Meet Our Senior Leaders
Mr David Astin, Executive Principal
Mr Astin has been teaching for 20 years, and with the Harris Federation since 2008. He began his career at a large school in Milton Keynes in 1995 and then taught at a very successful girls' school in Carshalton.
In 2008, Mr Astin was appointed Assistant Principal of our sister school, Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. After that, he was a leader of the Harris Sixth Form and later the Principal of Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley.
During this time, he helped to lay the educational foundations of the Harris Westminster Sixth Form, a collaboration with Westminster School which aims to prepare London’s brightest state school pupils for entry to the world’s best universities. Mr Astin, who lives in Beckenham with his young family, was appointed Executive Principal of Harris Academy Orpington in September 2018.
Mr Richard Carey, Head of Academy
Richard is an experienced Senior leader having taught for over 20 years and taking on various leadership roles within the Harris Federation for 11 years.
Richard was responsible for setting up a brand new Academy in East Dulwich which was deemed “outstanding” in its most recent Ofsted inspection. He then utilised his experience to assist with the opening of Harris Academy Garrard in Bexley. Richard has a passion for student welfare and feels that all students must have the opportunity for a great academic education, develop their wider understanding of a modern Britain and become well-rounded young adults in the process.
As a local resident, he is fully aware of the need for a great school, serving the local community and welcomes any feedback from parents and carers.
Richard was appointed as the Head of Academy in Easter 2019 and is exceptionally proud of all the students and their achievements.
Ms Fay Humphries, Vice-Principal and Faculty Director of Sixth Form
Ms Humphries has been teaching for over 10 years and started her career within the Harris Federation. She was inspired by her own English teacher at school, and it was this teacher's passion and excitement for her subject that led Ms Humphries to obtain a degree in English Literature.
Ms Humphries has had several roles within Harris Orpington, and currently forms part of the Leadership Team whilst also looking after the Sixth Form Students. She loves the challenge of working with teenagers and seeing the dedication and commitment from students to succeed. There is a tangible feeling of “family” within the year group, all working hard with integrity and determination having a shared goal and purpose.
Ms Humphries’ passion for literacy and reading is evident to the school, as she encourages students to seek new adventures and explore the world through the pages of a thrilling novel; a suspenseful mystery, a serendipitous tale of romance, or a page-turning horror, each one a passport with the ability to transport us to worlds beyond our reach.
Ms Nicole Champion, Assistant Principal Year 7 (Transitions) and Head of Literacy
Miss Champion has worked for the Harris Federation since 2013 and joined Harris Academy Orpington in 2019. Previously, Miss Champion worked at Harris Aspire and Harris Girls’ Academy Bromley, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted, where she worked as KS3 Lead and Second in Charge of the English Department.
Miss Champion holds a degree in English with specialism of British Literature from the University of Greenwich as well as a PGCE from Goldsmith’s University in London. Her research specialised in the use of literacy strategies to further educational practices. She is currently working towards her Lead Practitioner qualification with a focus on Literacy across the curriculum.
After leaving university, Miss Champion was inspired to work with children after volunteering to support with performing arts and dance productions in the local community.
Miss Champion has a passion for English and reading and believes that this opens the door to a world of creativity and confidence. She believes that no student should leave without the tools to communicate and express themselves to make sure that their voice is heard in the wider world.
Mr Mark Brockwell, Faculty Director - Year 8 and 9
Mr Brockwell has always had a passion for Teaching about Design, Technology and the modern world and is a firm believer in trying to prepare young people for their future in job roles that may not exist yet.
He studied BAEd Secondary Design and Technology at Goldsmiths University and has spent his career teaching in London schools. He joined the Harris Federation in 2007.
Mr Brockwell is an experienced Design and Technology teacher with a background in Resistant materials and Computer aided design.
He was a co-lead in the original ‘Student Commission’ and has led on student behaviour and whole school Health and safety. He has worked with the ‘Harris Teaching School’ to develop beginner teachers and has delivered course content on the NPQSL. He has also served as a school governor.
Mr Brockwell joined Harris Academy Orpington in 2019 as a Faculty Director having previously held the same role at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.
Mrs Emily Wright, Assistant Principal and Managing Mentor - Year 10 and 11
Mrs Wright has lived in the local area all her life; she is committed to our community and has worked at Harris Academy Orpington since it opened in 2016. She studied English Literature and Drama at University and is passionate about inspiring students to develop a love for literature through her teaching. She has worked in several areas since joining the Academy including whole school literacy, working with most-able pupils and transitions.
Her love for the Academy inspired her to join the leadership team working as the Assistant Principal for Year 8 and Managing Mentor. This role has allowed her to explore her interest in both pastoral support and teaching and learning. Mrs Wright sees the academy as her second home and believes positive relationships are at the heart of Harris Academy Orpington; leading a year team has enriched her working life and allowed her to have a rewarding role of ensuring students across her year group achieve their dreams.
