staff, and sees leading a school as both a privilege and a significant responsibility.
Derek Nicholls: Deputy Headteacher
Derek completed his teaching degree at Nottingham University, with a specialism in History. He went on to study and complete his Masters in Teaching and Learning and a diploma in School Leadership. Derek has a wealth of pastoral and teaching experience having been a senior leader at Ashfield School since 2009. During his time at the school he has held a number of responsibilities including teaching and learning, careers and pastoral care. Derek’s main responsibilities currently centre on pastoral care, inclusion and safeguarding. He is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Ashfield School.
Nicola Hillyard: Assistant Headteacher
Nicola gained a degree in Humanities, specialising in History and Media Studies from Nottingham Trent University in 1997. After completing a PGCE in History at The University of Nottingham, Nicola gained a teaching position at Ashfield School in 1998. Nicola has been the Gifted and Talented Coordinator, a Local Authority AST working with other schools in the area, and an Assistant Headteacher leading on employee career professional development (CPD) and Teaching and Learning. Nicola’s real passion is being student facing in the classroom teaching.
Linda Maguire: Assistant Headteacher – Post 16
Linda studied for her undergraduate degree in French and European Studies at the University of Aston, before completing her PGCE with Maitrise FLE at the University of Nottingham.
Linda has taught at Ashfield School since 2002 in pastoral care from Year 7 through to Year 13, before joining the Senior Leadership Team. Linda is responsible for leading standards and achievement in our sixth form centre and whole school employability.
Jack Carter: Assistant Headteacher
After graduating from the University of Hull with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science, Jack completed his PGCE in Physical Education at Loughborough University. Following this, Jack began his teaching career in Leicestershire as a newly qualified teacher in 2010. Jack progressed to have a number of pastoral leadership positions at the school before moving to Ashfield in 2016 as an Achievement Leader. In 2019 Jack was promoted to Assistant Headteacher for pastoral standards and effectiveness including behaviours and attendance.
Zoe Hutchinson: Assistant Headteacher
Zoe studied her BSc Hons Molecular Biology & Biotechnology at Hull University. Upon graduating she worked in a research laboratory, looking at the effect of waste chemicals in UK’s lakes and rivers. Zoe’s passion in working with young people then led her to combine her science knowledge and embark on a teaching career.
Since completing a PGCE at Nottingham University, Zoe has held multiple roles which include Head of House, Assistant Pastoral Lead and Head of Science. She joined Ashfield in September 2017 where she led our large science team through significant change and improvements before being promoted to Assistant Headteacher in September 2022. Zoe holds responsibilities for raising attainment, curriculum intent, academic interventions and pupil premium.
Kerry Shawcroft: Assistant Headteacher
Kerry studied for her undergraduate degree in Art and Design at York St John University before completing a PGCE at Northumbria University in Art, Craft and Design. Kerry was then part of the inclusion team at Selby High School and worked exclusively with students that had additional needs to support them in school and help them to reach their potential. Kerry qualified in 2012 and has since worked in a range of educational settings developing the Art and Design curriculum in addition to promoting the arts culture in secondary schools.
Since joining Ashfield School in 2015, Kerry has progressed to have a number of pastoral leadership positions and was appointed Assistant Headteacher in 2022. Kerry is leading on parental and student engagement, transition and coordinating many of our events, alongside the ITT/Schools Direct programme. Teaching Art is still at the heart of her responsibilities.
Jason Flaxman: Assistant Headteacher
Jason originally spent 16 years working for an Engineering Company as a Condition Monitoring Engineer. Whilst working full time he also completed a degree in Computer Science at Sheffield Hallam University and in 2006 he completed a PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University in Computing. His teaching career started at Retford Oaks School where he progressed to Head of the Computing Department.
Since joining Ashfield School in 2014 as the Faculty Head of the Computing, Jason developed the subjects of Computer Science and Creative Media in the new professional IT classrooms. He developed the faculty to have high standards and expectations. Jason was appointed to Assistant Headteacher in 2022, where he still leads on the options and curriculum process, extra-curricular provisions, GDPR compliance and curriculum design for all years. Teaching Creative Media is still a part of his passion and something he enjoys on a daily basis.