(Glasshoughton Infant Academy)

I love working at Glasshoughton Infant Academy because we are one big, supportive community where everyone genuinely cares for one another. Every day I feel privileged to play a part in shaping the lives of so many young people, watching them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. Being surrounded by colleagues who share the same passion for nurturing children makes our school feel like a second home, and I’m constantly inspired by the families, staff, and pupils who make our academy such a special place.

Mr N Hazleden (Castleford Academy)

“Working at Castleford Academy for the past 19 years has been an incredibly rewarding journey. As the Key Stage 3 Lead for Physical Education, I have always felt deeply supported, both personally and professionally. The academy places a real emphasis on staff wellbeing, ensuring we have the positive, nurturing environment needed to thrive in our roles. This strong foundation allows us to give our absolute best to our pupils, particularly through our vibrant extra-curricular experiences. Whether organizing competitive fixtures or leading school trips, our department has always received full backing from the leadership team to enrich our students' education far beyond the classroom. Looking forward, I am genuinely excited about our future within the multi-academy trust and the exceptional opportunities it brings to collaborate, share best practices, and grow together as one unified team.”

Miss A. Blaikie (Airedale Academy)

“From my Initial Teacher Training to Middle Leadership, my 12 year journey at Airedale Academy has been supportive and completely fulfilling.  The team ethos of the staff body makes for incredible professional relationships where people help and develop each other.  I am most proud of the warmth, inclusivity and support we offer young people, and their families, while providing a challenging and engaging curriculum.  The people who work here are passionate about embracing and enhancing the community we teach in and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented members of staff at all levels”.

Mrs S Willis (Three Lane Ends Academy)

Working at Three Lane Ends Academy is a genuinely rewarding experience. The school has a strong sense of community, where both staff and pupils feel valued and supported. Colleagues are incredibly collaborative and approachable, creating a culture in which ideas are shared and everyone works together to achieve the very best outcomes for children. The senior leadership team are highly supportive and visible, placing a clear emphasis on staff wellbeing, professional development and high standards. 

The children at the academy are polite, enthusiastic and proud of their school. Their positive attitudes and eagerness to learn contribute to a calm, purposeful and happy atmosphere throughout the building. 

Three Lane Ends Academy provides a vibrant and nurturing learning environment, where high expectations are combined with care and encouragement. It is a place where both pupils and staff are empowered to succeed, making it a truly fulfilling and enjoyable place to work. 

Mr A Knapp (Castleford Park Junior Academy)

Castleford Park Junior Academy has been at the heart of my professional journey for over a decade. I started here as a volunteer and have been fortunate to progress through a range of roles, including: Lunchtime Support Assistant, Teaching 

Assistant, HLTA, Teacher and PE Lead. Throughout that time, the academy has supported and encouraged me to grow both personally and professionally. 

What makes Castleford Park so special is its strong sense of community and commitment to helping every child succeed. Every day, I work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a passion for inspiring children to be confident, resilient and ambitious learners. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is having the opportunity to make a lasting impact on pupils' lives during their four years with us, helping them grow academically, socially and emotionally while creating memories and experiences that will stay with them long after they leave. 

I am proud to be part of a school that values and supports both its staff and pupils. Castleford Park Junior Academy is more than a workplace; it is a community where everyone is encouraged to achieve their full potential and be the very best they can be.

S Myhill (Airedale Junior Academy)

From a very young age—around six years old—I knew that teaching was the career I wanted to pursue. I fondly recall “playing schools” at home, where I would always take on the role of teacher, and my younger sister inevitably found herself cast as the pupil! That early ambition has remained with me throughout my career, and I am incredibly proud to now serve as Assistant Headteacher at Airedale Junior Academy and Airedale Infant Academy, a role I have held for the past 10 years.

I strive to be vivacious, approachable, and adaptable in my role, ensuring that every child, family, and member of staff feels supported and valued. Central to everything I do are our trust’s core values—Care, Aspire, Succeed—which I am passionate about instilling in all aspects of school life. Whether supporting pupils to reach their potential, encouraging ambition, or fostering a nurturing environment, these values underpin my daily work and interactions with all stakeholders.

Each morning, you will usually find me on the playground, greeting children and parents as they arrive. I feel these daily interactions are incredibly important, as they help build positive relationships and set a welcoming, supportive tone for the day ahead.

It is a privilege to be part of the community at Airedale Junior and lnfant Academies, and I remain just as enthusiastic about education today as I was when I first imagined myself at the front of a classroom all those years ago.