Mr Martin Paterson, Assistant Principal - Designated Safeguarding Lead
I have wanted to be a teacher from the age of 14/15 years old. I was inspired by my PE teachers at school, and everything that I did from that age was geared towards where I am today, with some bumps along the way!
I love sport and was heavily involved with this as a child and this has been a constant throughout my life. I went to the University of Bedfordshire and studied Sport and Physical Education, followed by a year on a Graduated Teacher Programme, whilst also working as a Qualified Tennis Coach.
Previously I have worked at Harris Academy Purley and now at Harris Academy Orpington, whilst working at a Grammar school in between. I play golf at the weekends, to help stay active.
I am an Assistant Principal with the responsibility of overseeing Safeguarding within Harris Academy Orpington.
Mrs Pippa Jinks, SENCO
Mrs Jinks joined Harris Orpington in 2021 and prior to that worked across various educational settings, collaborating closely with teachers, parents and external agencies.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Learning, is a specialist Dyslexia teacher and holds the NASENCO Qualification.
Mrs Jinks has over 30 years of experience in education and for the last 20 years has specialised in special needs. She is dedicated to ensuring all students reach their full potential and is passionate about creating inclusive environments and providing tailored support to help students with special needs thrive academically and personally.
Mrs Jinks’ goal is to foster a supportive learning environment where every student can overcome challenges, build confidence and succeed. Ultimately, she is committed to helping students achieve their highest potential and equipping them with the tools for lifelong success.
Mr Sam Clarke, Head of PE
Mr Clarke has been teaching for 6 years and joined Harris Academy Orpington 4 years ago, as a PE teacher, from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys. He graduated from university in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports & Exercise Science from Aberystwyth University. His studies included: Sports Physiology, Sports Psychology, Biomechanics and Nutrition.
Mr Clarke started life after University as a Personal Trainer, but it was here that he discovered his passion for education. Aiming to try and make long-term changes to lifestyles through educating clients on the importance of exercise, nutrition and a balanced diet when dealing with a range of clients with varying needs and goals. Subsequently, he went on to become a cover supervisor at Woolwich Polytechnic school for boys in 2012, gaining valuable experience in the classroom helping to facilitate the education of young children in a variety of different subjects and areas of school life. Mr Clarke worked closely with the PE Department running the rugby, tennis, hockey, table tennis and cricket clubs as well as regularly taking students to fixtures after school and at weekends. Following this experience, he went on to complete his PGCE with Bromley Schools Collegiate in collaboration with the University of Canterbury in 2016. Completing placements in Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and the Priory. After 4 years at Woolwich Polytechnic school for Boys Mr Clarke joined the PE Department at Harris Orpington in 2016, becoming an integral part of the department. He has overseen several successful cohorts pass through their GCSE and A-level with great success and has helped in developing a comprehensive extra-curricular programme. Mr Clarke was promoted to Head of Department in 2020.
Mr Clarke is passionate about physical activity and sport. Particularly the important positive effects it can have on both physical and mental health. Sport and Physical activity can help with self-esteem, confidence and installs a self-discipline which is useful in studies and later in life. Furthermore, building a love of sport and physical activity helps to promote a long-term healthy lifestyle which has huge benefits.
Mrs Louise Woolmer, Head of Art, Design and Technology
Mrs Woolmer has been teaching for 22 years and joined The Priory School (now Harris Academy Orpington) in 2014.
Previously, Mrs Woolmer taught art at Hayesbrook School in Tonbridge for 17 years, where she became Head of Art and NQT Induction Tutor, moving on to being the ITT Lead of the Training School and Teaching School.
Mrs Woolmer worked closely with local schools, various teacher training establishments and was also an art tutor at Canterbury Christ Church University. She is passionate about arts education at all levels whether as a pupil or trainee teacher. She continually strives to improve the art and design provision and increase the numbers opting for the subject. Results and pupil numbers have grown and the range of experiences we offer the pupils has widened. Mrs Woolmer is keen for pupils to have a broader awareness of the importance of art and design and strive for all pupils to achieve the best of their ability.
Mrs Amy Harrison, Head of Sixth Form and Social Sciences
Mrs Harrison joined Harris Orpington in 2014 as an NQT and has developed to Head of Sixth Form having established the Social Science department as Head of Subject.
After leaving university she was inspired to work with children having worked at a drug and alcohol service in Brixton, to make a positive difference.
Mrs Harrison holds an undergraduate degree in Forensic Investigation and Social Science and an MA in Education (Inclusion) where her dissertation explored how we can teach resilience to children. She is also a counselling psychotherapist in integrative therapy.
Mrs Harrison aims to bring together her experiences, to develop the sixth form, supporting her students as they enter the next stage of their lives. She aims to ensure they are introduced to all opportunities available, making the best choices for them.
