Crofton Academy
Our Trust Academies
About Us
Our Staff
At Crofton Academy, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, who are committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential. Guided by our vision of working together to achieve excellence for all and our values of Care, Aspire, Succeed, our staff inspire and support pupils every day.
The Academy is led by our Headteacher Mr P Walker, supported by his dynamic team of senior leaders and staff.
We believe that an exceptional education is only possible with great people. That’s why we focus on recruiting passionate and skilled staff and investing in their continuous professional development.
Every member of our team plays a vital role in creating a supportive, ambitious, and caring environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Senior Leadership
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Mr P Walker Headteacher
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Mr L Hardcastle Associate Headteacher
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Mr P McTigue Deputy Headteacher
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Mr R Pool Assistant Headteacher
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Mrs V Elliott Associate Assistant Headteacher
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Mrs C Knowles Assistant Headteacher
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Mrs E Crossley School Business Manager
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Miss S Rowe Associate Assistant Headteacher
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Mrs R Dean Assistant Headteacher
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Miss C Lay Associate Assistant Headteacher
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Mr P Walker
Headteacher
Mr Walker is the Headteacher at Crofton Academy, bringing a wealth of experience and strong leadership to the role. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and a PGCE in Mathematics, alongside additional qualifications including Specialist Leader in Education and the NPQH. Mr Walker began his career at Crofton High School in September 1996 as a Teacher of Mathematics, progressing to Subject Leader in 2000, Assistant Headteacher in 2009, Deputy Headteacher in 2013, and becoming Headteacher in March 2016.
His leadership experience spans both middle and senior roles, including Head of Year and Head of Department. As Headteacher, he is responsible for the strategic leadership of the academy, overseeing key areas such as teaching and learning, staffing, outcomes, and the professional development of staff. He is passionate about creating a culture of ambition and celebration, inspiring young people to develop their talents, believe in themselves, and access future opportunities. Mr Walker values working at Crofton Academy as part of a dedicated and forward-thinking team that strives for continuous improvement, celebrates success, and supports one another to achieve the very best for pupils.
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Mr L Hardcastle
Associate Headteacher
Mr Hardcastle is the Associate Headteacher at Crofton Academy, bringing extensive leadership experience and a long-standing commitment to the school community. He holds a BA (Hons) in Geography and a PGCE in Geography, alongside the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Mr Hardcastle began his teaching career with placements in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool before joining Crofton High School in September 1997 as a Teacher of Geography and Humanities. Over the years, he has progressed through a range of leadership roles, including Head of Year, Head of Geography, Assistant Headteacher (Sixth Form) in 2011, Deputy Headteacher in 2017, and most recently Associate Headteacher in 2025.
In his current role, he oversees the quality of education and the day-to-day leadership of the academy, alongside wider responsibilities such as pastoral provision, inclusion, curriculum leadership and stakeholder engagement. He also contributes beyond the school through Trust strategy meetings and local authority inclusion panels. Mr Hardcastle is driven by a belief in ensuring that every young person receives a world-class education and strong pastoral support and he values the transformational impact the school has on the Crofton community.
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Mr P McTigue
Deputy Headteacher
Mr McTigue is the Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education at Crofton Academy, with a strong background in curriculum leadership and teaching and learning. He holds a BA (Hons) in History, a PGCE in History, and postgraduate qualifications in Leadership and Management, including a PGDip and an MSc. Mr McTigue began his teaching career in Leeds in 2011 before moving to Harrogate in 2013, and went on to become Head of History in 2016 and later Director of History across a large multi-academy trust, where he led curriculum development and supported subject leaders across multiple schools. He joined the senior leadership team at Crofton Academy in September 2021 and was appointed Deputy Headteacher in September 2025.
In his current role, he oversees subject leadership and the quality of education across the school, including the curriculum and teacher development. He has also contributed to wider trust work, including developing assessment and reporting policy and collaborating on the Trust’s Principles of Great Teaching. Mr McTigue is driven by a belief in educational equity, ensuring that every young person can access powerful knowledge, think critically and shape their own future, and he values the school’s commitment to empowering pupils to become confident, informed and successful individuals.
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Mr R Pool
Assistant Headteacher
Mr Pool is the Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour and Attitudes at Crofton Academy. He holds a BA (Hons) in Secondary Physical Education and is a qualified Physical Education teacher. Mr Pool began his career with teaching placements in schools in Leeds and Huddersfield before working across three schools within the Wakefield Authority from 2003. Throughout his career, he has consistently been committed to providing strong pastoral care, guidance and support to young people. He has held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Year and Assistant Headteacher, serving at Minsthorpe Community College, Carleton High School and Crofton Academy since 2020.
