Staff

Mrs J Owens

Principal

I am a Teacher of Science, specialising in Biology. I started teaching at Sedgefield Community College in 2004. I rapidly gained promotion within two years of teaching to Second in Science and then to Head of Science.

I joined CVEA in 2009 as Director of Science. This involved the leadership and management of the Science staff and zone. In 2012, I took on a temporary SLT position. I was made Assistant Vice Principal in charge of Teaching and Learning in 2013 and Vice Principal in 2018 with a vast role encompassing many aspects of school life to gain wider experience.

From January 2021, I took over as Head of School and from September 2021 I am now the new Principal. This is a post I have aspired to move into following the hard work, dedication and commitment to CVEA I have shown over the years. I always strive to achieve my personal best and aim to provide an outstanding educational experience for your child.

Mr M Ruddick

Vice Principal

Castle View Enterprise Academy is the third school that I have worked at. Previously I taught Mathematics at Monkwearmouth Comprehensive School and I was also Head of Maths at Excelsior Academy. I am also a Senior Leader in Education for Data and Mathematics.

I have the overall role of being in charge of the Quality of Education at CVEA including design and implementation of the curriculum and overall whole school external examination performance.

Ms A Payne

Vice Principal and SENCO

As Vice Principal and Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), I lead the Academy's strategic vision for inclusion, ensuring that every student receives the personalised support they need to flourish. With a strong foundation in English and literacy, I bring extensive experience in curriculum leadership and a steadfast commitment to helping all learners reach their full potential.

I began my teaching career as a Teacher of English at The Priory School in Hertfordshire, before progressing to Head of English at St Thomas More Upper School in Bedford. I later served as Lead Teacher for English and Academy Literacy Coordinator at Excelsior Academy in Newcastle, roles that allowed me to strengthen my passion for whole-school literacy and inclusive practice. I was delighted to bring this experience to Castle View Enterprise Academy.

I firmly believe that strong literacy and numeracy skills act as a “passport to learning.” Without them, pupils struggle to access the wider curriculum and their life chances can be significantly limited. My mission is to ensure every pupil develops the essential skills needed to unlock the curriculum and experience the joy of life-long learning.

In my role as SENCO, I oversee the school's SEND provision, working in partnership with staff, families, and external agencies to deliver high-quality, inclusive support. As Vice Principal, I help shape the culture of the Academy, ensuring that inclusion, aspiration, and student success remain central to everything we do.

Mr A Marshall

Vice Principal

On graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a First Class Honours B.Ed. degree in Physical Education I took up my first teaching post at Stanley School of Technology in 1995. After three years, I was promoted to Head of the Creative and Expressive Arts faculty and subsequently to the Senior Leadership Team with specific responsibility for student behaviour and rewards.

I joined Castle View Enterprise Academy as Assistant Vice Principal, when it opened in 2009, and was promoted to Vice Principal in 2018. I work alongside the Principal, other Vice Principals, and Assistant Vice Principals in formulating the strategic direction of the Academy and facilitating positive outcomes for students. I am also the SLT lead for the Castle View Sports Academy and the line manager for Physical Education and Performing Arts. My teaching role is within the maths department.

Miss G Woollett

Senior Assistant Vice Principal

I completed my first degree at Leeds Metropolitan University in 1995 and completed a PGCE in Home Economics in 1999 at University of Northumbria. I began my teaching career in 1999 in a secondary school in Durham as an NQT. I gained promotion during my time there and became Vocational Co-ordinator in 1997. I believe that all students have a right to an education that develops a range of qualities and skills that prepares them for life post 16.

I joined CVEA in 2010 as ASVP of Vocational and Positive Pathways, responsible for the vocational curriculum across the Academy and for the education of those students who found education more of a challenge than others. I am one of the Designated Safeguarding Deputies with the Academy and currently manage the alternative provision we offer internally to reflect our core values of positivity and inclusivity.