St James’ CE Primary has an intake of up to 30 each year – this is sometimes called the Published Admission Number (or PAN). This means we are a ‘single form entry’ school – one class of up to 30 children from Reception to Year 6. However, small numbers in some year groups means we sometimes have mixed age classes.
As well as the class teachers, there are lots of support staff, too. Classes have extra adults to support for the majority of time.
School Leaders
David Roundtree, Head of Federation
I’ve a degree in marketing but didn’t especially enjoy the world of business so I entered the world of teaching instead – I love it! As a teacher, I especially enjoyed English, Maths, Art and PSHE. A few years into my teaching career, I did a Masters degree in Primary Education and later on completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I’ve taught in lots of schools and also worked as a primary Maths lecturer in a university. I became a headteacher in 2007 and I’m now proud to be the head of Sphere Federation, a federation of three schools: Moortown Primary, Scholes (Elmet) Primary and here at St James’ CE Primary. In school, I’m known for my green sludge smoothies (brocolli, spinach, spirulina…). Out of school, I enjoy arty things, including printing and visiting art galleries – and I go to the gym often (though I’m not sure I’d say I enjoy it!).
Natalie Beatson, Head of School
I’ve been at St James’ CE Primary since September 2017. I’m the school’s safeguarding lead. My teaching journey began in Lancaster where I completed my teaching qualification alongside a music degree. Earlier in my teaching career, I worked at Moortown Primary School- one of our other Sphere Federation schools- before moving to London. After teaching in Wembley and Harrow for seven years, I missed Yorkshire so much I decided to move back! I love to teach PE (particularly netball) and English. In my spare time, I love to run and take part in races across Yorkshire. I also have two boys who keep me very busy! I’m so grateful that I’m able to do the job I do. When working with children, no day is ever the same and I absolutely love that!
School Office
Sue Quirk, Federation Resources Manager
I love working in the federation! Before this job, I worked as a valuer for an estate agent for a few years, and before that I was a sales manager for a large hotel company. Although I’ve enjoyed all my jobs, this one is definitely my favourite! Working in the busy school office is brilliant: you get to do lots of different things and meet lots of different people. It’s great working with children, too – they make me smile! Outside of school, my time is usually spent running around after my two children, but when I’m not doing this, I enjoy going to the cinema, reading and walking our dog.
Nicola Walshaw, Administration Assistant
Before working for St James’ CE Primary, I was a stay-at-home mum. My previous job was an Airline Cabin Crew Manager for TUI based at Doncaster/Sheffield Airport, where I operated both long and short haul flights. It was an extremely varied role, quite challenging at times but very enjoyable.
Early Years
Sarah Cowgill, Nursery Teacher
The teaching assistant in Nursery is Olivia Feldman and Nicola Dean.
Emma Kendrew, Reception Teacher
The teaching assistant in Reception is Jill Rippon and Tracey Small.
Jade Ward (currently on maternity leave)
I completed my PGCE in Primary Education in 2021. Since then, I’ve worked at Scholes (Elmet) Primary, another school in Sphere Federation, as a Teaching Assistant in Reception. I’ve worked in Early Years settings for over ten years and thoroughly enjoy watching the children grow and flourish. In my spare time, I enjoy long family walks in the Yorkshire Dales – Malham is one of my favourite places to visit. I’m quite a creative person and I have a passion for making and decorating cakes.
Key Stage 1
Michaela Palmer, Y1 Teacher (class share)
After completing my PGCE, I began my teaching career with Sphere Federation in 2016. Since then, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with children in Early Years and Key Stage 1, nurturing their growth and development. Beyond the classroom, I’m a mum. I spend much of my free time outdoors, embracing family life. I also have a love for cooking and whenever I can I enjoy hosting friends to try out new recipes.
Ellie Bye, Y1 Teacher (class share)
After my degree in Illustration at the University of Lincoln, I’ve worked in a variety of educational roles. In 2018, I spent two years working as an English teacher in Vietnam, before returning to the UK and starting work as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school in Huddersfield. I thoroughly love teaching and find it extremely rewarding. Outside of school I spend my time teaching and practicing yoga, going on long walks with my family and, most importantly, being a mum!
AJ Nash, Y2 Teacher
After graduating from Leeds Conservatoire in 2014, I spent several years working as a peripatetic music teacher around West Yorkshire. I joined Sphere Federation in September 2022 and I’m delighted to begin my primary teaching journey at St James’. Outside of school, I love to travel, photographing my adventures and sampling the local cuisine. I’ll try almost anything, though I had to draw the line at chocolate meat cookies (mpanatigghi) in Sicily! At home, you’ll find me tending to my vegetable garden or creating in the kitchen. I always have one eye on the sport on TV, especially in support of my hometown rugby team – Wakefield Trinity.
Key Stage 2
Ben Freeman, Y3 Teacher
Having grown up in Leeds, I moved to Sheffield to study Sport and Business at university. After returning to Leeds, I began my teaching career and I’ve never looked back! Seeing children flourish and enjoying school is the most rewarding feeling – it reminds me of how my teachers made school so enjoyable for me growing up. In my spare time, I play football for Leeds City in the Yorkshire Amateur Supreme League. Also, I enjoy finding new places to walk and explore with my dog, Millie. I thoroughly enjoy teaching, and look forward to something new, exciting and different every day.
Rachael Poole, Y4 Teacher
Jamie Kilner, Y5,6 Teacher
After being born in Jersey, I grew up in Leeds. I spent time travelling the world after university – it was during this time that I developed a love of food and nature. I began working in school when I returned and developed a love of educating and helping young people to achieve. I’ve been a primary school teacher since 2017 and I feel very lucky to have such a rewarding and fulfilling role. In my spare time, I enjoy sport, walking and I’m a keen twitcher!
Additional Staff
We’ve a wonderful team of staff here at St James’ CE Primary. All classes have at least one extra adult to support for the majority of time. In addition, there are extra staff with specific roles in school…
Jackie Freeman, Y1 Teacher
I started my journey into teaching at Moortown Primary, another Sphere Federation school, when my own children attended the school. I’m now delighted to be a teacher here at St James’, another small school with a happy and healthy community feel. Outside of school, I like to keep busy. Being a keen gardener, enjoying a swim and spending time with family and friends are always on my agenda. My greatest passion, and the one I am most proud of, has been watching my own children flourish. We all enjoy family time and visiting new and exciting places together. Another role for me is that of granny!
Claire Gledhill, Teacher
St James’ C of E Primary School is certainly a special place to teach and learn. Being able to work with children everyday makes my job so much fun and very exciting! My favourite subjects to teach are maths, history and phonics. I’m from York and studied and lived in Newcastle for five years before becoming a teacher in 2019. Out of school, I really enjoy exercising, reading and cooking. An interesting fact about me is that I am half Australian and enjoyed many childhood holidays in Australia.