Our Schools
Pickwick Academy Trust is made up of 21 community and church primary schools across North and South Wiltshire, and North Dorset, and is organised into three 'hubs'.
North Wiltshire Hub
- Aloeric Primary School
- Corsham Primary School
- Ivy Lane Primary School
- Princecroft Primary School
- Queen’s Crescent School
South Wiltshire Hub
- Alderbury & West Grimstead CE Primary School
- Gomeldon Primary School
- Greentrees Primary School
- Longford CE Primary School
- Pitton CE Primary School
- St Andrew's CE Primary School, Laverstock
- Winterbourne Earls CE Primary School
- Winterslow CE Primary School
- Woodford Valley CE Primary Academy
North Dorset Hub
- All Saints CE Primary School, Bishops Caundle
- Ludwell Primary School
- Gillingham Primary School
- Milton on Stour CE Primary School
- St George's CE Primary School, Bourton
- St Gregory's CE Primary School, Marnhull
- Wyke Primary School
Pickwick Academy Trust was formed in August 2017 because the four founding schools recognised the huge value of working together to drive school improvement and education innovation. Since then we have been delighted to welcome more like-minded schools into the Pickwick family.
We are an outward-facing and inclusive Trust, which is committed to safeguarding the ethos, uniqueness and identity of each of our schools, and the Christian distinctiveness of our church schools.
Pickwick Academy Trust is committed to staff development and well-being at all levels of the organisation, and has embedded strategies for bringing people together to innovate and find solutions to school improvement challenges.
Meet Our Headteachers
Meet Our Headteachers (ID 1027)
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Tom MullinsAloeric Primary School
Tom Mullins
With over 20 years of experience in education, Tom has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive, creative and aspirational learning environments. Throughout his journey, Tom has held various leadership roles, each contributing to his growth and understanding of effective educational practices. Currently Tom is the Headteacher at Aloeric Primary School, where he strives to empower children to become their best possible selves and prepare them for the future.
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Kerry ParkerCorsham Primary School, Broadwood
Kerry Parker
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Lindsay FryCorsham Primary School, Pound Pill
Lindsay Fry
Lindsay Fry is the Headteacher of Corsham Primary School - Pound Pill. She has enjoyed a career in education of over 25 years, teaching across the primary age range in Warwickshire and Wiltshire schools.
Lindsay's experience includes some 23 years at Corsham Primary, with more than 18 years as a senior leader and 11 years as a Headteacher. She holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and has more recently undertaken the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership.
Corsham Primary was one of the four founding schools of Pickwick Academy Trust. Lindsay is proud to have been able to have seen it grow and develop since the beginning and believes that all of the children in our care deserve the absolute best that we can offer, and working together as a Trust is one of the ways we can collectively make this happen. Lindsay believes that teaching pupils the tools to recognise their emotions and how to manage them is fundamental to ensuring children feel safe, secure and able to learn.
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Helen LamminIvy Lane Primary School
Helen Lammin
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Gemma PiersonPrincecroft Primary School
Gemma Pierson
Gemma Pierson was appointed Headteacher of Princecroft Primary School in January 2023. Before taking on this role, she spent over eight years as Deputy Headteacher, leading on English, music, and whole-school curriculum development. Her work in curriculum design has included delivering training to colleagues at both local and national levels, and she has also served as a Literacy Specialist for the Department for Education's English Hubs programme.
After graduating from York St John University in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Music and Primary Education with QTS, Gemma gained teaching experience across the primary phase in North Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Wiltshire. Alongside her teaching and leadership roles, she is a qualified SENCo and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Vulnerable Learners and Inclusion. Her professional development also includes the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and she is a nationally accredited Arts Award Adviser.
Gemma is particularly passionate about cultivating a strong school ethos and positive culture. She is committed to ensuring that all pupils experience equity, a sense of belonging, and full access to a rich and ambitious curriculum.
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James EssamQueens Crescent School
James Essam
James has over 17 years of experience in education, with more than 10 years in senior leadership roles. He is currently the headteacher of Queen's Crescent School, where he has served for the past five years. Previously, James has held various leadership positions, demonstrating his dedication to fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.
James is passionate about providing an inclusive education and believes in the purposeful use of technology to enhance learning experiences. He is committed to preparing children for the future by fostering an innovative approach to education that ensures that all students are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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Wes ThorpeAlderbury & West Grimstead CE Primary School
Wes Thorpe
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Catherine WindrossGomeldon Primary Primary School
Catherine Windross
Catherine Windross is the Headteacher of Gomeldon Primary School, a role she has held since September 2023. She previously served as Deputy Headteacher at the school from 2010, during which time she led on Mathematics as well as a range of other subjects. Catherine holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and a PGCE, and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) as part of her ongoing professional development.
