Mrs Gemma Penny, Headteacher
Gemma graduated with an honours degree in English and social sciences before training as an English teacher at Leeds University. From there, she began her career in East London before spending time working in international schools in the Canary Islands, Thailand and Valencia in Spain as well as holding posts in Suffolk and Northamptonshire before moving to Derby. Gemma’s career has focused on improving teaching and learning and she was proud to be awarded Fellowship of the Chartered College of Teaching in recognition of her impact in this area. Gemma is passionate about lifelong learning and holds a Masters degree in linguistics. Gemma joined Allestree Woodlands School as Headteacher in 2019 and believes that strong relationships are the bed rock to enabling effective support and challenge in schools so that everyone can achieve their very best.
Mrs Rachel Middleton-Lee, Deputy Headteacher
Rachel joined Woodlands in 2015 as Deputy Headteacher, bringing with her a wide range of experiences in teaching, leadership, and school improvement. After graduating from Loughborough University in 2005 with an Honours degree in Sports Science and Management, she began her career in Derby, progressing from Newly Qualified Teacher to Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning. Her experiences extended beyond her own school as she took on roles as Advanced Skills Teacher and later as a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), supporting other schools in achieving their improvement priorities. As Deputy Headteacher at Allestree Woodlands School, she has led on data and progress and standards, and currently leads on curriculum, learning and professional development. Rachel holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. She is deeply committed to decision-making that places young people at the heart of what she does and is committed to empowering colleagues to build a culture of success throughout the school.
Mr Steve Roe, Deputy Headteacher
Steve joined Allestree Woodlands School in 2017 as Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for behaviour and personal development. Holding a degree in Political Geography from The University College of Ripon and York St John, he went on to complete a PGCE in geography at Nottingham University. Growing up in Nottinghamshire, Steve has held a number of pastoral posts in the East Midlands including Head of Year, Lead for Key Stage 3, Lead for Key Stage 4 and Deputy Headteacher. Steve is committed to the guiding principle of positive relationships in schools being essential and that by insisting on high expectations and providing strong support, Allestree Woodlands School constructs a safe, calm learning environment where every student can succeed.
Mr Greg Duffy, Assistant Headteacher
Greg gained an Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Sheffield. He took on a variety of responsibilities at his first school and became Technology College Co-ordinator. Greg joined Woodlands in 2004 as Assistant Headteacher with a focus on developing IT provision in the school. Greg is now KS3 progress lead and also oversees admissions, transition from Year 6 to Year 7, and from Year 9, through options, into Year 10. He has line management responsibilities for Science and Careers. Greg is a STEM Ambassador, specialising in space education and careers promotion. He was presented with a Sir Arthur C Clarke Award in 2018 for his contribution to the Tim Peake Primary Project.
Mrs Rachel Brailsford, Assistant Headteacher
Rachel has been a valued member of Allestree Woodlands School since 2004, taking on a variety of roles that have shaped the pastoral care and wellbeing of students. With a BA(Hons) in Secondary Education with Drama from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, Rachel has been dedicated to educational pastoral care throughout her career, firstly as an Assistant Head of House, Head of House and currently Assistant Headteacher.
As Designated Safeguarding Lead, Rachel’s unwavering passion for safeguarding drives her commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, heard, and seen within the school. Her dedication is unapologetic and deeply rooted in her belief that student welfare is the foundation for success.
Having served the school for over two decades, Rachel’s longevity reflects her deep commitment to the Allestree Woodlands community, where her experience and leadership continue to make a profound impact on the lives of pupils and staff alike.
Miss Catherine Mills, Assistant Headteacher
Catherine joined Allestree Woodlands School in 2018 as Assistant Headteacher/ Head of Sixth Form. Catherine grew up in Derbyshire, and after completing a BA Honours Degree in English Literature at the University of Wales and an MA in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, began her teaching career in Nottingham. She taught in Spain and Malaysia for nine years before returning to the UK where she was Head of English for five years at a Northampton school. Catherine’s aim is to support all Sixth Form students to achieve their personal and academic potential and leave their post-16 education ready to thrive in the wider world.
Miss Leanne Berridge, Assistant Headteacher
After undertaking a BSc Honours Degree in geography at Liverpool University and a Masters in Education, Leanne spent many years working as a middle leader in East Midlands schools as Head of Faculty, as well as an accredited Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), before joining Woodlands as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Key Stage Four achievement in 2021. Leanne has an unwavering commitment and a relentless drive to make a lasting difference to young people’s life choices.
Ms Cat Crompton, Assistant Headteacher
Cat joined Allestree Woodlands in September 2025 as Assistant Headteacher overseeing Inclusion. After completing a Law degree at Lancaster University, Cat trained to teach through the Teach First programme. She spent 10 years working in London schools, developing extensive expertise as a SENCO and Head of Inclusion, leading inclusive practices and ensuring support for young people with diverse needs. Cat has worked closely with curriculum teams to design inclusive curriculums and alongside safeguarding teams to ensure that students feel happy, safe, and supported. Her commitment to inclusion means she strives to remove barriers to learning so that every young person can achieve their full potential academically and personally, preparing them for happy and successful lives.