Senior Leadership Team
Mr N Poskitt
Principal
Mr N Poskitt
Mr Poskitt has overall responsibility for The Stephen Longfellow Academy. He became Principal in September 2024. Prior to this, he was Vice Principal for Student Standards for two years. After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2005 and starting trade as a secondary school PE teacher, Mr Poskitt held a variety of roles and responsibilities including being a successful senior leader in settings across the Yorkshire and Humber region. He is currently in the final stages of completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), and works in collaboration with other schools and leaders across the GORSE trust. Under his leadership, The Stephen Longfellow Academy enters an exciting phase of its journey of delivering a world class Alternative Provision for its students and the communities served.
Mr T O’Neill
Vice Principal – Student Standards
Mr T O’Neill
Mr O’Neill joined The Stephen Longfellow Academy at its inception as a NQT having graduated from The GORSE SCITT. He has assumed various roles during his time at TSLA; Teacher of PE, Leader of PE & Enrichment, Head of Key Stage 4, and Assistant Principal for Student Standards. Mr O’Neill has completed the NPQSL through Leeds Teaching School. As Vice Principal he has overall responsibility for student standards including the use and application of Alternative Provision Positive Discipline and Shaping Character.
Mrs J Holden
Senior Assistant Principal – SEND and Inclusion/SENCO
(WASP)
Mrs J Holden
Mrs Holden graduated from Cheltenham College in 2000. She has been a member of the Gorse team since 2005. Over her career she has had varied roles, specifically in the areas of pastoral care, safeguarding and Special Educational Needs with a focus on supporting the progress and achievement of the most at risk students. Mrs Holden has been a Senior Leader in Gorse since 2016. As Senior Assistant Principal at The Stephen Longfellow Academy from 2022 she continues to lead in the areas of safeguarding, SEND and inclusion, passionately promoting life chances for the most disadvantaged children to enable them to secure the gift of choice.
Mrs A Rampling
Senior Assistant Principal
Mrs A Rampling
I strategically lead on supporting student behaviour and wellbeing through targeted interventions. I work closely with teaching staff and the pastoral team to ensure that all students are supported in upholding our academy values.
Mr I Craigen
Assistant Principal – Engagement
Mr I Craigen
Mr Craigen has been part of GORSE since 2007, embarking on his career as a PE teacher at The Morley Academy. Over the years, he has assumed various roles, including Student Voice Coordinator, Head of House, Head of Department, Head of Year, and Leader of Vocational Subjects. His experience within the trust showcases a deep commitment to student welfare and development. Mr Craigen is driven by a passion for providing students with exceptional pastoral support, fostering an environment where they not only find joy in their school journey, but also achieve the best they can.
Mr A Mahmood
Assistant Principal – Primary
Mr A Mahmood
Mr Mahmood joined The Stephen Longfellow Academy (TSLA) in 2020 after completing his teacher training through The GORSE SCITT. Since joining the academy, Mr Mahmood has held a variety of roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to both student well-being and academic excellence. He has served as a Teacher of Physical Education and Maths, led initiatives for GORSE Gets Healthy and The Big 3, and taken on the role of Quality of Education Lead. Now, as Assistant Principal, Mr Mahmood is dedicated to elevating the quality of teaching and learning across TSLA. He holds a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT), reflecting his deep commitment to fostering high-quality teaching and learning to secure the gift of choice for all pupils. Beyond his work at TSLA, Mr Mahmood also serves as The Physical Education Subject Lead at GORSE SCITT, where he supports the development of future educators. His passion and dedication to ensuring high quality teaching and learning continues to shape a culture of learning excellence at TSLA.
Miss J Findlay
Operations Manager & PA to the Principal
Miss J Findlay
Miss Findlay joined The Stephen Longfellow Academy in 2020 as Personal Assistant to the Principal after working in law for 23 years. A passion for working with young people and their families developed through Miss Findlay’s volunteer work for a local junior football club and as Trustee Designate for The Leeds United Foundation. Now, Operations Manager and PA to the Principal, Miss Findlay oversees the running of the business elements of The Stephen Longfellow Acadamy.