About the Trust
We are two academies on the western edge of Bedford that work closely together to educate over 1,600 students: Wootton Academy for Year 7-11 pupils and neighbouring Kimberley Sixth Form College for students in years 12 and 13.
We are at an exciting time in our development. In 2026 our Upper School will become a Year 7-11 secondary and grow over time from 900 to 1,350 students. Kimberley has grown dramatically in recent years too and is significantly oversubscribed. The opportunities that come from this are huge.
However, we have lots of things we must do better right now for our students and the local community. We want to run superb schools with great outcomes for all students, enabled by a high-performing, happy staff body, and a reputation as a great place to learn and work.
We are working hard to build a strong culture based on great attendance and behaviour by students. And we are developing a curriculum that is ambitious and knowledge-rich, recognises the importance of subject disciplines, and immerses students in the best that has been thought and said.
We hope you find what you need on our website, and if you need to know more don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Executive Team
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Mark Lehain
Executive Headteacher
Mark was appointed Executive Headteacher at WAT in June 2024 and brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise. He taught maths at Wootton Upper School between 2003 and 2010, before setting up and leading Bedford Free School. In recent years he has supported schools across the country working in government as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education.
His dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, promoting inclusive learning environments, and nurturing the holistic development of students aligns perfectly with our Trust’s values and aspirations.
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Marcin Mieczkowski
Chief Finance and Operating Officer
Marcin joined Wootton Academy Trust in September 2022 as Chief Finance and Operating Officer, bringing with him a wealth of experience from several successful HMC independent schools across Bedford, Cambridge, and central London.
A qualified teacher (Linguist), Marcin holds an Executive MBA and leadership qualifications from the University of Oxford. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Management Institute and currently serves as Chair of the Board for the University of Cambridge Primary School, reflecting his deep commitment to both education and governance.
Outside of work, Marcin’s passion is home restoration, transforming a former Victorian school into a modern family home, blending history with vision for contemporary living!
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Tim Detheridge
Head of College
Tim joined Wootton Upper School in 2006 as Head of Sixth Form. In 2014 he moved over to Kimberley College, becoming Head of Kimberley College in 2017, overseeing a growth in reputation and student numbers.
Tim has previously lead the local Heads of Sixth Form forum in Bedford Borough and represents the college as member of the Sixth Form College Association network.
Tim has a Masters Degree in School Improvement and Continuous Professional development and has also gained the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers. As a geographer, Tim enjoys travel and experiencing different cultures and landscapes. He enjoys sport and until recently was a coach of a local football team.
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Carrie McMorn
Head of School
Carrie joined Wootton Upper School in 2016 as Vice Principal, Behaviour and Inclusion and became Head of School in September 2020. Carrie has qualifications in safeguarding young people and has gained the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers.
Carrie has also worked as an Ofsted Inspector and took part in the Exemplary Leadership Programme which has informed her work in making significant improvement in the standards and culture at the school. Carrie enjoys theatre, live music and is a voracious reader. She relaxes by doing home decoration, photography and gardening.