Meet the Sixth Form team

Ms. Bridge

Assistant Head of School and Director of Sixth Form

Ms Bridge graduated from the University of Salford in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Broadcasting. After this, she enjoyed a professional music career before completing a PGDE in 2012. Since then, Ms Bridge has worked in several schools but spent most of her career at Hazel Grove High School with a variety of responsibilities including Subject Lead for Media, Assistant Director of Sixth Form and Head of House.

She joined Laurus Ryecroft in September 2021 as Assistant Headteacher and completed a Masters in Education in June 2022.

Ms Bridge is extremely passionate about social justice and believes that social mobility embraces all types of inequality and disadvantage. She is a firm believer that all students have the right to a quality education and should be appropriately guided to make aspirational decisions for their future. She is excited that Laurus Ryecroft will be in a position to guide students in their applications to highly competitive courses at the most prestigious universities and believes that our students of today will be the leaders of the future.

Mr Mansfield

Assistant Director of Sixth Form

Mr Mansfield graduated from the University of Leicester in 2014 with a BA (Hons) in Business and Management before completing his PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. Mr Mansfield has previously worked in two 11-18 schools in Bolton and Preston as a Head of Department for Business, Economics and Politics.

He joined Laurus Ryecroft in September 2023 as the Head of Business and Economics and has a wealth of experience supporting sixth form students with the EPQ, UCAS applications and study skills.

Mr Mansfield was born and raised in Tameside and was extremely excited to join the team in establishing Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form. He is very driven to support the amazing young people of Tameside to have the confidence to take part in regional and national competitions as well as applying for the best post-18 pathways.

Mrs. Howsham

Sixth Form Academic Enhancement Lead

Mrs Howsham graduated university in 2014 with a BSc First Class Honours degree in Psychology before going on to complete her PGCE in 2015. Mrs Howsham has worked in a Sixth Form in Bolton and an 11-16 school in Blackburn teaching a variety of subjects and has held various responsibilities including Subject Lead for Psychology, Careers Coordinator and has led on whole school inclusion and mental health initiatives.
 
Mrs Howsham joined Laurus Ryecroft in 2023 as the Head of Psychology. Mrs Howsham’s vision for all students is that they have access to a high-quality education that will help them be successful in their chosen pathways, no matter what the student’s background.
 
Mrs Howsham firmly believes that at Laurus Ryecroft, students will not only receive a highly academic curriculum offer, with a wealth of super-curricular opportunities, but they will also be supported to develop the study and life skills they need in order to reach their full potential.

Ms. Pryce

Head of Pastoral Care

Ms. Pryce has been at Laurus Ryecroft since the schools opening in 2018 and has had the pleasure of witnessing the growth and development of the school, as well as her year group who she has seen through from Year 7 to Year 11. She is excited for the next stage of this journey with the opening of the Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form, where she will continue to encourage students to have high aspirations and support them on their journey to higher education.

Ms. Pryce has built up many years of experience in safeguarding and pastoral care and strongly values the importance of student wellbeing and safety. Miss Pryce’s goal is to provide a high level of pastoral support, removing any barriers to learning so students can thrive in an environment where they feel safe, valued and are able to reach their full potential.

Miss Hadfield

Sixth Form Academic Services Manager

Miss Hadfield started her career in medical services and worked for a leading medical agency in Manchester for many years, before commencing her journey in education administration in 2013. Her career in education has consisted of a variety of administration support roles within a high school setting, for the Tameside Local Authority. She is passionate in her work, which allows her to provide services to education in her home borough.

Miss Hadfield joined Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form in May 2022 as Academic Services Manager. She is responsible for overseeing the provision of administrative support to the Sixth Form team and coordinating the operations of the Sixth Form. Miss Hadfield feels privileged to support students at such a pivotal time in their education; helping them to prepare for the future of their choice.

Miss Turton

Sixth Form Receptionist and Administration Assistant

Miss Turton joined Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form as Sixth Form Receptionist and Administration Assistant when we opened our doors in September 2023. She is responsible for providing administrative support to the Sixth Form Team and is often the first point of contact for parents/carers and students.

Miss Turton started her career in higher education in 2009, with over 14 years’ experience in a variety of roles consisting of administration support, course guidance, and apprenticeship and NVQ placements. She is now supporting our A Level students with their studies whilst also completing a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design through the Open University.

Miss Turton is also a Wellbeing Champion at Laurus Ryecroft Sixth Form and is passionate about encouraging colleagues and students alike to prioritise looking after their mental health and wellbeing.