Astrea Academy Trust announces Principal for Doncaster’s Astrea Academy Woodfields

Astrea Academy Trust is today announcing the appointment of Joanne Cater at the Principal of Astrea Academy Woodfields in Doncaster, formerly Balby Carr Community School.

Astrea Academy Woodfields formally joined Astrea on 1 September, having previously been part of WCAT. Ms Cater had been Acting Principal since the start of the academic year, and has been confirmed as the substantive Principal with immediate effect.

Joanne Cater is an experienced senior leader, having joined Astrea from Winterhill School where she was a Senior Leader of Education. Prior to this she was Executive Headteacher of Abbey Special School which she led out of Special Measures. She has also had senior leadership roles in Sheffield and worked as a consultant across other local authorities.”

Libby Nicholas, Chief Executive of Astrea said: “We had been working with Astrea Academy Woodfields for some time in the run up to the formal transfer in September, which has meant that the new academic year got off to a flying start. That is in no small part Joanne Cater and the impressive work that she and her team have done to start turning this school around. 

“I am therefore delighted to be announcing Joanne as our substantive Principal and have absolute confidence that she will continue to deliver the changes that are needed at Woodfields so that together we can deliver an education that genuinely inspires all of our pupils beyond measure.”

Joanne Cater said: “As an experienced leader I am unashamedly ambitious for the students of Astrea Academy Woodfields.  I passionately believe there should not be a disconnect between the provision and outcomes of the most vulnerable students in society and the more privileged. Education – through knowledge of the curriculum, but through experiences, values and aspirations – is the key to success and to the elimination of barriers.

“I am proud to call myself the Principal of Astrea Academy Woodfields and to work with parents, the community and external agencies to focus relentlessly on improving the life chances of the children and young people I serve.”