Top Academic Year Highlights 24/25
At Brigantia Learning Trust, we care for all our academies and the communities which make them. CEO of the Trust, Mike Westerdale is amongst those who make no exception when it comes to forging initiatives that support staff in their teaching, development and ambition in ensuring the young people of our academies are given opportunities to succeed.
Here we take a moment to reflect on the academic year gone by, to now, to recognise some of the wonderful highlights and successes achieved through the combined determination of a Trust, a CEO and all staff across academies, whose goal is to achieve excellence together through a culture of care.
The Start of a Good Run... The Brigantia Trust Ski Trip, January 2025
Kicking off our roundup (and a good ‘run’ to follow), are students from Hinde House Academy and Yewlands Academy, who jetted off to experience a trip of a lifetime as they took to the slopes for a ski trip in Spiazzi, Italy back in January 2025. Students got to enjoy both on and off-piste activities, including skiing during the day, ice-skating by night (to really confuse the feet!), as well as tucking in to some much-needed food for fuel in the form of pizza, pasta and pastries! As with all such excursions, the cultural capital for all students and staff was very much increased.
Take a look at some of the photos from the trip here.
Organised by Brigantia Learning Trust, the ski trip will run again in January 2026.
The new Brigantia Hill Fort Academy opens its doors on its first academic year, ever!
On the 1st September, Wincobank Nursery and infant Academy joined with Concord Junior Academy to become the newly formed Brigantia Hill Fort Academy.
The amalgamation provides a new academy dedicated to creating excellence together, through a culture of care, and a community that fosters open and supportive partnerships with parents, carers, and external specialists.
The academy provides an immersive curriculum, offering sports, art and outdoor learning through summer months, as well as an award-winning nursery provision for children aged 2-5 years old.
Brigantia Hill Fort Academy is excited to be open for the 2025/26 academic year, its first ever, and has already claimed high praise from families of children who attend:
“My daughter always feels supported, as do we all as a family. We have come across hurdles that the school helps us deal with, and her teacher goes above and beyond to support her needs and is always there to encourage and care for her.” Parent at Brigantia Hill Fort Academy
Find out more about the Academy.
A Trio of Principals across the Trust
Brigantia Learning Trust selectively appointed three new Principals this past year at its Hinde House 2-16 Academy, Yewlands Academy and Brigantia Hill Fort Academy settings.
Dan Cross , Principal of Hinde House 2-16 Academy
Dan, who first served as interim Principal at the academy, was appointed to the permanent position of Principal at Hinde House 2-16 Academy in February 2025, following a period as Deputy Director of Academy Improvement and Vice Principal within the Trust.
Dan brings over 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles and is deeply committed to ensuring that every classroom provides excellent teaching through a rich, broad, and balanced curriculum.
Dan will focus on strengthening the academy’s 2-16 model, and work collaboratively with parents, carers and the wider community to ensure the best possible opportunities and outcomes for our young people.
Enjoy a warm welcome from Dan Cross
Kimberley Willmott, Principal of Yewlands Academy
Having previously served as the Executive Principal and Director of Standards at the David Ross Education Trust, (and prior to that, Principal at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy and Vice and Assistant Principal at Bulwell Academy), Kimberley brings over a decade of senior leadership experience across mainstream, SEND, and alternative provision settings.
‘I am honoured to be joining the academy as Principal and am looking forward to working in close partnership with our dedicated staff, inspiring students, and their families. ’
Kimberley Willmott’s reaction to her new appointment, and a welcome from Kimberley and staff at Yewlands Academy.
Neil Butler, Principal at Brigantia Hill Fort Academy
Sitting at the helm of a powerful amalgamation, Neil Butler will see through the launch of Brigantia Hill Fort Academy from the position of Principal, with much support from the CEO of the academy Trust, Mike Westerdale.
Neil expresses his ambition for the academy:
‘I want this academy to be known for its high standards, warm community spirit, and engaging learning experiences. That starts with the basics of good behaviour, regular attendance, and an engaging curriculum, ensuring that each child feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.’
Neil extends his welcome to the school community in July 2025’s Brigantia Hill Fort Academy newsletter.
New Chair of Trustees, Dr Julie Edwards
As far as a Chair of Trustees go, Dr Julie Edwards demonstrates impeccable standing.
As 40 years of service combining working as a Consultant for Public Health England, earning a Doctorate in Medical Ultrasound, providing services to Hinde House Academy, through its alumni, and more came to an end, Julie wanted to give back to her community, and so became Chair in September 2024.
Julie’s ambition for the future of all of Brigantia Learning Trust’s academies is that they each grow in strength and are valued by the communities they serve.
Go on to read more about the Chair and our Trustees.
The Right Partnership
Since becoming Trust CEO, Mike Westerdale has embarked upon key partnerships designed to enhance educational experience and output for young learners, by supporting staff and the curriculum across all academies.
Building empathy, global awareness and critical thinking with Lyfta
Lyfta is a digital platform that brings immersive storytelling into the classroom, designed to engage all learners and empower academies to nurture curiosity and compassion whilst teaching critical thinking.
‘92% of teachers say Lyfta helps students understand people from different backgrounds’. Lyfta
Lyfta has also been linked to Outstanding Ofsted ratings in personal development, which makes sense given that ‘88% of students report Lyfta made them think differently about the world’ (Lyfta).
Learn more about Lyfta and what this gives to Trusts and academies at https://www.lyfta.com/
Transforming professional development with Steplab
Steplab is a professional learning platform designed to improve teaching by providing techniques, models and coaching, and support reflection and progress tracking through video capture and analytics. The tool was built by former school leaders and supports roles from ECTs to senior leaders. The best bit is that is provides tailored support to each school, which makes this a strong choice for the Trust to employ so that it can help each of its academies based on their needs.
Student Experience
Fully Funded Outdoor Adventure for Nearly 400 Pupils
Brigantia Learning Trust are proud to have fully funded a series of unforgettable outdoor experiences for students across its academies, giving young people the chance to learn new skills, build friendships and create lasting memories.
All Year 7 students at Yewlands Academy and Hinde House 2-16 Academy enjoyed a residential at Hesley Woods over a 2 week period last September, while Year 6 pupils from Concord Junior (now Brigantia Hillfort Academy) and Hinde House 2-16 Academy also took part in a residential in July 2025.
Across both events, nearly 400 students and more than 30 staff were involved. Pupils immersed themselves in a wide range of outdoor activities, including campfires with friends, rock climbing, den building and team challenges designed to strengthen resilience and improve their teamwork.
The experiences not only helped students to develop new skills but also allowed them to forge stronger relationships with their peers and staff members, laying the foundations for a positive start to secondary school life.
Brigantia Learning Trust’s commitment to student experience ensured that every child had the opportunity to take part, removing barriers and promoting inclusion.
Hat’s off to Longley Park Sixth Form Academy
Since joining the Trust in 2017, Longley Sixth Form Academy secured a rating, maintained in October 2024, meaning the Academy continues to be a ‘good provider’.
Following a sterling effort by all, the academy receives praise in the report:
‘Staff skillfully equip students with the academic and life skills needed to be successful. As a result, a high proportion of students progress to higher education...
‘Leaders and managers have put in place a suitable curriculum that enables students to follow academic and applied general courses and gain the qualifications that they need to progress to higher education, apprenticeships or employment.’ Ofsted Inspection Report published 2nd Oct 2024.
We want to thank Mike for all his efforts, and to those across the academies who are making learning a priority for the young people of Sheffield.