Meet the Team

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Our Senior Team

Here you can meet the members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Executive Principal

George Faux

Executive Principal and
Secondary Lead of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust

George Faux has been Principal of the Academy since 2019 and spent the prior year creating the Academy vision, building, staffing, curriculum and policy. In November 2024 he became Executive Principal.

Prior to his role as Principal at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy George Faux was the Senior Vice Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy for four years, having spent 16 years at the Academy.

He is also the Secondary School Improvement Lead for the Academy Trust overseeing the progress of it’s five secondary Academies. Throughout his time at Shireland he helped lead the Academy through three outstanding Ofsted inspections.

George is a Specialist Leader of Education and has frequently spoken at national conferences about a better curriculum for students especially at KS3. George led Literacy for Life at Shireland for many years and has recently managed its implementation in a number of other schools.

Working with the Central Team at the Trust he has led on a number of successful Free School applications including the recently opened CBSO Academy and is looking forward to the continued success of West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.

Associate Principal

Mary Henderson

Associate Principal

Mary Henderson has been a member of the Senior Leadership Team at all three secondary academies that form part of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust. Her career began at Thorns Collegiate Academy where roles included Head of Science and Assistant Principal with a variety of responsibilities, including Transition, E-Learning, Safeguarding, Pupil Premium, Alternative Provision, Key Stage 4 Progress, More Able Students and LAC. She moved to Shireland Collegiate Academy in 2018 as Assistant Principal with responsibility for Key Stage 4 Outcomes before joining the newly established team at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.

Mary grew up and was educated locally in the Black Country before reading a Masters Degree in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford. Her passion for Science and her belief that all young people, regardless of their background, can accomplish anything, is resolute. Having a naturally competitive personality, Mary sets the highest standards for herself and those around her, always striving for the best possible outcomes.

Mary is also a member of the Science Department, delivering KS4 Science in our start of the art laboratories. She is passionate about all aspects of STEM and empowering young people, particularly young women, to embrace and pursue their interests, whatever they may be. She strives to instil a love of learning and knowledge, whilst supporting students to become well-rounded, responsible and happy young adults, who have pride in their community.

Vice Principals

Hannah Percival

Vice Principal
Curriculum and CPD

Hannah Percival joined West Bromwich Collegiate Academy as a Director of Literacy for Life in September 2019 and has now been promoted to the role of Vice Principal. She has experience as a Specialist Leader of Education and a Lead Practitioner, and worked as part of the Senior Leadership Team at Shenley Academy with responsibility for Teaching and Learning, for the ten years prior to joining WBCA.

Hannah is a History specialist who has previously held the roles of Head of History and Assistant Principal for the Humanities Faculty. She grew up and was educated in the Black Country, studying for a Modern History Degree (BA Hons) and PGCE at the University of Birmingham.

Hannah has a passion for teaching and learning and is experienced in coaching, mentoring and training leaders and teachers to support students in their learning to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Mike Jennings

Vice Principal
Pastoral incl. Attendance Champion

Mike Jennings joined the Senior Leadership Team in September 2021. Previously, Mike was Assistant Principal at a secondary school in Birmingham with responsibilities in Pastoral, Behaviour and Safeguarding. Mike is our pastoral lead for attendance and behaviour with a keen emphasis on ethos and positivity. He leads the pastoral team including Heads of Year as well as the Student Council. Mike is very active with developing community engagement – with students, parents, families, stakeholders, the police and other community services.

Mike is also an experienced Historian and teaches GCSE History to Years 10 and 11.

Assistant Principals

Emma Lewis

Assistant Principal
Safeguarding and DSL

Emma Lewis joined the Senior Leadership Team in September 2021. Living and growing up in West Bromwich, Emma is well placed to serve the local community of students and families. She studied Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry at the University of West of England, Bristol, followed by PGCE Science (Chemistry) at the University of Birmingham.

Emma has been an Assistant Principal for a number of years with responsibilities in Pastoral, Behaviour, Safeguarding and Wellbeing. Emma leads on Safeguarding and Online Safety for the Academy and co-ordinates a team of staff and student Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors. Emma’s subject specialism is in Chemistry and she teaches Science across a range of year groups.

