David Roundtree, Head of Federation

I’ve a degree in marketing but didn’t especially enjoy the world of business so I entered the world of teaching instead – I love it! As a teacher, I really enjoyed English, Maths, Art and PSHE. A few years into my teaching career, I did a Masters degree in Primary Education and later on completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I’ve taught in lots of schools and also worked as a primary Maths lecturer in a university. I became a headteacher in 2007 and I’m now proud to be the head of Sphere Federation, a federation of three schools: Moortown Primary, St James’ CE Primary and here at Scholes (Elmet) Primary. As well as leading the three schools alongside their brilliant Heads of School, I really enjoy the opportunity to support other teachers, school leaders and schools as a strategic partner and National Leader of Education working with Noctua Teaching School. In school, I’m known for my green sludge smoothies (brocolli, spinach, spirulina…). Out of school, I enjoy arty things, including printing and visiting art galleries – and I go to the gym often (though I’m not sure I’d say I enjoy it!).

Karen Hague, Head of School

I’ve been teaching at Scholes for a long time now, which means I know the village and lots of the families really well. I didn’t always want to teach – I wanted to do environmental work when I left university. I worked in pollution control for a year but I found that being stuck in the middle of a field was too cold! Once I’d made up my mind to teach, I knew it was the right job for me. I became Head of School in 2017 and this has given me lots of new opportunities. Alongside this role, I continue to be the school’s SENDCo and the designated safeguarding lead. Out of school, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy walking our dog, Lola – she’s fluffy, silly and very greedy! One of our favourite walks is around Malham. If I get the time, I also love to read and go to the cinema.

Ollie Catherall, Deputy Head of School

I grew up in Yeadon (Leeds) before moving to Newcastle to study Sports Coaching at Northumbria. After graduating, I got a job at Moortown Primary and went from being a teaching assistant to a teacher in my five years there. I now love working here at Scholes (Elmet) Primary – in particular, I enjoy helping children to be the best version of themselves. I lead on Writing and Latin for the three schools in Sphere Federation. I’m also the staff governor. Outside school, I’m a big sports fan – you’ll often find me watching sport or at a sports club…usually with my daughter in tow!

Paula Allaway, Maths Leaders (currently on secondment to NCETM)

I was born in Scotland but have lived in Leeds for most of my life (apart from the four years I was at university training to be a teacher). My family is really sporty. There’s always someone dashing off to the gym or to play football, cricket, basketball or golf; my favourite is running. I enjoying trying to beat my personal bests over different distances and it’s great being outdoors. I’ve been a teacher for quite a long time now! I’ve loved teaching all the different year groups from Reception to Year 6. I enjoy lots of subjects but Maths is definitely one of my favourites. I’m a Maths Mastery Specialist for the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (NCETM). I’m also a Specialist Leader in Education for Noctua Teaching School, supporting other schools to improve their Maths teaching.

Sue Quirk, Federation Resources Manager

I started working at Scholes (Elmet) Primary School in September 2010, and love working here! Before this job, I worked as a valuer for an estate agent for a few years, and before that I was a sales manager for a large hotel company. Although I’ve enjoyed all my jobs, this one is definitely my favourite! Working in the busy school office is brilliant: you get to do lots of different things and meet lots of different people. It’s great working with children, too – they make me smile! Outside of school, my time is usually spent running around after my two children, but when I’m not doing this, I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and walking our dog.

Keeley Pallister, Administrator

I have worked in the school office at Scholes (Elmet) Primary since 2009. I enjoy working with the children and staff: every day is different and rewarding. It’s handy, too, because I live in Scholes. I enjoy reading, walking my dog and spending time with friends and family. This year, I joined a local running group and recently I took part in the Abbey Dash 10K with Mrs Quirk. I’m part of the school’s safeguarding team.

Nicola Peel, Administrative Assistant

I joined Scholes (Elmet) Primary School in 2021.  I work mornings in the school office and lunchtime in the playground. Previously, I’ve worked within an office environment; however, since having my daughter, I’ve worked more with children. I really enjoy the balance of my role: it’s nice to utilise my office skills whilst interacting with children on a daily basis, observing them grow and learn.  Dancing has been a life long passion of mine; although I don’t dance any more, I attend a lot of dance festivals with my daughter. Time permitting, I also enjoy arts and crafts, going out for meals and days out in the countryside, or at the beach with my family.

