Derek Hobbs
Derek gained a Joint Honours degree in Music and German at The University of Nottingham and, after embarking on his first teaching post at a school in Derby, completed a Masters Degree in Education. He spent many years working within a Multi-Academy Trust in Nottingham as Head of Year, Head of Sixth Form, Head of School and Principal, as well as working as an accredited Local Leader of Education (LLE), before joining Wilsthorpe as Headteacher in 2021. Derek has delivered on leadership courses for a local Teaching School Hub and is currently completing his National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).
Lucy Tickle
Deputy Headteacher
Lucy joined Wilsthorpe School as an Assistant Headteacher in 2021. After completing her BA Hons Degree in Social Science (Psychology and Sociology) at Manchester Metropolitan University, she worked in a number of secondary schools across Nottingham City, holding a wide variety of Middle and Senior Leadership positions. Her experience in leading both curriculum and pastoral teams means that she has a broad range of experience that she is able to bring to her role at Wilsthorpe. Lucy is committed to ensuring that young people are supported to achieve their very best, both academically and personally, so that they are able to become valuable members of society and enjoy happy and successful lives.
Helen Scott
Assistant Headteacher
Helen joined Wilsthorpe School as SENCO – Assistant Headteacher in 2013. After completing her BSc Hons Degree in Sport Science, she worked in a number of secondary schools across Birmingham, holding a wide variety of Middle and Senior Leadership positions. Her experience in working within successful curriculum areas and leading pastoral teams means that she has a broad range of experience that she is able to bring to her role at Wilsthorpe. Helen has a passion for supporting students to develop their full range of qualities, both academically and in becoming well rounded and valued member of our community. She wishes all students to leave Wilsthorpe School as happy and confident young adults.
Brendan Parker
Assistant Headteacher
Brendan started his teaching career at Wilsthorpe School in 2004, after studying an English Degree and attaining a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Edge Hill University. During his tenure at Wilsthorpe Brendan has undertaken many roles, including Progress Manager (Year 7 through to Year 11) and Curriculum Area Leader for English – with the success and development of young people always being a motivating force. In 2018, Brendan was designated as a Specialist Leader of Education by George Spencer Academy and employed System Leadership as a means to support schools within the East Midlands. Brendan was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team in 2019 and has embraced roles that facilitate ‘Excellence in Learning’ as well continuing to provide support for Early Career Teachers and being responsible for the Continuing Professional Development of all staff.
Chris Hunter
Assistant Headteacher
Chris joined Wilsthorpe School in September 2023 as Assistant Headteacher. Chris completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Science and Maths at Nottingham Trent University followed a PGCE at the University of Nottingham. Chris has worked in schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in both Middle and Senior Leadership roles, developing the behaviour and attitudes of students and leading pastoral teams. Chris began his career at Ashfield School where he was promoted to the role of Achievement Leader, successfully leading a year group from Year 8 through to Year 11. Chris then took up a Senior Leadership role at a school in Derbyshire leading on behaviour, attendance and alternative provision. Chris is a firm believer in a research-led approach to driving school improvement and is passionate about enhancing the life choices of the students he works with every day.
