Meet Our Senior Leadership Team

Ms S Heppenstall - Headteacher

Sally joined Harper Green School in 2014 as Deputy Headteacher – Director of Pastoral Care and became Headteacher in 2019. During this time, she has worked closely with colleagues across Leverhulme Academy Trust to strengthen provision and opportunities for students.

Sally began her career as a Teacher of Geography in 2002 at a school in Somerset, progressing from Assistant Head of Year to Head of Year before joining the Senior Leadership Team. After moving to Manchester in 2011, she became Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion at Wright Robinson College before joining Harper Green.

She holds a degree in Geography, a Master’s in Meteorology and Climatology and a PGCE in Secondary Geography.

She said, "I initially went into teaching because I loved my subject and missed using it after completing my master’s. I had never planned a career in leadership, but I quickly realised how much I valued the opportunity to support young people and make a difference to their lives.

It is a privilege to be Headteacher at Harper Green. I am incredibly proud of the ethos, culture and community we have built together and of the dedication shown by staff in supporting every student to succeed."

Mr W Javed - Deputy Headteacher Director of Progress, Data and Assessment

Waqas is Deputy Headteacher and Director of Progress, Data and Assessment at Harper Green School, where he leads the use of data, assessment and curriculum planning to ensure students achieve their full potential.

He joined Harper Green in 2015 as Head of Mathematics, leading a team of 15 staff to strengthen the provision of Mathematics. In 2020, he became Head of School Improvement across Leverhulme Trust, supporting Middle Leaders to further develop their curriculum areas and improve outcomes for students.

Waqas began his teaching career in 2007 as a Teacher of Mathematics at Wellacre Academy, later becoming Head of Year and supporting the same year group through to Year 11. He holds a degree in Mathematics with Business Management from the University of Manchester and a PGCE in Mathematics from Edge Hill University.

Waqas said: "I have always wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, particularly those from challenging contexts, as I believe they are the future contributors to our society.

Providing young people with opportunities to transform their lives through education is something I care deeply about. As the first person in my family to attend university, this is something I relate to strongly. Along the way, there have been teachers who inspired and shaped me, and that continues to motivate me to do the same for the students we support today."

Mr S Walsh - Deputy Headteacher - Deputy Headteacher Director of Pastoral Care

Sam Walsh is Deputy Headteacher and Director of Pastoral Care at Harper Green School and joined Leverhulme Academy Trust in 2022.

After initially working as a lawyer at Keoghs LLP, Sam travelled to China to teach English as a foreign language before returning to the UK to join Teach First, teaching at an all-girls secondary school in East London near the 2012 Olympic Park.

Since then, Sam has held a range of roles including Teacher of English, Student Leadership and KS3 Transition and Progress Leader. Before joining Harper Green, he worked as Assistant Headteacher at Dean Trust Rose Bridge in Wigan, leading areas including KS3 assessment, attainment and progress, safeguarding and pupil and parent engagement.

Sam holds a First Class degree in International Law, a Master’s in Educational Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

Sam said: "I love teaching and working in schools. Every day is an opportunity to improve for myself and for the students and colleagues I’m privileged to work with.

I left law because I didn’t feel I was contributing to society in a meaningful way. As a teacher and leader, I value the opportunity to help others realise and achieve their potential. The teachers who inspired me at school continue to drive my commitment to helping young people thrive both in school and beyond."

Mr P Ware - Deputy Headteacher Director of Quality of Education

Peter Ware is Deputy Headteacher and Director of Quality of Education at Harper Green School, with responsibility for Key Stage 4 student progression.

He trained as a Geography teacher at St Peter’s High School in Manchester before beginning his career as a Newly Qualified Teacher at The Co-operative Academy in North Manchester. He later returned to St Peter’s as Head of Geography before progressing to the role of Associate Assistant Headteacher.

Peter holds a degree in Geography and Sociology, a Master’s in Sociological Research and a PGCE in Secondary Geography.

Peter said: "I love teaching Geography because it helps young people understand the world they will inherit. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges such as climate change, we can help create a better future.

The most rewarding part of teaching is knowing you have made a difference to a student’s life and opportunities. Seeing students collect their exam results or go on to college or university after being inspired by their teachers is one of the best feelings."

Mrs R O'Donnell - Associate Deputy Headteacher Director of Teaching and Learning

Rebecca is Associate Deputy Headteacher and Director of Teaching & Learning at Harper Green School, where she leads the development of high-quality teaching, learning and pedagogy across the school.

She joined Harper Green in 2001 as a Newly Qualified Teacher of Spanish and has since held a number of roles, including Head of Year 7 and Head of Key Stage 3.

