Neil Davies
Headteacher
Neil is a proud Welshman who originates from the South West corner of Wales (Welsh being his first language). He studied for his degree in London (1994-1998) and began his teaching career as a PE Teacher at the London Nautical School (Waterloo) in 1998, later becoming Head of PE at Archbishop Tensions School (Kennington Oval) in 2001.
Neil relocated from London to the East Midlands and began a role at The Brunts Academy, in Mansfield as Head of PE in 2005, moving on to the roles of Head of House and Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form & CEIAG) during his 15 years at Brunts.
In September 2019, Neil began a new role at Beech Academy as Deputy Headteacher (Behaviour & Attitudes) and became Head of School from January 2020, and Headteacher from September 2021.
In March 2024, Neil additionally took on the role of Interim Executive Headteacher at Derrymount School, supporting the school through academisation and the transition into the Nexus family of schools. From September 2024, Neil took on the role of Executive Headteacher on a permanent basis and remains excited to support the school through the next stage of the improvement journey. When not at work, Neil is most likely to be found supporting Welsh rugby, fly fishing or playing the occasional game of golf.
Laura Williams
Deputy Head
Laura has not always had a career in teaching. She had a gap year in 2005-2006 where she lived and worked for a period of time in a small village called Château Renault in the Loire Valley, improving her spoken French, before going on to study English Law and French Law at Sheffield Hallam University and Université Paris XII, (2006-2009).
Having decided that Law wasn't the career path for her, Laura then spent eight years working as a department manager in several Sainsbury's stores across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, before starting a new career in teaching.
Laura trained for her PGCE in Primary Education with SEND at Swanwick School and Sports College in Derbyshire and the University of Derby, (2017-2018), before joining Derrymount School in September 2018 as class teacher.
Laura has worked as the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children since 2021, and became an Associate Assistant Headteacher in January 2024 before beginning her new role of Deputy Headteacher (Quality of Education) at the Lower School site in April 2024.
Outside of school, Laura has two young sons and enjoys coaching her eldest son's U8 football team, exploring the local countryside with her family, and baking cakes.
Mary Kirby
Deputy Head
Mary has lived in Nottingham for most of her life, apart from her time at university in York. She began her teaching career in 2005 as a Primary Teacher at Jacksdale Primary School. After completing her NQT year, Mary discovered her passion for working with young people with special needs. This led her to Oakfield Special School in Nottingham, where she spent the next 10 years as a Post-16 Teacher and later as a Phase Leader.
Following this, Mary worked as a Specialist Advisory Teacher for Nottinghamshire County Council’s Autism Team for four years. In this role, she supported young people with communication and interaction difficulties, promoting inclusion within mainstream settings.
In 2019, Mary became the SENCO and Assistant Head at Bramcote College Secondary School, where she continued to champion inclusive practices. In September 2024, she joined Endeavour Academy as Deputy Head Teacher, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting students with diverse needs.
Outside of school, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and two children. She has a love for sports, the outdoors, theatre, and cultural experiences. Mary values connecting with like-minded, curious, and inspiring people.
Marianne Burford
Assistant Head
Marianne started working in a toxicology lab after completing her BSc Hons degree in Pharmacology at The University of Liverpool in 1996. After realising that talking to people is more rewarding to her than glassware, she started a 20 year career in various elements of pharmaceutical sales, managing supplies into hospitals and major pharmaceutical chains.
Marianne is deeply passionate about keeping young people safe and preparing them for the challenges of the world, with a special focus on neurodivergent individuals and their unique needs in a society that isn't always welcoming or understanding. She is dedicated to helping young people discover and implement strategies to thrive. Marianne also shares relevant personal experiences to support young people in navigating the challenges of growing up and showing we are all different, and we are all human.
Marianne took up her role teaching science in 2019 and in her teaching her aim is to inspire the next generation by showing them how science is present in everyday life, encouraging them to ask questions like "How does it work?", "What does it mean?", and "Where could it lead?". She progressed to Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead in 2024.
Marianne is a trained Coach in Running Fitness and a dedicated volunteer including Run Directing at Brierley Forest parkrun. She loves reading, live music, and cats.
Kurt Hallam
Assistant Head
A local boy, Kurt was born in Nottingham, attending the 'largest school in Europe'. Whilst turning out for Notts County and Nottingham Forest in the academy system, like most young dreamers' professional football wasn't to be. Kurt then set his heart on becoming a PE teacher...
Kurt therefore attended Nottingham Trent University to study a joint honours degree in Sport and Education alongside playing, coaching and refereeing football, as well as supporting in multiple schools, including that of which he attended for 7 years.
Kurt was ready to become a qualified teacher during the covid-19 pandemic and with the support of the University of Derby and Nottingham Academy, Kurt quickly learnt the art of adaptability by learning and teaching through a blend of in-person and online provision. Kurt has been able to teach all of his interests during his time in mainstream and SEND provision: PE, Psychology and Spanish.
During this time Kurt took the opportunity to coach at Notts County Academy for three years, experiencing some of the country's best facilities and up-and-coming talent.
Kurt has experience within mainstream and SEND schools and became Associate Assistant Headteacher in January 2024 before taking up a full-time position as Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour & Attitudes) later that year.
Kurt is football mad! Outside of work, he can be seen playing, coaching, or watching football, in the gym, or spending time with family.