Leadership Team – Bottom

Mr Bell has worked within education and community settings for 18 years and graduated from Teesside University with a degree in Child Development in 2014. Within his career he has worked in a range of settings including alternative provision and mainstream education and furthered his experience over a five-year period working in New York City supporting and safeguarding children at risk of exploitation. Mr Bell joined The Ruth Gorse Academy in 2017 and holds responsibility for safeguarding, alternative provision and community cohesion.

Ms Gully began her teaching career at Boston Spa Academy, teaching English and leading SEND. She served the Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for Safeguarding, Inclusion and Attendance, and subsequently led Teaching and Learning when the school joined the GORSE Academies Trust. At The Ruth Gorse Academy she leads Personal Development including PSHE and RSHE and Enrichment ++.

After a varied career as cabin crew and food production management, Mrs Murray retrained to become a teacher. Her career started at a secondary school in Bradford where she was filmed for a year as an NQT for Teachers TV. Her career progressed and she became Head of Department in two large secondary schools before moving to The Ruth Gorse Academy when it opened on Black Bull Street. She became Assistant Principal in January 2019. From September she will continue to work across the trust supporting KS4 Modern Foreign Languages and will also lead on Careers within the academy.

Miss O’Brien started her teaching career in 2014, as an English Teacher in a large secondary school in Leeds. She joined The Ruth Gorse Academy in 2017 as Assistant Leader of English. She then advanced to the position of Deputy Director of English, with oversight of whole school Literacy, and subsequently to the role of Director of English. During this time, she also supported in leading English Language across the Gorse Academies Trust.

Miss O’Brien is incredibly passionate about ensuring all students have access to high-quality educational provision. She has led on the development of catch-up curriculum and intervention programs and has developed a comprehensive Reading Strategy, elevating the reading provision for students across all curriculum areas. Her passion for promoting high-quality teaching and learning as instrumental tools for improving outcomes persists in her current role as Assistant Principal.

Miss O’Brien is actively pursuing her dedication to outstanding leadership by undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) through the Leeds Teaching School Hub.

Mr Pawson has been part of GORSE since 2008, embarking on his career as a PE teacher at The Morley Academy. Over the years, he has assumed various roles, including Head of House, Student Performance Leader, Head of Year, and Director of Key Stage 3. His experience within the trust showcases a deep commitment to student welfare and development. Mr. Pawson is driven by a passion for providing students with exceptional pastoral support, fostering an environment where they not only excel academically but also find joy in their school journey. His dedication aligns seamlessly with the values upheld by GORSE, emphasising the holistic growth and well-being of every student.