Pictured from left to right: John Richardson, Headteacher of Langley Mill Academy; Vonny Shelley, Headteacher of Springfield Academy and Beverley Walker-Gordon, Headteacher of Djanogly Strelley Academy.

Djanogly Learning Trust’s new headteachers share their hopes and ambitions

Three school leaders have shared their hopes and ambitions for the future after joining Djanogly Learning Trust earlier this year.

The Trust has welcomed new headteachers at Djanogly Strelley Academy, Langley Mill Academy and Springfield Academy, who all started in post in January 2023.

Nottingham-based Djanogly Learning Trust is a successful, growing multi academy trust that sponsors nine schools in the East Midlands.

Liz Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Djanogly Learning Trust, said: “I am delighted see our three new Headteachers settle in after joining us earlier this year. They all share a strong commitment to our values and ethos.

“We aim to provide all of our children, regardless of their background, with an excellent education and the best possible opportunities to help them thrive and succeed at school and later in life.”

She added: “We are continuing to grow our family of schools, ensuring that each of our academies serves its community effectively.”

Djanogly Strelley Academy

Beverley Walker-Gordon has started in post as Headteacher of Djanogly Strelley Academy on Helston Drive in Strelley.

She has 13 years’ experience working in schools mainly across the West Midlands. Her former roles include being a Specialist Teacher, Staff Coach and Mentor for Teaching and Learning, Head of Mathematics, Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher.

Beverley said: “I am delighted to work alongside a wonderful team to ensure that our young people are beacons of their communities and well-rounded, successful citizens in their locality and beyond.”

She added: “I am excited about getting to know the Strelley community. We are designing a brand-new school library for the central hub of the school. We will also be working on an exciting community project involving pupils, families and the wider community.”

Langley Mill Academy

John Richardson was appointed as Headteacher of Langley Mill Academy, on Bailey Brook Crescent in Langley Mill, at the start of this year.

He has 18 years’ experience in education in schools in Nottingham and his former roles include being a Deputy Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher.

John said: “I am excited to join Djanogly Learning Trust and work with the staff, pupils and families at Langley Mill Academy. This is my first headship and there is a lot to learn, but my experiences in primary school and special education will stand me in good stead.”

He added: “I am excited for the challenge and to ensure the best quality education for the pupils of Langley Mill Academy. My priorities include continuing to develop an ambitious, knowledge-rich and sequenced curriculum as well as consistently high-quality teaching.”

Springfield Academy

Vonny Shelley has been appointed Headteacher at Springfield Academy on Lawton Drive in Bulwell. Vonny has 30 years’ experience in education and was previously Deputy Head at Springfield Academy.

Vonny said: “Being a Headteacher is the best job in the world. It is an extremely exciting time for me and the school. We have a new, enthusiastic senior leadership team and staff with ideas. We are working together to make Springfield Academy an excellent place of education and we have support from Djanogly Learning Trust to achieve it.”

She added: “My key priorities include making changes to our curriculum and resources to include more retrieval strategies so that children know and remember more knowledge.

We will be building links with our parents and the community to feed into the culture of Springfield Academy as a ‘place to grow and a time to shine’.

“We will be developing our behaviour and wellbeing policies with a strong focus on mental health and implementing continuous professional development to empower staff to address the ever growing diverse needs of their classes.”

Pictured from left to right: John Richardson, Headteacher of Langley Mill Academy; Vonny Shelley, Headteacher of Springfield Academy and Beverley Walker-Gordon, Headteacher of Djanogly Strelley Academy.