Meet the Staff
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects
all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment’
| Staff Members |
Mr Dalrymple, Headteacher
Q: Where do you come from?
A: Solihull, South Birmingham.
Q: Why did you become a Headteacher?
A: It is the best job in the world and an honour and a privilege to shape the future of the young people in my care.
Q: What is the best thing about being an Headteacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: ASJ is a very special place to work. The children are amazing and the staff driven to provide the very best educational experience. I am very lucky to lead such a wonderful school.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: I have a few: English, maths, science, art, P.E., music - to be honest, I just love learning.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I do enjoy watching tennis.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: When I have the time, I love to read and I am a keen knitter too.
Mrs Dean, Office Manager
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I come from Bolton in Lancashire. I lived in Scunthorpe for a few years, moved to Leeds in 1990 and love living here.
Q: Why did you become an Office Manager?
A: I worked for a bank for many years in different roles and as a project manager for the last 12 years. I loved the variety of that role and decided that working in a school office would be just as rewarding and varied.
Q: What is the best thing about being an Office Manager at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Every day is different. The staff and pupils at school are so friendly, kind and welcoming. It would be very hard not to feel at home here.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: At school my favourite subject was English although I wish I’d payed more attention in History as I find it really interesting now!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I have played in hockey, rounders and netball teams over the years, through school and work, but nowadays I like to run. I also love to watch a good football match especially when my son is playing.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I go to a Pilates class every week and enjoy camping and long walks with my family.
Mrs Ramsden, Admin Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I’m proud to say that I come from the town of Shildon in County Durham, the birthplace of the railways. Did you know that in 1825, Shildon is where the first passenger train in the world started its journey to Darlington then Stockton?
Q: Why did you become an Admin Assistant?
A: I have a banking background and have undertaken many different and varied roles in this sector. I wanted to put my skills to good use as well as have the time to spend at home with my children. This role is just perfect. I love meeting people and making a difference no matter how small.
Q: What is the best thing about being an Admin Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: There are many great things about working in the school office. One of my favourite things is when I hear the children singing in assembly, it always makes me smile and reminds me of my time at primary school. I often sing along.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: It’s difficult for me to pick a favourite subject as I enjoyed all my subjects at school, I had some great teachers with fantastic personalities. If I had to choose it would be between Physics, Geography and Technical Drawing.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I enjoy watching rugby league although I’ve never played the sport. I’d be too scared of getting tackled!
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I love being outdoors and especially like it when there is a chill in the air when the seasons are changing. I enjoy running outside over the fields and walking in the Dales. Another favourite pastime of mine is drinking tea and eating homemade cake, I’d never turn down a trip to Bettys!
Mrs Quinn, Reception.......to be updated.
Miss Griffin, Year 1.......to be updated.
Miss Riches, Year 1
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Hampshire, but I have lived in Wales, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire before moving to Leeds.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I love learning and spending time with children!
Q: What is the best thing about being a primary school teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: The best thing about being a teacher here is working as part of a
wonderful team of people.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: At school I really enjoyed maths, but now I love art.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I enjoy swimming, badminton and tennis.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: My favourite thing to do in my spare time is baking!
Mr Routledge, Year 2
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I am from a town called Thetford in Norfolk but have lived in Leeds for 22 years now.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I was a bit bored with being an accountant and wanted to do something more fun. I enjoy time with children because they see the world in a far more interesting way than many adults.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Everyone is very friendly, staff and children alike.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Maths of course! I love solving puzzles.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: Football. I support Arsenal.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I have 2 young children and so spare time is a bit scarce. But in those precious spare moments I enjoy reading, cinema, theatre and the occasional acting role on stage.
Miss White, Year 3
Q: Where do you come from?
A: Leeds! I was born and grew up in Alwoodley so not very far from Adel
at all!
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: For the lightbulb moment! I love learning and thoroughly enjoy being able to facilitate those moments when children learn something new or are able to do something they’ve never done before.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: The people. All the children, other staff, parents, volunteers and anyone else that comes in to contact with our school are always so welcoming and friendly. It’s lovely being able to teach somewhere that feels like such a big family.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: It’s impossible to pick just one but, my top 3 would have to be R.E. because that’s what I studied at university; history because I think the past can teach us a lot about the future and art because I love being creative.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: It would have to be tennis both watching and playing when I get chance.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I enjoy cooking when I have time and I particularly like baking. I took a cake decorating course a few years ago and sometimes enjoy using those skills for special occasions. I also find reading and walking good ways to relax at the weekend.
Mrs Ventress, Year 4
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I come from a small town in the north east called Peterlee but I'm not classed as a real 'Geordie'.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I really enjoy helping children to love learning.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: That's easy, the friendly staff and children. I knew the moment I stepped through the door I was going to love working at Adel St John as I got such a warm welcome from everyone and I haven't been disappointed.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: That's rather tricky as I like so many but my great passions are Literacy and history but I also love PE and music and if I can I love to throw in a bit of drama no matter what the subject!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: Athletics is my first love as many children at school will know from my monumental British Olympic countdown but I'm not fussy I will watch just about any sport.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: Most of my spare time is spent ferrying my own children to various lessons or to see their friends but I do go ballroom dancing once a week, occasionally I can even be seen doing a little cha cha in the classroom.
