Tom Gilbody

I am Vice Principal with Primary responsibility for Workforce Learning & Development.

I began working in education in 2011, initially as a Teaching Assistant having completed a BA Hons in Sport, Leisure and Culture at Leeds Metropolitan University. I gained Qualified Teacher Status in Secondary PE through the Graduate Teacher Programme in July 2013. Although I enjoyed my time in a mainstream school, I felt my passion was in supporting students with SEND and I have spent the last 10 years working in a Special School in Bradford taking on a number of teaching and leadership roles, most recently as an Assistant Headteacher.

Professionally, I am always looking to develop my own practice and recently completed a postgraduate study in the field of Autism through the University of Birmingham. This has become a particular area of interest to me and has introduced me to new ways of thinking in order to improve outcomes for students. I also believe in unlocking the potential in others and providing opportunities for all staff to become the best that they can be, something which drew me to the role of Head of Learning and Development.

Outside of School life, I enjoy travelling both within and outside of the UK, having visited a number of countries across Europe, South-East Asia, South America and the Caribbean. I also place high value on physical and mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity, particularly through playing football for a local team, running and walking my mischievous Beagle, Benton.