Mrs Harrison is passionate in ensuring all students leave our school with the academic qualifications to open doors and are empowered, autonomous and resilient, ready to face life’s challenges.
Ms Gemma Joyce, Head of English
Ms Joyce has been teaching for 15 years. She began her career at a large school in Hemel Hempstead in 2009 and then taught at a very successful school in Enfield. In 2012, Ms Joyce was appointed Head of Creative Arts. After that, she was a leader of the Academy Trust in Enfield to focus on raising achievement. During this time, she helped to lay the educational foundations of the Teaching and Learning, the Open Bucket data and courses plus Assessment for Learning and Steps to positive behaviour management.
Thereafter she wanted to explore South London and it's educational routes. In 2022 she was appointed Head of English alongside a leader/Co-Ordinator of the ECT programme in a South Croydon School and a New Eltham School.
Ms Joyce, who lives in Orpington with her young family, was appointed Head of English of Harris Academy Orpington in September 2024.
Mr Daniel Greaves-Lord, Head of Mathematics
Mr Greaves-Lord started his teaching career in 2006 working as a Teaching Assistant in a school in Sussex. He worked in this role for a year before moving onto a second Teaching Assistant role, this time working as a Specialist Teaching Assistant in a Maths department. He then completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics education at the University of Brighton and went onto to work in a local secondary school in his hometown of Brighton, teaching Maths for 12 years there before joining Harris Academy Orpington as the Head of Maths in June 2023.
Mr Greaves-Lord is passionate about inclusive Maths teaching that ensures all students are given the opportunity to succeed in Maths, and which allows students to become equipped with skills that will enable them to lead happy and successful lives in the modern world. Additionally, he aims to ensure students understand how the Maths they learn in the classroom is used in real careers and in different walks of life, as well as how it has been developed by different cultures throughout history.
Ms Tameaka Edwards, Head of Science
Ms Edwards joined Harris Academy Orpington in September 2018 after relocating to England from Jamaica.
She holds an Undergraduate degree in Education and Professional Training from Canterbury Christ Church University and an Associate of Science Degree in Agriculture Education from College of Agriculture Science and Education.
Education has been her calling since the age of 17 when she first taught her Year 11 maths class. Ms Edwards knew then that she wanted to be a teacher. She has been teaching for over 9 years and since coming to the UK her passion has been further re-ignited by the UK education system. Ms Edwards is passionate about children and seeing them become successful.
Ms Edwards is committed to ensuring that the learning provided in science can change the lives of HAO’s students regardless of their background.
In addition to her teaching and learning responsibilities, Ms Edwards is keen to show students that life requires balance and as such coaches the schools cheer team - Orpington Panthers, which helps students to develop their confidence and learn to be apart of a team.
Mrs Deana-Kay Mitchell, Head of Geography
Mrs Mitchell joined the Federation in 2020 after relocating from Jamaica, and has been teaching since 2012. She is a very passionate teacher who believes that building relationships with students while holding them to very high standards are the best ways for students to encounter education.
After graduating Teacher’s College in Jamaica, Mrs Mitchell went on to develop her practice at three secondary schools where she held various Senior Teaching positions. She also has experience teaching multiple subjects, including Geography, Religious Education, History, Social Studies, and Sociology.
Since joining Harris Orpington as a Geography Specialist, Mrs Mitchell has played a key role re-igniting the enthusiasm, interest, and curiosity in the students towards the subject. After two years, Mrs Mitchell was appointed Head of the Geography Department and has since led a very successful department which she attributes to the work of the other teachers on the team.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is the Most Able Coordinator, where she works with the most able students from Years 9-11 to complete the overall Federation curriculum for them. Mrs. Mitchell is also one of the Federation’s Relocation Mentors. Through this role she works with newly overseas trained teachers, welcoming them to the Academy and helping them get acclimatised and settled for work in the UK.
Mrs Niccola Crouch, Head of History
Mrs Crouch joined Harris Academy Orpington in 2021 after completing her PGCE with QTS with the Schools Direct Programme. Mrs Crouch completed her teacher training programme at the Hayesbrook School , Tonbridge.
Mrs Crouch has always had a love of History and, after studying at A' level, went on to complete a joint History and Sociology BA Hons degree at the University of Warwick. The career path into teaching was not a direct one for Mrs Crouch, as following university, she then embarked on a successful career in business in the Leisure and Tourism sector, working at a senior level directing operations, sales and customer service teams.
Since joining Harris Academy Orpington Mrs Crouch has utilised her previous experience working in the commercial sector to support and develop the careers programme across the academy before taking on her current role as acting Head of History.
Mrs Crouch loves her subject, with specialist knowledge of the Cold War period and India 1914 – 1948. Mrs Crouch’s aim is to encourage students to develop an enquiring mind about the past and a love of history by delivering engaging lessons.