Miss Dakin, Year 4
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I come from Scunthorpe, but I've lived in Leeds for eight years now so it feels like my second home.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I believe that education is an enormously powerful tool in our world and can make a huge difference to children's lives. I wanted to be part of it!
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Tricky question - it is hard work but there is lots to love! I'd probably have to say the children - their energy, enthusiasm and effort often amazes me. It is also brilliant to be part of such a supportive staff team!
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Literacy is my favourite subject of course! I am a big fan of books and reading and I love playing with words.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: My favourite sport to take part in is swimming and I try to have a swim every week. I'm not very fast but I like to think it's good for me anyway! As for watching sport, I enjoy the odd football match - especially if the mighty Scunthorpe United are playing!
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: In my spare time I like to swim, read and cook. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family - it's always lovely to have a laugh and a chat.
Miss Jackson, Year 5
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Leeds and still live here. But I have lived in East Hampton on Long Island, New York and in Vilamoura in Portugal.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: I became a teacher because I was inspired by a fantastic teacher called Kathryn Gerrard who I had the pleasure of working with when I was a Nursery Nurse at Chapel Allerton Primary School in Leeds.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: There is a warm ethos and feeling when you walk into Adel St John the Baptist. Our school also has great staff who are supportive and friendly. We work well as a team and that is really important in teaching.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: My favourite subject is Literacy and phonics I love watching the children learn to read and write.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I am not really a sporty person!! But I do enjoy watching my son play football on weekends. He’s pretty good!
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I enjoy spending time with my two wonderful children, we like having film nights with popcorn and cooking big family dinners together. My most favourite hobby is travelling to hot places far away and sitting on the beach!
Mrs Fountain, Year 6
Q: Where do you come from?
A: Originally, I come from the Wirral, which is between Liverpool and North Wales. However, I moved to Leeds to study for my degree and subsequently moved to Harrogate.
Q: Why did you become a teacher?
A: Having grown up around my mum, who was a secondary teacher, and my aunty, who was a primary headteacher, I always felt that I was destined for the same career, but to be sure, after graduating, I went to try out the 'business world' for a short time, before realising teaching was definitely what I wanted to do.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Primary Teacher at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Being around so many children who are brimming with enthusiasm to learn and a staff who want to make that learning as fun and imaginative as possible makes Adel St John a great place to work.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Having studied French and Linguistics at university, I'm definitely a literacy lover, no matter what the language!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: Although I have enjoyed various sports in the past, I prefer the gym now, running, circuit training or swinging a kettle bell! I do love to watch gymnastics and athletics on the television though, secretly wishing I could have a go on the pole vault!
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: As well as the gym, I love to spend time with my dog, Humphrey, go for a country walk or play my flute.
Mrs Whitehead, HLTA and Learning Mentor
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in York and spent the first 9 years of my life living in an idyllic little village 10 miles north of York. I then moved to Leeds where I have lived ever since.
Q: Why did you become a HLTA and Teaching Assistant?
A: I have a regret that I never trained to be a teacher when I was younger, so becoming a teaching assistant has been the next best choice for me! Put simply, I love children and I thrive on seeing them learn.
Q: What is the best thing about being a HLTA and Teaching Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Being part of a truly brilliant school, where the teaching staff deliver a varied and exciting curriculum incorporating inclusion and diversity, from which the children thrive and excel.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Literacy and art – subjects where your imagination and creativity can run wild!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: After completing my 6 laps of the football pitch with Year 6, perhaps athletics!! I do enjoy rugby, as I spend many a Sunday on the touch line supporting my son.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I love cooking, experimenting and trying out new recipes. I’ve never been very good at baking though, although with a recent year 6 baking lesson, the syrup loaf turned out pretty good! Mrs Starkey though still holds the baking crown!
Mrs Starkey, HLTA and Learning Mentor
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Leeds and have lived here ever since.
I don’t think I would move away as I like it too much!
Q: Why did you become a HLTA?
A: I started as a teaching assistant and later decided to become a HLTA. I love working with the children and seeing their progression.
Q: What is the best thing about being a primary school HLTA at Adel St
John the Baptist Primary School?
A: It is great to see the children enjoying themselves whilst learning.
There is always smiles and laughter throughout the school.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: PE would have to be my favourite subject. I have always loved PE throughout my school days and I continued to study Sport at University.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I love to play Netball. I play for a local Netball team, training through the
week and playing matches at weekend.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I would have to say that Netball is one of my hobbies. Also in my spare time I love to bake and bring in the finished products for the staff to tuck into and enjoy!
Miss Smith, HLTA and Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Leeds and have lived in Leeds all my life.
Q: Why did you become a HLTA and Teaching Assistant?
A: I always wanted to work with children. I started off in a children’s centre, but moved here to work with a child 1-1 in Reception. I’ve been in there ever since!