Rebecca holds a degree in Spanish and Portuguese and completed her PGCE at St Martin’s College in Lancaster. She has also spent time living and working in Spain.

Rebecca said: "Many people ask why I have stayed at Harper Green and the answer is simple - I love what I do. I come to work each day hoping to make a positive difference for the students I work with.

Having worked at the school for many years, I have seen the incredible progress students can make with the care and guidance of staff and I feel privileged to support them in achieving their potential."

Joanne Unsworth – Assistant Headteacher Director of Attendance

Joanne began her teaching career at Harper Green School as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2004. Early in her career, she led the development of PSHE and Citizenship, working closely with the Local Education Authority to support curriculum development across local schools.

She has since held a number of leadership roles at Harper Green, including Assistant Head of Year, Head of Year and Director of Achievement for Year 11. Joanne has also led Key Stage 3 and held whole-school responsibility for rewards, while contributing to Trust-wide work supporting staff and student mental health and wellbeing.

Joanne holds a degree in History with Religion and Philosophy from St Martin’s College, Lancaster and a PGCE in History with Citizenship from Edge Hill University.

Joanne said: "Since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to teach. School is a place where I know I can make a real difference and I am proud to work alongside colleagues to raise the aspirations of our young people.

I want every student to know that, regardless of their background, anything is possible when they work hard and believe in themselves. Seeing students push beyond their boundaries and achieve things they once thought impossible is one of the most rewarding parts of the job."

Mrs P Holmes-Patel - Assistant Headteacher Director of Community and Inclusion

Paula is Assistant Headteacher and Director of Community and Inclusion at Harper Green School and first joined the school in 1996.

During her time at Harper Green, she has held a range of roles including Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year, English subject lead and Assistant Headteacher. Throughout her career, Paula has built strong links with the local community and is passionate about working closely with students and families to ensure they feel supported and able to thrive.

Paula holds a degree in PE and English and a Master’s in Educational Studies.

Paula said: "Harper Green is a place I care deeply about, and working with our students is what motivates me every day. I feel incredibly fortunate that supporting our students and families is not just my job, but something I truly love doing.

Our students make me proud every day – in the classroom, around school and within the wider community. They constantly inspire me and truly embody what it means to be Harper."

Dale Mayor - Assistant Headteacher Director of Key Stage 4

Dale is Assistant Headteacher and Director of Key Stage 4 at Harper Green School and has been teaching at the school since qualifying 13 years ago.

Before moving into education, he worked as a Quantitative Trading Analyst after graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics. He later completed his PGCE in Teaching at Staffordshire University.

Throughout his career at Harper Green, Dale has held a range of pastoral and leadership roles including Assistant Head of Year, Head of Year, Head of Key Stage, Assistant Headteacher for Boys’ Achievement and Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 4.

Dale said: "Teaching has always been my passion because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in young people’s lives. I am motivated by the opportunity to inspire students, support their growth and help them realise their potential.

Seeing students gain confidence, engage in learning and achieve their goals is what drives my commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment."

Michael Thomson – Assistant Headteacher Director of Key Stage 3

Mike is Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour, Attitudes and Safeguarding at Harper Green School.

He began his teaching career as a PE teacher at Wellacre Academy in Manchester, where he worked for nine years. During this time, he held several pastoral leadership roles including Head of Year 8, Head of House and Associate Assistant Principal for Transition and Student Character.

Mike holds a degree in Sport and Physical Education and has completed the Outstanding Teacher Programme, SSAT Future Leaders in Education and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

Mike said: "My passion for teaching began through my love of sport and the positive impact it can have on young people’s lives. Early in my career, I realised I wanted to work in pastoral leadership, supporting students both in and beyond the classroom.

At Harper Green, I am committed to working with colleagues to ensure every student feels supported, develops strong character and is fully prepared for life beyond school."

Ms M Jefferies - Director of Resources

Michelle is Director of Resources at Harper Green School and is responsible for human resources, recruitment and onboarding, budget monitoring, policy development, the coordination of educational visits and the deployment of associate staff.

She began her career at Harper Green in September 2002 as a Work Related Learning and Enterprise Officer and became a member of the Senior Leadership Team in 2008.

Michelle holds a degree in Sports Studies and Urban Policy alongside a range of recognised management and business qualifications.

Michelle said: "Harper Green is a wonderful place to work and a place where you can make a difference in the lives of young people every day. Every member of staff, regardless of their role, contributes to our students’ experiences and success.

My role allows me to work closely with colleagues across the school, supporting both the strategic and operational aspects of our work."