Behind the scenes: The Academy Management Team

In the bustling corridors and behind the scenes, there are dedicated teams who ensure that our school functions smoothly. From managing administrative tasks and keeping our buildings safe and secure, to providing essential classroom support, these unsung heroes play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment at Priory.

In the fifth part of this series, we’re shining a spotlight on the Academy Management Team as we explore their contributions and learn more about the people who ensure you get the information, guidance and service you need, every day. 

A number of our Academy Management Team will be familiar as they are the smiling faces who greet you at our reception!

The Academy Management Team is led by the Academy Manager, and PA to Principal Mr Eastham, Mrs Spencer.

She is assisted by Communications & Marketing Manager Mrs Yates, Office Manager Mrs Burkhill and Receptionist and Admin Assistants Mrs Crix-Jopson, Mrs Evans, Mrs Holt and Mrs Little.  They are the link between pupils, parents, staff and visitors, and help the best they can with any information you may need. 

“We cover a range of roles as we are responsible for communications across the whole school community,” said Mrs Spencer. “The office team, fronted by Mrs Burkhill, are the ones who welcome pupils, parents and the public into school so they will be recognisable to many!

Mrs Burkhill added, “We are also the voices you hear when you call school.  We deal with all the parent enquiries, we signpost pupils who come to us not sure where they need to be, help them find lost property, take their reply slips or handover a forgotten PE kit or homework that has just been dropped off! Pupils are also with us whilst they wait to be collected for an appointment or are going home sick.”

“Hospitality is a large function for us; running two busy conference suites hired by outside educational providers.

“The team are all First Aid trained, which is a big part of our role in a busy school. We also monitor the spare medication for those with asthma or diabetes, for example. 

Mrs Yates works alongside Mrs Spencer to organise our events such as Open Evening, Leaver’s Celebrations and Easter Bingo.  She is the face behind our weekly newsletter, our website and social media.  She also manages all the whole school communications including letters and emails on top of overseeing the school’s branding and producing marketing brochures such as the prospectus.

Mrs Yates said, “It’s a very demanding role and my office door is constantly swinging open with staff and pupils coming through but I love it; it’s so varied. One minute I could be popping into a class to take a snap of an activity the pupils are working on and the next I could be designing a brochure or updating content on our website. I also look after our alumni, which is one of my favourite parts of the job; past pupils really enjoy seeing their old school photos and I receive some heart-warming and hilarious stories of their memories here.”

Mrs Spencer, who is currently on maternity leave, is the gateway to Mr Eastham’s office. As well as supporting Priory’s Principal with his PA needs, facilitating senior leadership meetings and managing staff recruitment, she is the Clerk to the Trustees, the team of people who are responsible for the management and performance of the school. 

She rounded off by saying, “Our mission is ‘to create a positive impression of the school through a supportive and seamless communication service to all,’ and I think we do that tremendously well.”

“No day is ever the same for the Academy Management team however we always strive to look after everyone’s varied needs the very best we can.”