Our Staff
Vicky Simcock - Executive Principal/Director of Academy Improvement
As Executive Principal, I work over Hinde House 2-16 Academy and Yewlands Academy with senior leaders, staff and parents to ensure that our students have a robust, healthy curriculum that allows all to flourish, irrespective of starting points, needs and challenge. I have been teaching for over 30 years and have been a senior leader for almost 20 years. I am a teacher of History, and I have been a Principal in Lincolnshire, Sheffield and the Midlands. I have also worked as a Regional Educational Director for a large Multi Academy Trust before making the decision to join Brigantia Learning Trust in 2018. I wanted to work for Brigantia as it is a small local Trust that knows its academies and communities and one that is determined to “create excellence for all through a culture of care”
Contact at: vsimcock@brigantiatrust.net
Tom Gardiner – Associate Principal
I began my teaching career at Birley Community College in 2007 teaching English and then progressing to Head of English before I became Assistant Headteacher in 2012. In 2015, I joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust, working across a number of academies as an Associate Director of English. Having gained an excellent insight into how to improve both teaching and learning as well as student outcomes, I moved into the role of National Lead for English at the newly formed Astrea Academy Trust in 2018, working closely with South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire schools. In 2021, my family and I embarked on an exciting adventure on the island of Borneo, working at International School Brunei for three wonderful years. I am now delighted to be returning to Sheffield and taking up my role as Associate Principal at Yewlands Academy.
Contact at: tgardiner@brigantiatrust.net
Bal Sembhy – Vice Principal - Inclusion/DSL
I joined Yewlands in July 2023, having taught at Firth Park Academy in Sheffield for 25 years. My previous role was Senior Assistant Principal leading on Attendance, Pastoral, Primary Partnerships & Transition, Parental Engagement, House System and Rewards. My subject specialism is Physical Education and through my time at Firth Park Academy I have been a Subject Leader, Head of Year and a System Leader supporting Sheffield Secondary Schools and across England. I served a community for 25 years, investing time and care to ensure that I made a difference to the lives of young people in the community. I now hope to replicate that in the Yewlands family, building trust, positive relationships and respect. I am proud to be working in the Brigantia Trust to inspire, engage, motivate students whilst instilling ambition and aspirations. Outside of school, I am an active sportsperson, performance cars enthusiast and oversee my private school in India.
Contact at: bsembhy@brigantiatrust.net
Cheryl McCanaan – Assistant Principal – Quality Assurance
I joined Yewlands in February 2024 as Assistant Principal. Prior to working at Yewlands, I have held senior leadership roles in schools all over the country from Newcastle in the north, Weston-super-Mare in the south, Liverpool in the west and Hull in the east. I have taught for 35 years, mostly in inner city secondary schools and, at heart, I remain an English teacher. Having come from a pit village in Barnsley, my central goal in life is to provide similar young people with the opportunity to flourish by widening their choices and chances. No matter where I have worked, I have always called myself a proud Yorkshire lass
Contact at: CMcCanaan@brigantiatrust.net
Emmajane McNulty – Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning/PSHE/SMSC
I joined Yewlands Academy in July 2023. Previously I have taught PSHE, German, Spanish and Drama at schools in Barnsley and Sheffield. I have also been a Head of Year, a Head of House and a Subject Leader. I am passionate about PSHE and ensuring that students have the right knowledge and skills to navigate the world once they leave education. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I am quite a creative person and especially love knitting socks and making quilts.
Contact at: emcnulty@brigantiatrust.net
Ryan Stringer – Assistant Principal for Behaviour, Attendance & Safeguarding
On leaving school in 1996, I completed my apprenticeship as a Sheet Metal Worker and worked in industry until deciding that I wanted a more rewarding career working with Children and young people.
I have worked in various schools across South Yorkshire and the North Midlands since 2002, and have supported Young people in not only trying to achieve their potential, but also empower them to be resilient and make informed choices.
Outside of work, my hobbies and interests include spending precious time with my family and supporting my beloved SWFC. WAWAW.
Contact at: RStringer@brigantiatrust.net
Kate Bull – Lead Practitioner – Oracy & Literacy
I started teaching English in Great Grimsby with the Teach First programme in 2014. Three years later, I moved to Firth Park Academy in Sheffield and taught there for five years, becoming the Head of English Department in 2020. I joined Yewlands Academy in June 2022 as Lead Practitioner for Oracy and Literacy to support pupils' literacy and skills in spoken language. I am passionate that our young people are part of a celebratory culture of reading at Yewlands and feel confident in their written and spoken communication. I love reading, writing, and travelling in my spare time.
Contact at: kbull@brigantiatrust.net
Caitie Travis - SENCo in Training
I joined Yewlands Academy in December 2021 from Hinde House as Subject Lead for science. In January 2022 I was appointed as SENCO for Yewlands. I am passionate about supporting our students and I firmly believe that education should be accessible to every student, with students given the best opportunities to succeed and thrive. Outside of school I love walking and the great outdoors. I have a son in primary school and two grown up stepdaughters.
Contact at: ctravis@brigantiatrust.net