Hannah Thornton

Hannah joined the Trust in 2016 at South Leeds Academy as Vice Principal for 'Deep Learning.'

Hannah started her teaching career in 2006 as a Maths NQT at Hillcrest Academy, Dudley (Now The Link) and became HoD in her RQT year, taking results from 20% to 57% C+.

Relocation back to the North meant a move to Darton College as Head of Department. The school had just gone into special measures and Hannah wanted to work in a school where she could make a significant difference; she stayed until the school came out of category.

After a successful stint at Darton, Hannah then moved to Penistone Grammar School as Director of Mathematics on SLT, to lead a failing maths department with a very high achieving catchment. This gave her experience of Post 16 and working with a different community. During her 4 years at Penistone, she was promoted to Assistant Principal taking on responsibility for KS4.

In 2016 Hannah moved to The South Leeds Academy as Vice Principal introducing the academy to Delta's school improvement systems, before moving to Don Valley Academy in 2017. She was appointed as Associate Principal and in 2019, took over the day to day running of the Academy. 

Hannah would say that her area of expertise is certainly improving the curriculum, in particular within maths. Hannah was awarded most promising teacher 2006 during her time at Sheffield Hallam University and is an SLE for maths. 

An average day for Hannah involves students, students, staff then students! She loves watching people grow and become the best versions of themselves. Nothing that comes her way is more important than empowering everyone at Don Valley Academy to go further than before.

Outside of work, Hannah is mum to 4 beautiful young boys which brings its own fun and games! She loves the outdoors, is always walking and says there's nothing better than a mountain top, splashing in puddles or empty sandy beaches. Exercise is really important to Hannah to let go of the pressures of the day and she encourages her children and her students to do the same. 

Hannah says that Delta are an incredibly supportive trust that puts people first. 'Changing Lives' is more than words to us all; the trust grows talent and looks at the person ahead of any of any other factors.