Our Staff
Kimberley Willmot – Principal
I’m proud to be the Principal of Yewlands Academy, bringing with me over a decade of senior leadership experience, including serving as Principal since 2019. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on school transformation—leading two previously underperforming schools to their best-ever outcomes and significantly improved Ofsted ratings. Before joining Yewlands, I was Director of Standards and Executive Principal for the David Ross Education Trust, working across 11 secondary schools to support culture, behaviour, and standards.
My leadership is driven by a strong moral purpose, a belief in inclusion, and a commitment to high expectations. I’ve established award-winning Alternative Provision centres, secured funding to provide equitable access to the arts, and built positive, ambitious cultures for both staff and students. I’m passionate about professional development and have led NPQ courses and presented at education events like ResearchEd. I believe in the power of research-informed practice and am committed to ensuring all young people have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Contact at: enquiries@yewlandsacademy.org
Tom Gardiner – Associate Principal
I began my teaching career at Birley Community College in 2007 teaching English and then progressing to Head of English before I became Assistant Headteacher in 2012. In 2015, I joined Outwood Grange Academies Trust, working across a number of academies as an Associate Director of English. Having gained an excellent insight into how to improve both teaching and learning as well as student outcomes, I moved into the role of National Lead for English at the newly formed Astrea Academy Trust in 2018, working closely with South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire schools. In 2021, my family and I embarked on an exciting adventure on the island of Borneo, working at International School Brunei for three wonderful years. I am now delighted to be returning to Sheffield and taking up my role as Vice Principal at Yewlands Academy.
Contact at: tgardiner@brigantiatrust.net
Bal Sembhy – Vice Principal - Inclusion/DSL
I joined Yewlands in July 2023, having taught at Firth Park Academy in Sheffield for 25 years. My previous role was Senior Assistant Principal leading on Attendance, Pastoral, Primary Partnerships & Transition, Parental Engagement, House System and Rewards. My subject specialism is Physical Education and through my time at Firth Park Academy I have been a Subject Leader, Head of Year and a System Leader supporting Sheffield Secondary Schools and across England. I served a community for 25 years, investing time and care to ensure that I made a difference to the lives of young people in the community. I now hope to replicate that in the Yewlands family, building trust, positive relationships and respect. I am proud to be working in the Brigantia Trust to inspire, engage, motivate students whilst instilling ambition and aspirations. Outside of school, I am an active sportsperson, performance cars enthusiast and oversee my private school in India.
Contact at: bsembhy@brigantiatrust.net
Richard Bowns – Vice Principal - Maths and System Leadership
I began teaching in 2003 at Rawmarsh Comprehensive, becoming second in department there before moving to be KS4 coordinator at Aston Academy. From there I moved to lead the maths department at Hinde House 2-16 School, initially as Head of Department and then as Assistant Head. I moved to Yewlands as Vice Principal in 2019 and since then have had the opportunity to grow as a leader at Yewlands as well as driving mathematics across Brigantia Learning Trust. Overcoming stereotypes around the difficulty of maths and seeing students succeed continues to be a key driver for me. I enjoy building on the growing research into successful learning to continuously improve my teaching and leadership.
When I’m not at work, my life centres around my family and friends, with some time left over for reading and gaming.
Contact at: rbowns@brigantiatrust.net
Emmajane McNulty – Assistant Principal – Teaching & Learning/PSHE/SMSC
I joined Yewlands Academy in July 2023. Previously I have taught PSHE, German, Spanish and Drama at schools in Barnsley and Sheffield. I have also been a Head of Year, a Head of House and a Subject Leader. I am passionate about PSHE and ensuring that students have the right knowledge and skills to navigate the world once they leave education. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. I am quite a creative person and especially love knitting socks and making quilts.
Contact at: emcnulty@brigantiatrust.net
Ryan Stringer – Assistant Principal for Behaviour, Attendance & Safeguarding
On leaving school in 1996, I completed my apprenticeship as a Sheet Metal Worker and worked in industry until deciding that I wanted a more rewarding career working with Children and young people.
I have worked in various schools across South Yorkshire and the North Midlands since 2002, and have supported Young people in not only trying to achieve their potential, but also empower them to be resilient and make informed choices.
Outside of work, my hobbies and interests include spending precious time with my family and supporting my beloved SWFC. WAWAW.
Contact at: RStringer@brigantiatrust.net
Kate Bull – Lead Practitioner – Oracy & Literacy
I started teaching English in Great Grimsby with the Teach First programme in 2014. Three years later, I moved to Firth Park Academy in Sheffield and taught there for five years, becoming the Head of English Department in 2020. I joined Yewlands Academy in June 2022 as Lead Practitioner for Oracy and Literacy to support pupils' literacy and skills in spoken language. I am passionate that our young people are part of a celebratory culture of reading at Yewlands and feel confident in their written and spoken communication. I love reading, writing, and travelling in my spare time.
Contact at: kbull@brigantiatrust.net
Caitie Travis - SENCo in Training
I joined Yewlands Academy in December 2021 from Hinde House as Subject Lead for science. In January 2022 I was appointed as SENCO for Yewlands. I am passionate about supporting our students and I firmly believe that education should be accessible to every student, with students given the best opportunities to succeed and thrive. Outside of school I love walking and the great outdoors. I have a son in primary school and two grown up stepdaughters.
Contact at: ctravis@brigantiatrust.net