Simon Hinchliffe read Geography at the University of Durham and went on to complete a PhD at the School of Geography and Geosciences, University of St Andrews. He achieved international recognition for his research in Quaternary Science and lectured at the School of Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton. Simon then completed a MEd in Educational Leadership and Management with the Open University following a move into secondary education. He taught at Wolverhampton Grammar School, becoming the Head of Sixth Form in 2010, having previously been the Head of Year 9, and also ran the outdoor education, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and overseas expedition programmes. He was appointed to the position of Deputy Headmaster at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) in 2014 and became the Headmaster in 2016. Simon has a daughter and son who attend the BGS Senior and Junior schools respectively.

Jed Boardman began his career as a police officer in Manchester before moving into teaching. He taught physics at St Peter’s School, in York, for three years before becoming Head of Physics at Fulneck School, in Pudsey, where he stayed for five years. He joined BGS over 20 years ago and has held various positions including Head of Year 7, Year 10 and Year 11, Head of Physics and Assistant Head.

Gary Woods was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he read Modern and Medieval Languages. He completed a PGCE and a University Diploma in Spanish with the Open University. He started his teaching career in 1994 at Bancroft’s School in North East London, before moving to BGS in 2006 as Head of Modern Languages. He was promoted to the position of Assistant Head (Curriculum) here in 2014.

Paul Merckx was educated at Imperial College (London) and Reading University. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering with Mathematics and entered the teaching profession at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield. After a three-year break from teaching to run an outdoor pursuits business, he returned at Yarm School before moving to BGS in 1997. Paul became Head of Year 7 in 2001, a post he held until 2016 when he was appointed to the position of Assistant Head (Development).

Felicity Robertshaw-Hughes completed her degree in primary education, specialising in science, in Leeds in 2004. Her teaching journey commenced in Chapeltown, where she initially worked with Year 1 children. She then moved to Springbank School in Farsley and gained a broadened experience across Key Stages 1 and 2. There, as the science-lead, she also established the Pudsey Cluster Science Network, fostering subject-specific links and opportunities within the school. Assuming the role of Pastoral Lead followed, and Felicity took charge of behaviour management, attendance, and safeguarding. She played a pivotal role in the school’s leadership team during its expansion from a junior to a primary school, incorporating infants and foundation stage. In 2017, Felicity joined Bradford Grammar Junior School as Deputy Head (Pastoral), and by 2021, her role evolved to include academic responsibilities. Additionally, she serves as the Junior School English subject lead.

Jessica Watson read Drama at the University of Exeter and went on to complete a Masters in Theatre and Development Studies at the University of Leeds. She gained a PGCSE with Manchester Metropolitan University. Jessica has worked in a range of secondary schools across Bradford and Leeds including Ilkley Grammar School and Dixons Academies Trust. Jessica has worked as a senior leader specialising in pastoral, behaviour, welfare and safeguarding since 2016 and joined BGS as Assistant Head (Pastoral) in June 2024.

Richard Ribeiro was educated at Loughborough University, graduating in Geography. He initially worked in IT Service Management before making the transition to teaching via the Graduate Teaching Programme. Richard has taught in a variety of educational settings. A state primary (mixed 3-11 years), an independent preparatory school (mixed 3-11 years) and at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Junior School (boys 4-11 years) where he worked at senior leadership level. His last role was as Deputy Head at Wakefield Girls’ High School Junior School (mixed nursery and girls 4-11) before he joined BGS as the Headmaster of Junior School from the summer term of 2020.

Homera Najib read Natural Sciences at Newnham College, Cambridge before starting her training as a chartered accountant in her home city of London in 2004. After marrying a Yorkshireman, she relocated to Bradford and completed her Associate Chartered Accountant qualification with Deloitte in Leeds. Homera then went on to work for Hallmark Cards for over 10 years, during which time she worked in the finance department where she was responsible for statutory financial reporting, treasury management, and tax compliance. Homera became the Group Company Secretary in 2017, a role that encompassed governance as well as legal matters, including commercial contracts, data protection, and intellectual property. Homera joined BGS as the Finance Manager in October 2018 and became Bursar & Clerk to the Governors in November 2020. Homera has two daughters who attend BGS Senior and Junior schools respectively.

Katy Owens attended Lancaster University where she studied English Literature and Linguistics. She began her career in project management at Asda but soon found her passion in Human Resources (HR). Katy pursued further education, earning her CIPD Associate Diploma. She started her HR journey as an HR Change Specialist and advanced to the position of HR Business Partner in a corporate setting. In 2023, Katy joined BGS as a full time HR Manager and member of the Senior Leadership Team, looking to expand her skills and HR generalist experience.