Meet the Exec Leadership Team
Springwell Lincolnshire
The Executive Senior Leadership Team at Springwell Lincolnshire brings a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to providing exceptional, nurturing, and supportive education for children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Our dedicated leaders are the driving force behind our network of specialist academies across the county. With a proven track record of transformative leadership, they are responsible for the strategic direction and continued success of our schools. The team’s collective expertise in inclusive education and overcoming barriers to learning ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Under their guidance, Springwell Lincolnshire is committed to fostering a culture of unconditional positive regard, where every child is supported to achieve their full potential and prepare for a successful future. They work collaboratively with our academy heads and dedicated staff to deliver the highest standards of education and pastoral care.
Miss L Ashcroft
Executive Principal
Lisa is a highly accomplished educational leader with over two decades of experience dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and driving positive pupil outcomes. After completing her teaching qualification at Loughborough University in 2002, she rapidly became an Advanced Skills Teacher.
Her career progression saw her move from subject leadership to Head of KS4, where she honed her skills in both pastoral care and academic achievement. Passionate about supporting pupils facing barriers to learning, Lisa earned her National SENDCo Award and subsequently took on a senior leadership role to champion inclusive practices. In 2016, Lisa transitioned to Alternative Provision as Executive Vice Principal, gaining invaluable experience with vulnerable children and young people with SEMH needs. She played a pivotal role in opening new Alternative Provision Free Schools in Lincolnshire and collaborating with the Lincolnshire Local Authority on the Ladder of Behaviour Intervention.
Since becoming Executive Principal across all four Springwell Lincolnshire schools in 2021, Lisa has led her schools to significant success, securing two ‘Good’ and two ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted ratings. She has also recently achieved her National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership, further solidifying her expertise in strategic educational leadership.
Outside of the day job Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and walking her two English bulldogs and her Cavapoochon Poppy.
Mr J Williamson
Executive Vice Principal
Jack earned his BA (Hons) and PGCE in Physical Education from Edge Hill University.
His journey in education began in 2011, and through various leadership roles, he saw firsthand why a significant number of children can be underserved by the system. This experience solidified his commitment to creating systemic change and fostering a truly inclusive culture. His focus on building strong, trusting relationships with students aligns perfectly with the core values of Springwell Lincolnshire.
Jack is a passionate advocate for students who find mainstream education a challenge and is driven by the belief that every child deserves to succeed. Jack joins Springwell Lincolnshire bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed education.
Jack is committed to deepening his understanding of how we can best support our students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs to help them achieve their full potential.
He completed his NPQH in 2023 and is undertaking his NPQEL to further his expertise in executive leadership. When he isn’t at Springwell, Jack is a keen sportsman and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his dog, Pepper.
Mrs N Lang
Executive Vice Principal
Nicola completed her degree, Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Teaching Studies and Geography with Qualified Teacher Status at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. She worked in a Primary School teaching across EYFS, KS1 & 2 for 14 years. In this time Nicola was a subject lead for Geography, ICT, Art and English, as well as EYFS lead.
Nicola worked on publishing exemplification guidance to support the teaching of Art as well as supporting and implementing curriculum design to focus on pupil’s success, sense of community, preparation for transitions and next steps. Nicola worked as a SENDco both in mainstream and an SEMH setting focusing on fostering inclusive learning environments for all pupils. She then became a Deputy Head, and later Headteacher, in a mainstream primary school focusing on building strong, collaborative relationships with families.
Nicola’s leadership has always been strongly rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, this work continues in her role as Executive Vice Principal at Springwell Lincoln.
Mrs S Hurley
Executive Vice Principal
Sarah completed her degree in Sports Coaching Science and Sports Development. She delivered PE lessons and upskilled teachers across primary schools in Coventry. After gaining her forest schools award, Sarah supported children with SEN and SEMH needs. The school approached her to do her teacher training through Schools Direct.
In 2014, Sarah completed her PGCE in Primary Education with a SEND specialism at The University of Warwick. She has spent a further 4 years in mainstream schools, where she has been able to develop her understanding of pedagogy and teaching & learning through roles including: Lead Teacher, MAT PE and Sports Lead, NQT Mentor and Key Stage Lead.
During this time, Sarah continued to work with those most vulnerable and those with additional needs. In her most recent mainstream class she had 50% of her class on the SEND register all with Individualised Education Plans. She then joined the Springwell Lincolnshire team as Primary Lead in 2018. Sarah has supported in developing an engaging curriculum for all to thrive and achieve in, in their individual pathways.