Michelle Hill

Assistant Principal
Inclusion and SENCO

Michelle Hill joined West Bromwich Collegiate Academy as Assistant Principal for Inclusion (SENCo) in Easter 2022. She is a very experienced SEND practitioner who has worked for the Local Authority as a Specialist Teacher for SEMH, and for the last three years as a Sandwell Local Authority SEND Advisor. Within the SEND Advisor role, she had an active role in school improvement for SEND across over 130 schools.

Michelle grew up locally in West Bromwich and after attending Brunel University to study Modern Drama, she returned to the West Midlands to complete her PGCE and NASENCo qualification.

Michelle has a passion for supporting SEND students and strives to improve the quality of provision across all areas of need. She is experienced in training school leaders to improve the quality of education for SEND students and has a drive to increase engagement with SEND families.

Amy Tolladay

Assistant Principal
Trust Director of Geography

Amy Tolladay began her role as an Assistant Principal and the Trust Director of Geography in November 2023. Growing up in the local area, Amy brings a deep connection to the community and a strong commitment to providing high-quality education to its students.

Amy studied Geography at the University of the West of England (Bristol) before returning to complete her PGCE and a Masters in Education at the University of Birmingham. Her extensive academic background and expertise in Geography have been key to her role in shaping the subject curriculum across the Trust.

At West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, Amy teaches Geography at Key Stage 4 and leads efforts to develop the Geography curriculum across KS4 and support the Literacy for Life programme in the Trusts secondary schools. She is passionate about delivering engaging, accessible Geography lessons that inspire students to understand and appreciate the world around them.

Amy is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and is driven by her belief that every student deserves a high-quality Geography education. She is excited to continue supporting both staff and students, helping them thrive and achieve their full potential.

James Bunce

Assistant Principal
Trust Director of AI

James Bunce joined West Bromwich Collegiate Academy as the Trust AI Lead in May 2023, bringing a wealth of expertise in technology and innovation.

In this role, he spearheads the development of AI initiatives across the Trust’s schools and delivers regular training sessions to equip staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate AI into teaching and learning. In September 2024, James joined the Senior Leadership Team, where he continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the digital learning experience and driving forward strategic projects.

With a Master’s degree in Computer Science, James teaches GCSE Computer Science and Creative iMedia. In his role as the Technology Lead, James oversees the integration of digital tools throughout the school, focusing on the effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. He is also responsible for managing the School Timetable and Staff Rotas.

James is passionate about the transformative power of technology and computer programming, aiming to inspire the next generation of digital innovators.

Marcus Smith

Assistant Principal
KS4 Progress and Intervention

Marcus Smith is an Assistant Principal at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy who currently holds primary responsibilities in careers education, boys’ achievement, KS4 attainment, and support for disadvantaged students – playing a pivotal role in advancing academic success across the Academy.

Since joining the Academy in September 2020, Marcus has held key positions, including Head of Year for Years 9, 10, and 11, as well as KS4 Intervention Lead. Marcus has developed a nuanced understanding of the Academy’s operations and student needs. Additionally, as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Marcus collaborates closely with the safeguarding team to maintain a safe, supportive environment for every student.

Growing up in a community similar to West Bromwich, Marcus has a deep contextualised understanding of the local area, which further fuels his commitment to serving the Academy’s diverse student body. His work is underpinned by a commitment to student wellbeing and academic growth, ensuring that each student, regardless of background, receives the support needed to excel.

Marcus teaches English across both KS3 and KS4 and remains devoted to helping each student unlock their full potential and build a foundation for future success.

Zoe Maisey

Assistant Principal
KS3 Progress and Intervention

Section Title

Our Senior Team

Executive Principal

George Faux

Associate Principal

Mary Henderson

Vice Principals

Hannah Percival

Mike Jennings

Assistant Principals

Emma Lewis

Michelle Hill

Amy Tolladay

James Bunce

Marcus Smith

Zoe Maisey

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