As Headteacher, she has led the development of a whole-school curriculum, drawing on her deep understanding of teaching and learning. Catherine is passionate about creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences that children feel connected to - especially within the unique context of small schools, where every child's voice and potential can shine.
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Alan GearyGreentrees Primary School
Alan Geary
Alan has been part of the Greentrees team since the school first opened its doors in 2022. He left to become Deputy Headteacher of another Salisbury school. Alan returned to Greentrees, as Deputy Headteacher, in January 2016 and remained in this role until he was appointed Headteacher in April 2022.
Alan is passionate about ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive and be successful, irrespective of their background or level of need and believes that a determined, collaborative approach is the key to achieving this.
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Amanda HodgsonLongford CE Primary School
Amanda Hodgson
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Emma WilkinsonPitton CE Primary School
Emma Wilkinson
Emma has taught for nearly 20 years in a mix of urban and rural schools. She has experience of single form entry, two form entry and mixed year group teaching in small schools. Emma is passionate about the education and nurture of children academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Having spent her teaching career gaining experience in different year groups and types of schools, Emma has also been able to hold positions of responsibility for Maths, Science, military families and as an Assistant Headteacher and as a Headteacher. Emma holds additional National Professional Qualifications in Leading Behaviour and Culture as well as Leading Primary Mathematics and is a New Headteacher Mentor in South Wiltshire.
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Jo FernieSt Andrew's CE Primary School, Laverstock
Jo Fernie
Jo is proud to be the Headteacher at St Andrew's, Laverstock, a role she has held since September 2022. She has previously taught in several schools ranging from large 2 form entry primaries to small rural schools, some in areas of high deprivation and others within service communities. Over the years she has taken on a range of leadership roles.
As Headteacher, Jo is passionate about fostering truly inclusive environments where every child feels valued and can thrive. She is also committed to developing the next generation of teachers and inspiring them to champion student success and diversity in their own classrooms.
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Philippa CarterWinterbourne Earls CE Primary School
Philippa Carter
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Kate MalcolmWinterslow CE Primary School
Kate Malcolm
Kate has been teaching for 17 years and is Headteacher of Winterslow Primary School. Kate has experience teaching across all key stages with a degree specialism in Early Years Education. Throughout her leadership experience, Kate has provided teaching and learning support across many schools in Wiltshire and within the Trust.
As Headteacher, Kate believes that a deep commitment to nurturing strong, meaningful connections with pupils, families and staff shapes the school's ethos and ensures every child is seen, valued and supported to thrive. This relational approach underpins a rich and inclusive offer to ensure the best education for the children enabling them to 'Explore Discover Sparkle - As Light of the World.'
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Donna YoungWoodford Valley CE Primary Academy
Donna Young
I have been the Headteacher at Woodford Valley CofE Primary Academy since October 2024. Having been part of the Woodford Valley family for over 26 years, I have taught across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and held a variety of curriculum leadership roles, including maths, science and currently PSHE.
I am a qualified SENCo and have completed my NPQH to further develop my leadership skills. In the past, I was a Basic Skills assessor, which have me the valuable opportunity to visit other schools and observe a range of approaches to maths and literacy. I have a strong passion for special educational needs and inclusivity, and I spent time working in our resource base supporting children with ASD.
I firmly believe in giving pupils ownership and responsibility within school life, as it helps build their self-esteem and confidence - key foundations for lifelong learning and success. My key drivers are to ensure that all pupils feel safe and happy, as this creates the best environment for learning to thrive.
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Nigel RobertsAll Saints CE Primary School, Bishops Caundle
Nigel Roberts
Nigel is a great believer that learning and school should be a fun experience for children. He is so proud that the pupils, staff and governors have created such a unique, caring, relaxed and inspiring environment at All Saints.
Prior to teaching, Nigel had a full career in the Army. He was also lucky enough to play semi-professional rugby in the national leagues for Leeds RUFC and Roundhay RUFC.
Away from work, Nigel enjoys travelling with his wife Maria, walking his dogs and most sports (more as a spectator nowadays!). He has adult sons.
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Lisa ReganAll Saints CE Primary School, Bishops Caundle
Lisa Regan
Lisa Regan has experience of teaching across the primary phase for over 17 years. She has been a therapeutic tutor for over 3 years and a SENCo for over 10 years (SEN accredited 2021).
