Leadership Team – Middle

Miss Burlison began her teaching career by completing her PGDipEd with the University of Birmingham. She moved to Leeds in 2018 and joined The Ruth Gorse Academy as a History teacher. Within the past six years, Miss Burlison has been an Academic Progress Leader and Head of Year, developing a key understanding of the challenges that our pupils can face on a daily basis.

Miss Burlison is hugely passionate about removing barriers for pupils and completed a Masters in Education during her third year at The Ruth Gorse Academy, analysing the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our most vulnerable pupils.

She is now continuing her passion as Senior Assistant Principal for SEND, ensuring that all pupils have access to an Outstanding education, as well as forming part of the Safeguarding Team in her role as Deputy DSL. Miss Burlison played a crucial role in supporting the academy in securing the NASEN Award for Secondary Provision of the Year 2023 - national recognition for the SEND provision at the academy and the work around the THINK 5 strategy and the introduction of SEND Champions. In addition to this, Miss Burlison is continuing to develop her drive for Outstanding leadership through the successful completion of an NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) with Leeds Teaching School Hub. She is also a facilitator for the first ever cohort of the NPQSENCo supporting other SENDCO's across Leeds to develop their understanding of SEND and how to support pupils with SEND.

Miss Burlison is also the designated teacher with responsibility of Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, has overall responsibility for the academy EAL provision and oversees the remit of transition and student voice/student leadership.

Mr Smith is now in his seventh year at The Ruth Gorse Academy after successfully graduating from the GORSE SCITT. He leads on Positive Discipline and ensures that the academy maintains its high standards and expectations of students through a culture of reward, praise and acknowledgement.

Mr Harper has been teaching since 2011, initially teaching dance at a school in Calderdale. Throughout his career he has held a number of roles including Head of Faculty for Creative Arts, as well as Director of Sixth Form and Associate Assistant Principal for Ks3 and Enrichment.

Mr Harper joined The Ruth Gorse Academy in September 2022 and is responsible for Student Leadership, Student Voice and the ACE Ambassadors; and looks forward to developing these areas further to ensure that students are able to achieve beyond what they are today.