Gayle Beesley, Early Years Leader

I grew up in a small seaside town called Redcar that is the home of the famous lemon top ice-cream. I began teaching way back in 1992 in Cleveland and moved to Leeds in 1995 when I started teaching at Scholes (Elmet) Primary School. I’ve worked at Scholes for a long time now and know many of the families really well. I love teaching in Early Years and seeing where the learning journey begins. I’m part of the school’s safeguarding team. Out of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and going to the cinema and concerts.

Caroline Allen-Kelly, Reception Teacher (class share)

Hi, I’m Mrs Allen-Kelly. During my teacher training, I specialised in Early Years – I love teaching Foundation! Every day I see something new from the children and something that makes me say ‘Wow!’ It’s really special to be a part of those important first years of school life. I moved to Leeds with my family in 2016 and have never looked back. Yorkshire is so beautiful. Our weekends are often filled with visiting the many wonderful parks, museums and landmarks around the city. I started teaching at St James’, one of the other Sphere Federation schools, in 2017.

Lottie Flynn, Reception Teacher (class share)

Since a young age, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I worked in a Nursery for six years whilst studying before becoming a teacher. I was born on a leap year which makes me a similar age to the children I teach! My favourite part of teaching is Phonics. It’s so exciting to teach children the tools to be able to read. I am always looking for ways I can develop as a teacher and learn more. I studied for a Masters in Professional Practice where I enjoyed researching how I can improve my practice as a teacher. Outside of school, I love to bake – I used to work in my family’s cake shop. I also enjoy exploring new places, the outdoors and camping.

Katie Parling, Reception Teacher

I started teaching here at Scholes (Elmet) Primary way back in 2015. I love working in an environment where every day is a new adventure for the children – and me, too!  When I’m not at school, I enjoy baking – particularly cakes. I also like playing netball and spending time with my friends and family.

Lisa Long, Nursery Teacher

I graduated from university in 2004 with a Masters degree in Neuroscience. However, coming from a family of teachers, I soon decided that teaching was the career for me. Since completing my PGCE in 2006, I’ve worked across both Key Stage 1 and 2 and, most recently, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I’ve grown to love the busy, exciting and changing nature of an Early Years classroom. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two young sons who keep me busy; we love to be outside and exploring.

Fiona Brown, 1A Teacher (class share)

I’m originally from a small village in Anglesey. I both studied and started my teaching career in Wales. I used to visit my sister for weekends in Leeds and quickly packed my bags to follow her to Yorkshire. I fell in love with the bustling city and all it had to offer and I loved that the countryside was still so near. I met my husband here and we now have two boys, a dog and a cat to keep us busy. I feel very privileged to have children as part of my family and also as part of my career. Working with children brings me so much joy – there really is nothing like seeing so many smiling faces first thing in the morning! No day is ever the same and I love that we can learn from children just as much as we teach them. Through my varied experience of teaching in and around Leeds, I’ve learnt a lot about myself, about education and about Yorkshire. I now know I can call a ‘bap’ a ‘bread cake’ and that I should be asking for ‘scraps’ with my fish and chips! In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends and I also like to bake. I love lazy weekend mornings with my family eating pancakes and walking the dog. I also love heading back to Wales to see the sea and to dip my toes in the waves!

Lydia Wilkins, 1A Teacher (class share)

As a child, two of my ambitions were to teach and be a mother. I’m privileged that both those ambitions are now my reality. I joined Scholes (Elmet) Primary in 2006 and I’ve enjoyed teaching every year group from Reception to Year 5. I’m often asked which is my favourite age to teach and my honest answer is: ‘There’s magic to every year group!’ In my spare time, I enjoy pilates, body combat and eating apple flapjack!

