Meet the Teaching Agency in Halifax

Jason Howard Branch Manager / Calderdale Primary Consultant

Jason has been recruiting teachers and support staff for the business since February 2008, and is one of the longest serving members of the Academics family! Prior to working in recruitment, after graduating in Music, Jason worked in publishing sales and retail, before taking a chance on a resourcing opportunity for the company in 2008, and he has been here ever since. From 2011, Jason has successfully grown the Academics brand within the Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford Local Authorities. Jason manages the Halifax branch and still directly supports recruitment process in Calderdale primary schools. Because of the trust Jason has built with his client schools, he is also heavily involved with a large amount of permanent vacancy management, from TA’s to SLT. Jason holds Cert RP status with the REC.

Life outside of work for Jason is committed to his two young boys, drum kit, extensive vinyl collection and his long suffering wife!

Matthew Barrett Kirklees Team Leader

Matt joined Academics in February 2019 after 8 years as an Estate Agent (don’t judge him!) in Halifax and Huddersfield where he gained skills in negotiations and communication with the last 3 years spent in managerial positions within West Yorkshire. Matt is now the Kirklees Primary Team Leader as well as supplying Primary schools in the Huddersfield, Holmfirth & Mirfield with daily supply, long term and permanent primary teachers & schools support staff. Matt is also responsible for the management of Jasmin Rhodes. Jasmin is in charge of recruitment for schools across Batley, Dewsbury and the Spen Valley with Matt overseeing things every step of the way.

In his spare time Matt enjoys playing snooker, curling, cricket, is a keen follower of Huddersfield Town FC and enjoys spending time with his wife, travelling and relaxing away from work.

Jasmin Rhodes Recruitment Consultant, North Kirklees Primary

Jas is the newest member of the Kirklees team and she began here at Academics in March 2022. Previously Jas worked for three Years for an insurance company as a Broker Consultant, after spending time as an Au Pair in Australia and gaining experience within education settings. Jas’ role within the company is the recruitment for the Spen Valley, Dewsbury, Batley and Mirfield areas. In her spare time, Jas loves spending time with her two cats, travelling, camping and going out for food.

Jack Normanton Secondary Consultant

Jack joined with the Academics Halifax team in June 2023. Previously, for five years, Jack was a Recruitment consultant specialising in Executive Search permanent recruitment where he gained his skills for the job. Jack will now take charge of the Secondary desk and is looking to expand the Calderdale, Huddersfield and Bradford areas.

Outside of work, Jack plays semi-professional football and also enjoys a walk around the golf links. In other sports, Jack is keen on the national curling championships and never misses a game! He is also an avid traveller and regularly visits different parts of the world with his other half.

Jack is currently training for his first ultra-run

Louise Goodchild Administrator

Louise joined the company in 2005 as an administrator after working as a supervisor in an opticians but over the years her role has progressed and evolved. She quickly got to grips with the Education sector and took on more of a compliance role which she carried out for many years. After a short maternity break to have her son she returned to the company at the beginning of 2017 and began a brand new role supporting the Managing Director and Regional Manager with a number of tasks including looking after reporting, statistics and figures, the referral scheme and much more. Louise is now the second longest serving employee across the entire company.

Away from work Louise enjoys spending time with her family and friends, plays Goal Shooter for her netball team and loves being on stage in her local Amateur Dramatics group. She’s even been known to choreograph a show or two.

Emily Lonsdale Bradford Team Leader

Emily joined Team Academics in 2021 to further develop the brand in Bradford Primary Schools. In a former life, Emily was a KS1 teacher! Although Emily thoroughly loved being in the classroom teaching, her true passion lies in recruitment with 6 years credible experience in the industry. Being a former teacher, she fully understands the true meaning of candidate quality, setting the bar high with the calibre of staff and schools that she works with and is often seen supporting her own staff with their CPD needs including; school observations, personal statements, lesson plans, ECT Inductions and job interviews. She is also proud to represent two of her Primary schools as a Governor where she offers wider support to the school outside of her day to day job.

Outside of work Emily can be seen exploring the Yorkshire countryside with her partner walking here there and everywhere! And enjoys yoga and swimming to relax.

Alice Mordue Bradford Primary Consultant

Alice started with the Academics Halifax team in October 2022. Prior to joining Academics, Alice was a Primary teacher, with experience of supply teaching! Despite having a love for teaching and travelling to work in a varied amount of amazing schools around Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale, her true vocation is to use her experience in learning, teaching and assessment to find high-quality, committed, Primary, Secondary, and SEND teaching and support staff, to make a difference within Education. Alice’s role is to put 110% into finding the best candidates, supporting them to find their dream school job within our fantastic schools.

In her spare time, Alice loves to step back onto the ice as she is a former figure skater. Loves spending time with family, friends and her 4 doggies, as well as travelling to places hot when she gets the chance to escape from reality.

Tilly Taylor Recruitment Consultant

Tilly is the newest member of Team Academics and joined the gang in April 2023. Prior to Academics, Tilly spent over three years in a high level, fast paced customer service role, which lends itself to the working styles of an established education recruitment business like ours. Additionally, Tilly has worked supporting young adults with additional needs, as a personal assistant. From both positions she has gained skills in communication, organisation and increasing levels of emotional intelligence. These skills are paramount in our business and Tilly will enabling the further growth of the Halifax Branch.

In her free time, Tilly loves spending time with family, friends and her two dogs, Boo and Mouse! Tilly has travelled the world (most of it anyway) and is always keen to soak up global culture. She’s a keen gym goer and loves to keep fit with spin class, cross fit and is completing her first ultra-run this year.

Tilly brings organisation, positivity and a motivation to the Halifax office which will fit in very well.

Jenny Simms Resourcer

Jenny joined Academics in July 2023, having worked in Primary Schools as a KS1 and KS2 teacher for 17 years, including time on supply. She brings with her the knowledge and experience of many schools, great communication skills as well as enthusiasm. She is now turning her skills to supporting teachers through her work at Academics and is excited about her Education Resource role!

In her spare time Jenny enjoys spending quality time with her son and partner, and doing yoga and swimming to keep fit and relaxed.

Hannah Smith Recruitment Consultant – Oldham and Tameside Primary

Hannah is the newest member of the Halifax team and is exceptionally keen to develop her career in education recruitment with Academics. She has previously worked in numerous PE teaching roles in secondary schools across Tameside and Huddersfield, and gained alternative teaching experience through swimming. Hannah has a strong customer service background and is committed to delivering Academics’ services into Oldham and Tameside, where she was born and bred!

Outside of work Hannah enjoys engaging in sports including swimming, running and aims visiting as many restaurants as possible. Prefers cats over dogs! Hannah loves going to gigs and festivals in her spare time as well as keeping a close eye on the World Snooker Tour.