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 holds the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and was recently the recipient of a scholarship from the Farmington Headteachers Institute, based at Jesus College, Cambridge.
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
Deputy 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.
Carl Savage
Assistant Headteacher
Carl has been a long-serving member of the Wilsthorpe teaching team having started his teaching career at the school in 2004. He has held numerous roles within the school including Head of Sixth Form, Head of Maths and his current Assistant Head role. Carl completed his B.Sc (Hons) Physics and Sports Science degree at Loughborough University before working in the engineering sector in North Wales. He returned to the East Midlands to complete a PGCE at Nottingham Trent University and embark on a teaching career. Carl has responsibility for Data, Assessment and timetabling. Away from school life, Carl is a keen follower of football and rugby.
Sam Batley
Assistant Headteacher
Sam joined Wilsthorpe School in September 2024 as an Assistant Headteacher. Sam grew up in the North East of England but, after completing a BA Honours Degree in Sports Studies at Derby University, has settled into life in the East Midlands and worked in a school in Nottingham for 12 years. During this time, she held a variety of Middle Leadership roles, gaining experience working alongside both curriculum and pastoral teams. Sam is committed to ensuring students are well supported and are provided with the opportunities to allow them to succeed.