Q: What is the best thing about being a HLTA and Teaching Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Adel St John is a lovely school to be a part of! It’s great to get involved with the children and things we have going on at school. The staff are great too and lunchtimes in the staffroom is always a good laugh!
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Although I’m not very good at Art, I always enjoy creative activities. I also always enjoy getting involved with phonics and music too!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I’m not a very sporty person and don’t play any sport. However, I enjoy watching most sports. Rugby is my favourite and I often go to Headingley to watch Leeds Rhinos.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I fill most of my spare time up with shopping!! I enjoy going to the rugby and socialising too.
Mrs Williams, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Dewsbury but moved to Adel when I was about 18 months old. I lived in Adel until I was 12 and then moved to Bramhope.
Q: Why did you become a Teaching Assistant?
A: I hadn't worked for 12 years since starting a family so going back to work was quite a big thing. I wanted a job that gave me job satisfaction and helping children to learn gives me that.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Teaching Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Adel St John's has always had a special place in my heart as I went there myself as a child and had no hesitation in sending my own children there. The children and staff are fantastic and I feel very priveliged to work in such a happy, positive place.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Probably maths I think. I enjoy working things out and like having a definite right or wrong answer!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I really enjoy watching my boys play football but for myself I would rather play tennis or go to the gym.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: My children keep me incredibly busy in my spare time so I don't always get very much time for my own hobbies! I watch the boys' football matches, play tennis with them, occasionaly go for a run but most of all enjoy having a meal out with friends and family.
Mr Gleeson, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire, but studied at
Leeds College of Music.
Q: Why did you become a teaching assistant?
A: I did several work experiences as a teaching assistant in the past a
nd knew I wanted to get involved in education after I studied. Whichever school I’ve been in, helping pupils with work has been a real pleasure.
Q: What is the best thing about being a teaching assistant at Adel St
John the Baptist Primary School?
A: The staff were so welcoming when I first started, and I now feel part of a great team of passionate, dedicated educators which I absolutely love!
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: Music! I studied classical trumpet and conducting at university and loved every second of it!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: Football! I’ve been a passionate Oldham Athletic fan for as long as I can remember, and I also play 7 a-side every Friday after school.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: When I’m not conducting/playing in one of my orchestras/musical societies or playing football, I like to read or watch a bit of TV. When I was in primary school I loved the Horrid Henry series, and urge any child to give them a go!
Mrs Lawrenson, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Leeds and have lived there ever since.
Q: Why did you become a Teaching Assistant?
A: I became a teaching assistant as I love being around children and watching them progress.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Teaching Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: Being part of the team at Adel St John is fantastic, we all pull together and encourage each other to do our best! It’s great!
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: I love Maths!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I love swimming, walking and golf!
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: Golf is my hobby….I have to beat my husband! I also love to cook interesting food.
Miss Kane, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: Leeds, I came to Adel St. John’s as a child.
Q: Why did you become a teaching assistant?
A: I wanted a change from working in a pre-school, the environment on interview day was incredible.
Q: What is the best thing about being a teaching assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: I love the kids and staff. The school being small makes it feel welcoming and inclusive.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: I really enjoy art and I have started to enjoy maths since working here.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: My favourite sport is swimming. I try to go a couple of times a week.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: In my spare time, I look after my two beautiful children, socialise with family and friends and go on adventures with my partner. I also help run a summer camp every year.
Mrs Pullan, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A:I was born in our family home at Woodhouse, Leeds, and I'm very proud to be from Yorkshire. I have never lived anywhere else, just different districts of Leeds.
Q: Why did you become a Teaching Assistant?
A: I began coming into school when my youngest son started at his school, and I really enjoyed being with the children. I then came to Adel St John and I continued to listen to readers and I became a dinner time assistant. I decided I enjoyed working more with children and made it a career.
Q: What is the best thing about being a Teaching Assistant at Adel St John the Baptist Primary School?
A: The best thing is feeling part of an extended family as we all care and support each other whether you're a member of staff or a pupil.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: My favourite subject at school was English, but I also enjoy music at Adel St John.
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I'm not a 'sporty' person myself, but I attend a gym and enjoy swimming, but I'm not very fast. My family have a long history with the sport of cycling.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: In my spare time I enjoy watching TV, listening to music and generally relaxing. I used to do cross-stitch as well as reading.
Mrs McDonald, Teaching Assistant
Q: Where do you come from?
A: I was born in Leeds and have lived here all my life.
Q: Why did you become a teaching assistant?
A: After 20 years in hairdressing, I fancied a career change. I became a teaching assistant as I have always wanted to work with children. It’s the
best thing I’ve ever done and wish I had made the decision when I was younger.
Q: What is the best thing about being a teaching assistant at Adel St John
the Baptist Primary School?
A: The children and staff are fantastic and I feel very privileged to work in such a happy, positive place.
Q: What is your favourite subject?
A: I love English!
Q: What is your favourite sport?
A: I love rugby union and cricket
Q: Do you have any hobbies or what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: My son keeps me busy with all his sports. I watch him play and train for rugby twice a week and also take him boxing 3 nights a week. In summer, I watch him play cricket. When I do get time to myself, I like to read and go out for meals with friends and family.