Meet our Senior Leadership Team

Holly Thomas – Headteacher

Holly took over as Headteacher at NK in September 2025, following previous roles as Deputy Headteacher at a London School.  Holly is a REP specialist with many years of teaching experience.  Her vision for the Academy is clear and the focus at NK is on developing the whole child in every subject and on supporting their development in an increasingly complex world. 

Andy Ayre – Deputy Headteacher

Andy joined NK in 2015 and is a History specialist, also teaching the very popular Government and Politics  A Level.  Andy’s passion is teaching and learning, and he is the Academy’s lead for raising achievement  for all our students.  He also leads staff development and appraisal, and line manages PE Business & IT, Art and Technology, and Performing Arts.

Fiona McGrath – Assistant Headteacher

Fiona has taught English at NK for over 22 years and has a wealth of experience in most aspects of our Academy life. Her remit as Assistant Headteacher is safeguarding and culture, and she is responsible for leading our brand new Year system and our excellent pastoral care. Fiona line manages PE, MFL, and the SEND Coordinator.

Kate Buttimer – Assistant Headteacher

Kate has taught a combination of subjects at NK over the past ten years, chiefly in English and Modern Foreign Languages.  The Academy’s data expert, Kate leads on our Curriculum, timetable, and examinations, and is also responsible for raising the achievement of disadvantaged and high achieving students.  Kate line manages Maths, Art, Performing arts, and Technology.

Romina Goldsworthy – Director of Operations

Romina joined NK in 2011 and leads the management of our non-teaching operations.  CIPD qualified, she has over 25 years HR experience across several sectors.  Romina works closely with our Governing Body in her capacity as Company Secretary, and in addition to HR manages health and safety, our premises, catering and IT, operational finance, and all legal matters .

Lee Athersych – Assistant Headteacher

Lee is a highly experienced teacher of Business and has been at NK for over nine years, working across a range of subjects.  Lee is responsible for improving and maintaining student attendance, trips and visits, stakeholder engagement, and the transition from year 6.   As well as being responsible for leading our brand new house system Lee also line manages Business, Media and ICT.

Leanne Parker – PA to Headteacher

Leanne has worked at NK Academy in administration for over 10 years and became the headteacher’s Personal Assistant in September 2017. Working at the heart of the Senior Leadership Team, Leanne assists with a vast variety of tasks including time daily management , scheduling of meetings, correspondence, and note-taking. She is also one of the first aiders within the school and recently became the Primary and Community Liaison for the Academy.