Lisa is also a proud Mum to two children and when not teaching, can be found with her family, enjoying Dorset beaches and spectating her children whilst they perform or compete in different sports.
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Sue PrestonGillingham Primary School
Sue Preston
Sue is the Headteacher of Gillingham Primary School. She has enjoyed a career in education of over 20 years, teaching across the primary age range in Hampshire, Slough and Dorset.
Sue's experience includes 6 years as a senior leader and 11 years as a Headteacher. She holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship.
Sue is delighted to lead the first Dorset school into Pickwick Academy Trust because she is passionate about working with others in order to support one another and improve life chances for children by creating the very best school experience possible.
Sue believes that a school should wrap around its community, empowering families and providing support and opportunities to ensure every child is safe, happy and included. She has particular interests in Trauma Informed Practice and Leadership Development.
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Harriet CollinsLudwell Primary School
Harriet Collins
Harriet Collins is the proud Head Teacher of Ludwell Primary School, a role she has held since January 2022. Harriet has 15 years of experience in Primary Education, including 12 years as a Senior Leader and driving school improvement work. Harriet also holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and a BSc(Hons) in Psychology. Harriet has vast experience in developing effective teaching and learning pedagogy across the primary phase and working closely with early career teachers.
Harriet is particularly passionate about nurturing a positive environment where independent learning, creativity and kindness are at its heart. And an environment where staff and children's well-being are valued and supported.
Harriet is also a proud mum of twin girls. Beyond school life, she is a keen artist and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.
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Rhiannon TidbyMilton on Stour
Rhiannon Tidby
Rhiannon has been Headteacher at Milton on Stour Church of England Primary School since January 2019. She has been a Headteacher in a number of schools in Dorset and Somerset for the last fifteen years, having spent her teaching career in Dorset first and primary schools.
She is passionate about creating a school ethos where everyone is loved and included, which is what gave rise to the school ethos of Love, Hope and Joy and the theological underpinning of The Good Shepherd.
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Jill FarndaleSt George's CE Primary School, Bourton and St Gregory's CE Primary School, Marnhull
Jill Farndale
Jill is the Executive Headteacher of both St George's CE VA Primary School in Bourton and St Gregory's CE VA Primary School in Marnhull, proudly serving within the Pickwick Academy Trust. With a deep commitment to nurturing inclusive, high-quality education rooted in Christian values, Jill brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for community-focused schooling.
Jill has over 28 years of experience in primary education, including more than a decade in the role of school leader. As Executive Headteacher of both St George's and St Gregory's, Jill is dedicated to ensuring that both schools under her leadership continue to flourish as vibrant, supportive, and aspirational places of learning, where children are inspired to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.
Jill has a strong track record in school improvement and is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) to further enhance her strategic leadership skills.
Outside of school, Jill loves to travel, curl up with a good book, go for a swim and enjoys long walks with her dog. She treasures time with her family and is happiest by the sea - especially on a quiet beach listening to the sound of the waves.
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Ed BirkettWyke Primary School
Ed Birkett
Wes is proud to be Headteacher of Wyke Primary, having joined as Deputy Headteacher seven years ago after teaching in local primary schools. He is passionate about inclusion and delivering an ambitious, engaging curriculum that enables all pupils to achieve and excel, regardless of their background.
Our school values are at the heart of everything we do, and we are fortunate to have wonderful children and a dedicated, professional team who foster a positive learning environment where every child can thrive.
In his spare time, Wes enjoys running, reading, exploring new places through travel and spending time with his family.
We work collaboratively in mutually beneficial partnerships and drive standards by:
- Broadening the range of opportunities to share effective practice that improves teaching and learning across the Trust
- Sharing and learning from strong practice; taking on increased responsibility for specialist subjects and acting as coaches, mentors and critical friends
- Enabling leaders and governors to work together, with a common set of values, to provide an excellent education for children across all our communities
- Facilitating the recruitment, training and retention of great staff setting out opportunities for career development and to specialise within the Trust
- Investing in, developing and valuing high quality future leaders, enabling a greater array of middle leadership positions
- Generating economies of scale, enabling cost efficient commissioning and purchasing of goods and services, and/or facilitating the development of in-house services for schools across the Trust
- Standardising Finance and HR resources, policies, planning and procedures, freeing up school leaders' time to focus on school improvement the provision of high-quality education for all
- Ensuring that schools in challenging circumstances can join and thrive within the Trust - no school should be left behind; we are committed to securing improved performance in all our schools, holding them to account for high quality pupil outcomes