Vicky Latham, 1/2B Teacher

I was born and bred in Leeds but have also lived and worked in London, Scarborough and Pontefract. I have three children and also lots of pets, which are part of my family, too. Dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, a goat, mice and hedgehogs have all been part of the family at some point. I have taught in all year groups, from Nursery to Year 6. I love making learning active and fun, and enjoy seeing children learn with a smile on their faces. I’m the Early Reading and Phonics Leader across Sphere Federation, working closely with other reading and writing leaders to promote the highest standards of literacy. I worked as a supply teacher and writer when my children were younger; creating content for websites (ranging from insurance to bathrooms and security). The biggest project involved writing a fact file and security report for each country in the world – all 197 of them! I also enjoy wild swimming and have swum in a variety of lakes and rivers including the Thames, Wharfe, Salford Quays and Windermere.

Kate Young, 2C Teacher

I was born in the north east but moved to Leeds in 2014 for university and I’ve stayed ever since! I’m a keen traveller and have visited many different countries across the globe. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog, Pablo, doing yoga, and spending time with my family. I’m also a qualified gymnastics coach and spent my childhood competing for the North of England. I did my teacher training at Scholes (Elmet) Primary School and I feel extremely privileged that I now work here, in a school and job that I love.

Kay Lowry (currently on maternity leave)

I completed a degree in psychology, which gave me an insight into child development. I found this, as well as seeing my own children grow and develop, fascinating. This led me into a career in schools. I feel very blessed to have a job that allows me to watch children grow and learn every day. In my spare time, I enjoy baking and exploring the countryside with my children.

Joanna Paterson, 3/4A Teacher

I’m originally from the south of England but moved up to Yorkshire for university (where I studied French and Spanish with linguistics) and fell in love with the place! Years later, I’m still here. I discovered a passion for teaching after a previous career in marketing. I worked as a teaching assistant for three years before taking the plunge to become a teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy drinking good coffee with friends, looking after my pet rabbit, and baking.

Nicole Iveson, 3/4B Teacher

After studying teaching in Leeds and graduating in 2013, I returned home to Lancashire and have taught there for all of my teaching career (mainly in Key Stage 2). I have recently made the move back to Leeds and couldn’t be more excited to have joined Sphere Federation as a Year 3/4 teacher here at Scholes (Elmet) Primary! In my spare time, I like to think I’m a bit of a chef so I love trying out new recipes I’ve found online. I also enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with my friends!

Nicola Wadsworth, 3/4C Teacher

I’ve been a teacher for quite a long time now! Over the course of my career, I’ve taught from Reception to Year 6, although mainly in Key Stage 2. I enjoy teaching in the Y3/4 phase at Scholes (Elmet) Primary. Helping children to learn, progress and develop self-confidence is an extremely rewarding job to have. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, keeping active and walking my dog.

Oli Wain, 5/6A Teacher

Having lived in York for most of my life, I decided to move and study at Sheffield Hallam for my undergraduate degree. After this, I completed my teaching qualification at York St John University in 2019. I started teaching at Moortown Primary School , another Sphere Federation school, before moving to Scholes (Elmet) Primary. I love to help children be the best they can be! Watching children enjoy their learning is one of the aspects I like most about teaching. My favourite subjects are Science, Geography and PE, having studied Environmental Science at university. Outside of school, you’ll probably find me on a football pitch, in a gym, or on my mountain bike. Although often leaving me disappointed, I’m a Manchester United fan and go to watch them play as often as I can!

Sarah Hogarth, 5/6C Teacher

I’ve been teaching since 2001 and have taught the majority of year groups, including Years 3, 4 and most recently Year 6. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and aim to inspire, challenge and excite children in their learning. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family – my young twins certainly keep me busy! I enjoy walks in the country, good food and I have finally reached the age where I now enjoy a spot of gardening – although I’m certainly no Alan Titchmarsh!

Mark Lindsay, 5/6C Teacher

After university, I worked in an American summer camp and outdoor pursuits centre. This experience inspired me to work with children. I trained as a teacher in 2008 while living in London. Working in a culturally diverse area was extremely rewarding and helped me gain skills in educating children with English as an additional language. After marrying my wife in 2013, we moved to Leeds to be closer to family. We love living in Leeds with so many great opportunities for exploring beautiful countryside. After the move, I went from commuter cyclist to a fully fledged MAMIL and joined a cycling club. Working at Scholes (Elmet) Primary is a truly rewarding experience: dedicated teachers, supportive parents and enthusiastic children. Through working closely with FOSP, I’ve seen first hand how committed the Scholes community is to building a school that we can be proud of.