In his current role, he is responsible for ensuring a calm and purposeful learning environment where teachers can teach effectively and pupils feel safe and ready to learn. He also oversees Year 6 transition and Alternative Provision, and line manages five Year Leaders as well as wider pastoral staff. Mr Pool is driven by a belief in equipping young people with the skills they need to become well-rounded individuals who can make a positive contribution to their communities. He values working at Crofton Academy and within the Trust, where individuals are recognised and supported to work together towards achieving ‘Excellence for All’.
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Mrs V Elliott
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Elliott is the SENDCO and Associate Assistant Headteacher at Crofton Academy, where she leads on SEND provision, curriculum access, and reading intervention. She line manages the Assistant SENDCO, Learning Support Assistants and Library Lead.
She joined Crofton Academy in 2018 and has extensive leadership experience across a range of roles, including Head of Music, Deputy Head of Faculty for Performing Arts, SENDCO, and Director of SEND. She became Associate Assistant Headteacher in 2021.
Mrs Elliott holds a BA (Hons) in Music, a PGCE in Music and SEND, the National Award for SEN Coordination, and a postgraduate qualification in Access Arrangements.
She is committed to ensuring every young person feels valued, supported, and able to achieve their full potential, becoming confident and independent individuals.
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Mrs C Knowles
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Knowles is an experienced senior leader at Crofton Academy, responsible for the Quality of Education, including the KS3 curriculum, literacy, assessment, and outcomes. She also leads on curriculum review, KS3 intervention, and line manages Geography, Design & Technology, and Religious Education.
She began her teaching career in 2000 and has held a range of leadership roles in the UK and internationally, including senior leadership at Two Boats School on Ascension Island and Teaching & Learning leadership at Outwood Academy Carlton. She joined Crofton Academy in 2025.
Mrs Knowles holds a BA (Hons) in Marketing, a PGCE in Business Education, and an MA in ICT and Education.
She is passionate about improving life chances for young people and developing a curriculum that builds both knowledge and character, helping all pupils to thrive.
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Mrs E Crossley
School Business Manager
Mrs Crossley is the School Business Manager at Crofton Academy, where she is responsible for overseeing support services including finance, IT, premises, administration, and health and safety.
She joined the education sector in 2018, following a successful career in banking with Lloyds Banking Group, where she worked as a Team Leader in stockbroking. After serving as Office Manager at Kettlethorpe High School, she was appointed School Business Manager in 2020.
Mrs Crossley holds a range of professional qualifications, including a Level 4 School Business Professional Apprenticeship and a Level 3 Diploma in Management.
As a member of the senior leadership team, she plays a key role in managing resources, coordinating site developments, and supporting the effective day-to-day running of the academy. She is committed to ensuring that resources are used efficiently to support high-quality teaching, learning, and pupil success.
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Miss S Rowe
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Miss Rowe holds a BA (Hons) in Philosophy and Religion and a PGCE in Religion, alongside the NPQH leadership qualification. She began her teaching career at Ecclesfield High School in Sheffield before joining Crofton High School in 2002 as Head of RE. Over her career, she has successfully led multiple departments, including Health & Social Care and Travel & Tourism, and has served as Head of Year, demonstrating her strength as both a curriculum and pastoral leader.
Her leadership journey includes roles as a Middle Leader and now a Senior Leader, where she serves as Associate Assistant Headteacher. In addition to her core responsibilities, Miss Rowe plays a vital role in the wider life of the school as the lead for Attendance, Safeguarding (DSL), Mental Health, and as the Designated Teacher for Children in Care.
Miss Rowe is passionate about helping pupils access the opportunities they deserve.
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Mrs R Dean
Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Dean is an Assistant Headteacher at Crofton Academy with extensive experience in mathematics education and senior leadership. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Primary Education in Mathematics with Qualified Teacher Status, specialising in mathematics. Mrs Dean began her teaching career in 2009 as an NQT at DYCA in East Leeds, where she later became Subject Leader for Mathematics. She went on to hold senior leadership roles including Senior Subject Leader at Wetherby High School and Director of Core and Director of Progress and Outcomes at Featherstone Academy. Prior to joining Crofton, she served as Assistant Headteacher at Rodillian Academy, leading on Key Stage 4 progress and outcomes as well as quality of education. In her current role, she is responsible for KS4 curriculum, assessment and outcomes, alongside leading areas such as more able provision, pupil premium, intervention, and options.
She line manages academic mentors, exams and data, and oversees several subject areas including PE, Science and Computing. Mrs Dean also contributes at Trust level as a PiXL Lead and member of the KS4 Outcomes Strategy Group and serves as a Quality Nominee for BTEC qualifications. She is driven by a commitment to ensuring all young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can achieve their full potential and is passionate about collaborative working to raise standards and improve outcomes for all pupils.
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Miss C Lay
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Miss Lay joins Crofton Academy on 1 September 2026. Further details to be added.
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Castleford Trust