Meet the Leadership Team

Linda Wright - Headteacher

 My name is Linda Wright and I am the Headteacher at Riddlesden St Mary’s. I joined the team in September 2012 as the Deputy Head and I have always been extremely proud of belonging to an excellent team of staff, despite the challenges we have faced over the years. I was appointed Headteacher in February 2015.

I started teaching in September 2004 and whilst my specialism was Early Years, I have taught across all year groups. In 2008, I became a maths specialist. This was a great opportunity to really get to grips with mathematical development from the Early Years into adulthood. I have always had a love of learning and finding out new things, something we work hard to promote for all children.

I also cherish time spent with my family. I am a mum of two boys. They are both unique in their own way and they certainly keep me on my toes. They are also a daily reminder of how important my work is. Every day is a learning day and it is vital that we create an environment where children can work hard to be the best they can be.

Sophie Kyriakides - Deputy headteacher and SEN lead  

I have worked at Riddlesden St Mary’s C of E Primary School since 2012 (when I joined the school as an NQT) originally teaching in upper key stage 2 and leading maths throughout the school. More recently, I have taken on the role of deputy head teacher with a responsibility for the curriculum and all things 'teaching and learning' based (including SEND).  

Within my role of leading on the curriculum and all things 'teaching and learning', I have had the privilege of being able to be a part in developing our curriculum, supporting teachers in planning and then dropping into a wide range of lessons across the whole school and observe the engaging and enriching opportunities that our children are provided with. I can honestly say that all children are encouraged to truly believe in themselves and aim as high as possible, the learning and level of challenge is child led and varied and there are a wide range of exciting opportunities (both within the curriculum and wider curriculum) for all children throughout the school. 

Within my role as deputy head teacher, I have really enjoy being able to work alongside all teaching staff throughout the school, supporting them in improving teaching and learning across the school, to benefit all of our children. Recently, I have taken on the role of SEN lead and become a part of the safeguarding team. 

I am very proud to say I work at Riddlesden St. Mary’s C of E Primary School and hope to play a key role in helping the children to enjoy coming to school and reach their potential. 

Haley Middleton - Assistant Headteacher 

I have worked at Riddlesden St Mary’s C of E Primary school since 2015. When I began at Riddlesden St Marys, I started teaching in Year 1 and I have since gone on to teach in Year 6 and in The Hive (our Nurture Provision).  

This year I am very excited to be taking on the role of Assistant Headteacher with the responsibility for Personal Development and Wellbeing. I am also a part of the safeguarding team. This year I will also have the pleasure of teaching in Year 3 alongside Mrs Stephenson.

I absolutely love working at Riddlesden. Nurture is at the heart of everything we do and it shows- there is such a family feel.  I am very lucky to be a part of such a wonderful team of staff, children and parents.

Deborah Ash - Assistant Headteacher 

I started at Riddlesden St Mary's as an NQT in 2012 and I have worked in Early Years ever since. I have taught both Nursery and Reception over the last 6 years. I love working within Early Years as the children are so enthusiastic, inquisitive and keen to learn. You can see so much progress during a child's first few years at school. 

This year I am very excited to be taking on the new challenge as the Assistant Head with responsibility for Early Years. I am very fortunate to be part of an amazing team where all members of staff work hard and support each other to ensure our children have the best experience and make huge progress from their starting points. 

Another exciting development for school this year is the opening of our 2 Year Old provision, we cannot wait to start our children's learning journeys from such a young age. 

Mercedes Stephenson - Assistant Headteacher

I joined the St. Mary's team in 2016 and have taught across Key Stage 2. Over the years my role has changed, going from class teacher to Assistant Headteacher with a shared responsibility for Quality of Education. My role involves leading English throughout the whole school as well as being the leader for Years 1 - 3.

This year I am looking forward to my second year teaching in Year 3 working within an amazing team and ensuring our pupils meet their full potential whilst having great fun along the way. 

Here at Riddlesden the kind and nurturing environment means everyone (pupils, staff, parents and visitors) are all made to feel part of the family.  

Rachel Watmough - Teaching and Learning Lead

I started at Riddlesden St. Mary's as a newly qualified teacher in 2014. I have worked in both Year 1 and Early Years, I am currently teaching in Reception. This year I am studying for the NASENCO award so I will be leading SEND in Early Years, my role will involve supporting some of our youngest children in school. I love working at St. Mary's because there is a real family feel to the school amongst staff, children and families.