The Academy
David Green
David is proud to be the founding principal of Shireland CBSO Academy. He has worked for Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since June 2007, starting his career at Shireland Collegiate Academy as a Teacher of Mathematics before going on to fulfil roles including Head of Mathematics, Assistant Principal and finally Vice Principal for Curriculum, Data and Assessment. In January 2022, he became Deputy Secondary School Improvement Director for the Trust, operating across our five secondary schools before taking on his current role in September 2023. He is also a member of the Black Country Music Hub’s Steering Group.
David grew up in Derby before going on to study Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics at the University of Warwick. Music has always been an important part of his life and he continues to play in his spare time, having grown up in a musical family and been part of Derby Music Centre and then the University of Warwick’s Big Band.
David is passionate about creating opportunities for all students to succeed, regardless of their background or challenges that they are facing. He holds high standards for himself, staff and students and provides challenge and support in equal measure to ensure that the students in our care can flourish.
Amy Pell
Amy has dedicated her career to working in schools across Sandwell and Dudley. She has held various roles, including Head of English, Senior Teacher, and Assistant Principal responsible for Teaching and Learning at Thorns Collegiate Academy, before taking on her current role as Vice Principal at Shireland CBSO Academy.
Amy grew up and was educated in Stoke-on-Trent. She pursued her studies at the University of Central Lancashire and the University of New York. Before completing her PGCE in English at Keele University, Amy worked in the private sector, where she led training and development for young people embarking on their first roles in management.
Amy is passionate about improving levels of literacy, widening students’ social and cultural understanding and empowering all young people be active and positive participants in their community. She is also deeply committed to the arts, playing the piano, flute, and saxophone, and overseeing the Academy’s musical theatre group.
David Harris
Dave Harris is the founding Director of Music at Shireland CBSO Academy. Before coming to Shireland, he has worked as a Head of Music in multiple Academy trusts across Birmingham; and before that, he gained his PGCE in South London. Dave trained as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and the Manhattan School of Music in New York.
Growing up in Northamptonshire, Dave was supported and educated from a young age in local youth music programmes. This early musical investment instilled in him a love of music and musicianship – a firm belief that playing music with others is one of the most joy-bringing and life-enriching things a person can do, and that hearing good music played well is one of the greatest sources of happiness in this world.
Dave is committed to building a music department that is accessible for all. Every student should have the opportunity to experience the delight of playing music with others – the incredible opportunity to learn an instrument and enter into the vibrant and exciting world of music-making is a very, very special one. He hopes that in learning instruments and music together, all his students will learn to love playing, but also learn to love listening to, many kinds of music; and that sharing their love of music will become one of the greatest sources of enjoyment for them.
Outside of Shireland CBSO Academy, Dave (very occasionally!) still composes, and plays saxophone in a local jazz band.
Laura Chamberlain
Laura Chamberlain joined Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust in April 2023 as SENCo and Assistant Principal and worked across both Shireland CBSO and Shireland Biomedical UTC in their founding days. Prior to this, she spent 9 years at a local secondary school teaching Humanities, A-Level Sociology and ASDAN. In addition to being a teacher, she spent 5 years as a SENCo completing her post-graduate qualifications in Special Educational Needs Co-ordination and Proficiency in Assessment for Access Arrangements and completed a National Qualification in Senior Leadership.
Laura has had many responsibilities in her time in education including Designated Safeguarding Lead, Transition Co-ordinator, Educational Visits Co-ordinator, Designated Teacher for Looked after Children, First Aider, Drawing & Talking Practitioner, SENCo and Head of Year.
Laura grew up in Kidderminster before moving to Wolverhampton and then Bristol to complete her Undergraduate Degree and then PGCE. Laura completed her PGCE in Citizenship after volunteering in Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro wanting to learn more about the world and adversities people face.
Laura now works full time at Shireland CBSO and also supports a local primary school as a Co-optive governor using her leadership skills and strengthening relationships with feeder schools and the local community.
Laura’s priority as SENCo is to ensure every individual has an opportunity to thrive and have opportunities to find their strengths and interests and develop key skills to be successful in life following their time at SCBSO.
Jo Lawrence
Jo brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Head of Sixth Form. With a background in Art and Design, after achieving a first in an Applied Arts degree at Derby University she began her teaching career inspiring students through creativity before progressing into leadership positions across several schools. Her journey in education has been shaped by a commitment to fostering independent thinking, academic excellence, and personal growth.
As Head of Sixth Form, Jo Lawrence is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their ambitions—whether that be university, apprenticeships, or the world of work. Having a naturally competitive personality, Jo sets the highest standards for herself and those around her, always striving for the best possible outcomes and this permeates into the work she does with her students. She takes pride in creating an environment where students are encouraged to challenge themselves, develop resilience, and prepare for life beyond school. Her leadership is underpinned by a belief in the value of a well-rounded education, where academic success is complemented by enrichment opportunities and personal development.
Beyond the classroom, Jo enjoys visiting galleries or painting, reflecting her lifelong passion for creativity and learning. She is always available to guide and support students as they navigate this crucial stage of their education.
Ms Hale
Ms Hale is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Shireland CBSO Academy. She studied at Wolverhampton University and spent 10 years working within the NHS, where she developed a strong foundation in healthcare
For the past five years, Ms Hale has developed a keen interest in safeguarding in education, particularly for secondary-aged children. She is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, thereby creating a secure and supportive learning environment.
Ms Hale is passionate about widening students’ social and cultural understanding and empowering all young people to be active and positive participants in their community.
