Nicola’s teaching career began as a Newly Qualified Teacher at Immanuel College, Bradford in 2012. After 18 months she was appointed to lead Vocational Science with Health and Social Care across key stage 4 and 5 where results improved to outstanding by the summer of 2014. Successes here allowed Nicola to take on the additional role of lead teacher of key stage 5 psychology to complement the lead vocational role and subject teacher of science and biology. In 2014, Nicola led a team of year 8 students to victory at the Salter’s Chemistry Festival and the subsequent year was nominated for the Telegraph and Argus Teacher of the Year award 2015. One of Nicola’s memorable experiences at Immanuel College was being selected to accompany a group of year 11 students to Ecuador for 4 weeks during the summer of 2015.

Seeking new challenges, Nicola moved to Spen Valley High School in 2016 and became Head of Vocational Studies within the science department. Within 6 months, Nicola’s role had evolved to encompass leading key stage 4 triple and combined science. The highlight of her time here was developing the confidence, enthusiasm and outcomes of her students at key stage 4, particularly difficult to reach students. In 2017, Nicola joined Lightcliffe Academy as Lead Practitioner and is delighted to have the opportunity to work yet again with students across the full 11-18 age range.

Outside of work, Nicola loves to read and has set herself a challenge of reading 100 books by the end of the year! Nicola enjoys competitive games and is a keen attender of group quiz events. When she has the chance Nicola loves to travel; Canada is the top of the bucket list destination. Nicola is also a fan of musical theatre and most recently was excited to see The Phantom of the Opera on stage in London.