01604 210017    nucleus@northampton-academy.org   

Introducing our Nucleus STEM Leadership Team

Jill Blakey

Head of Nucleus STEM

I graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in Mathematics. I began my career in South London, teaching Maths. I left the classroom for a few years to work at the Prince's Trust, managing their national educational programmes. 

Finally, I moved to Northampton Academy and love working here. I have a Masters in Leadership and have held various leadership responsibilities over my last 12 years of teaching. I could not be more excited to be in the role of Head of STEM. I am incredibly passionate about providing our STEM cohort opportunities which will inspire them and set them apart nationally and internationally when they come to move into further education and their future careers. 

Alongside teaching, I enjoy painting and am lucky to have a 'side business' where I sell my artwork. I also enjoy spending time with my three young sons and keeping fit. One of my proudest recent achievements was learning to solve a Rubik's cube.

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Samantha Staff

Second in STEM and Year 8 STEM Tutor

I am originally from Newcastle and moved down south in 2008, after completing my degree in Web Design at the University of Teesside. My dissertation focused on building an educational system in STEM subjects for Primary School students. Since moving down south I have worked in schools in Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton. I originally trained as an ICT teacher but later found my love for Computer Science.  

When I am not teaching I am a regular camper with my husband and daughter. During the summers we love to travel the UK exploring the different areas. I love experimenting with new food and tasting the variety of cuisines.

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Maddie Dorey-McGriele

Key Stage 5 STEM Co-ordinator and Year 12 Tutor

Growing up, I had many potential career paths in mind, including Archaeologist, Astronomer, and Veterinary Surgeon. I decided to study Forensic Science at the University of Kent, which I completed with first-class honours. During my degree, I discovered my passion for teaching through delivering Forensic Science and Physics Outreach events to local schools. I became a post-graduate demonstrator in the undergraduate laboratory classes and a UCAS team leader for the School of Physical Sciences Open Days. During my post-graduate research, I decided to pursue a career in teaching.

I have been teaching students and trainee teachers for over ten years now. I am passionate about high-quality teaching to facilitate the best learning experience possible. I wanted to ensure teachers new to the profession had the knowledge to put into practice, too. This aspect of my career allowed me to develop my mentoring and coaching skills.

I joined Northampton Academy in 2023 as the KS5 STEM co-ordinator, with particular responsibility for mentoring students in our Nucleus VI Medicine and Engineering programmes. This new path in my career feels like a return to the best memories I have of my university days, and I love igniting students' passion for STEM subjects in higher education.

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Gemma Williams

Lead Practitioner for Teaching and Learning and Year 10 STEM Tutor

I graduated from Staffordshire University with a degree in Design: Media Production. After working in the TV industry for a few years, I decided to go back to university to pursue my teacher training. 

I have been an English teacher for 18 years, holding different leadership positions, both within the English faculty and the whole school Teaching and Learning team. Prior to joining Northampton Academy in 2019, I worked in a school in Milton Keynes. 

Alongside teaching, I have a strong passion for travelling, and I love to explore new places.

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Sindu Shanmugam

Year 7 STEM Tutor

I graduated from the University of Surrey with a degree in Economics and Mathematics. I had always had a passion for teaching and knew I wanted to pursue this as a career. After completing my degree, I started my teacher training. Prior to moving to Northampton in April 2024 and joining Northampton Academy as a Maths teacher, I worked in a school in South London for five years where I held various positions within the Maths department. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading and playing badminton.

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Numaan Ali

Year 9 STEM Tutor

I studied at the University in Birmingham for my undergraduate degree in Human Biology and for my teacher training. I had always wanted to become a teacher at some point in my life as helping others succeed is something I enjoy. Since becoming qualified, I have taught in various schools across Northampton as a Science Teacher and I joined Northampton Academy in 2024. I have found the STEM programme incredible as to how it provides brilliant and unique opportunities to further inspire and develop knowledge of STEM in real-world settings.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy gaming and cooking. I love to explore new cuisines and challenge myself to create new dishes.

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United Learning

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