Leadership Team

Responsibilities include Academy Improvement, Personal Development, Health & Safety, Senior Mental Health Lead, Trust primary science lead and subject leader of PE/sports science, Management of Vice Principals, Assistant Principals and Business Manager.

I am Helen Townsley and I have worked within The GORSE Academies Trust for the entirety of my teaching career. After 16 years of working within education, I became the Principal of Ryecroft Academy in March 2017. I am deeply passionate about ensuring children experience a wonderful quality of education and are cherished and valued by their school community. I take great pride in my work and love being here at Ryecroft Academy.

My family and I love spending time in the countryside, enjoying long walks and outdoor activities. My children are involved in lots of sporting clubs and activities, and I really enjoy supporting them with their extra-curricular pursuits.

Responsibilities include joint lead of Whole School Assessment, Subject Leader of English (all aspects and including phonics), geography and history. Inclusion Lead including Behaviour and Attendance, Designated Safeguarding Lead and medical. Line manager of Specialist TA for English and Mathematics, EYFS leaders, all members of the Inclusion, Welfare, Family Support, Safeguarding, Medical and Admissions Team.

I am Jennie McPhee. I joined The GORSE Academies Trust in 2016, working at Morley Newlands Academy and The Stephen Longfellow Academy before joining Ryecroft Academy in 2022. As one of the Vice Principals at Ryecroft Academy, I am extremely passionate about education and strongly committed to ensuring that all pupils have access to a world-class education that supports both strong academic outcomes and wider personal development.

Through my leadership roles, I work collaboratively with colleagues to sustain and strengthen excellence across the academy, with a particular focus on high-quality teaching, robust assessment practices and inclusive provision. I am especially committed to creating a safe, supportive and aspirational environment in which all pupils feel valued, protected and able to thrive, both academically and socially.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going on long walks with my dog and listening to music.

Responsibilities include whole school SENCo, Family Engagement, Internal Transition and Transfer and Subject Leader of Art and Design and Design Technology. Line manger of Assistant SENCo, Key Stage One Leader and Specialist Teaching Assistants for Speech and Language. Early Years Lead across the Primary Trust.

I am Kerilee Cappleman and I joined The GORSE Academies Trust in 2015. Whilst working for GORSE, I have worked at Hillcrest Academy and Ryecroft Academy, as well as working for the GORSE SCITT as Director of Early Years. I also work alongside the Early Years Leaders within the trust as the Primary Partnership Lead for Early Years.

As one of the Vice Principals at Ryecroft Academy, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the very best education and support from the very start of their time with us. I believe that creating strong foundations, a nurturing environment and an engaging, purposeful curriculum is key to helping all children succeed, both personally and academically. Working in close partnership with colleagues, families and the wider community is central to the approach I take with my work. I find that building positive, trusting relationships and working collaboratively ensures that all children feel supported, valued and that they can succeed.

In my role as SENCo, I am particularly passionate about championing inclusivity across school and I am dedicated to ensuring that provision is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of each child, enabling them to access their learning fully and achieve their potential. Through thoughtful support, collaboration with parents and carers, staff and external professionals, I work to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, included and empowered.

In my spare time I love spending weekends with my family, we enjoying visiting local parks, the coast, baking and doing anything creative.

Responsibilities include lead of Whole School Teaching and Learning, Co-Lead of Assessment, Transition to Secondary Coordinator, Subject Leader of Science, Music, Senior Mental Health Lead.

I am Sophie Dunderdale and I have worked at Ryecroft Academy since 2016. I started my journey at Ryecroft Academy as a teaching assistant whilst at university. I was then delighted to secure a placement with GORSE SCITT to begin my teacher training journey. I am passionate about helping our young learners to make excellent progress here at Ryecroft Academy. I believe that every child has the potential to achieve wonderful things and I am committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where pupils can flourish. My role in shaping teaching and learning at our school is very important to me and I believe that placing the quality of education at the heart of our work allows pupils to receive the best educational experience that is possible. One of my deepest passions is to empower students, so that they leave Ryecroft Academy with the invaluable gift of choice in all their future prospects. I value the importance of imparting knowledge but also instilling the skills and confidence that are necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Responsibilities include Subject Leader of Mathematics, KS1 Phase Leader and SCITT Lead.

I am Hannah Matthews and I joined the GORSE Academies Trust in 2025. Teaching our young people has always been a dream of mine from such a young age. I am passionate about working with our young people to support them in their learning journey and ensure they are able to achieve their potential. I believe that all of our children have the right to a high-quality education that will enable them to achieve their dreams in the future and give them the gift of choice. I am also incredibly enthusiastic about supporting our young people’s well-being and personal development, giving them the skills and confidence to support that bright future waiting for them.

In my spare time, I really enjoying spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, reading a good book and taking my dog on lovely, long walks.

Responsibilities include Health & Safety, HR and Finance, Welfare Coordinator, Resource Management, management of administration team and other support staff.

I am Vicky Grafton and I joined the GORSE Academies Trust and Ryecroft Academy in November 2025 following a decade in the Independent School sector and prior to that, 16 years as a Personnel Officer in the Royal Air Force.

I am determined to ensure that every child and member of staff has a safe and welcoming school environment, both physically and emotionally, which is built on the values of care, kindness, trust and integrity.

I have 3 children of my own, all who are heavily involved in various sporting activities and I spend most of my spare time travelling the length and breadth of the UK supporting them with these activities, which I love.