Meet the Sixth Form Team

Mr. Mansfield

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 later moved into the role of Director of Sixth Form.
 
Mr Mansfield has a wealth of experience supporting sixth form students with the EPQ, UCAS applications and study skills. He 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 make aspirational decisions for their future. Mr Mansfield is excited that Laurus Ryecroft will be in a position to guide students in their applications to the most prestigious universities and degree apprenticeship providers.

Ms. Howsham

Assistant Director of Sixth Form

Ms Howsham graduated university in 2014 with a BSc First Class Honours degree in Psychology before going on to complete her PGCE in 2015. Ms 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.
 
Ms Howsham joined Laurus Ryecroft in 2023 as the Head of Psychology and Sixth Form Academic Enhancement Lead. Ms 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.
 
Ms 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.

Mrs. Williams

Head of Year 12 & 13

Mrs Williams graduated university in 2012 with a BSc degree in Psychology, joint with Community Studies. Mrs Williams then went on to complete her PGCE and a Masters in Psychology of Education. She has worked in a number of different 11 – 18 schools across the Tameside and Oldham boroughs, teaching a variety of subjects, including Social Science at GCSE and A Level. She is DSL trained and is also currently working towards her SENDCo qualification. 

Mrs Williams joined Laurus Ryecroft in May 2022 as a Head of Year in main school. She is passionate about supporting students both inside and outside of school, ensuring that there are no barriers to learning.  

Ms. 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.

Mr. Marsh

Academic Enhancement and Aspirations Lead

Mr Marsh studied Spanish at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2017, before completing his PGCE at the University of Cumbria in 2020. He joined Laurus Ryecroft in September 2022 as Teacher of Spanish, sharing his love of languages with students every day. 

Mr Marsh supports with Laurus Ryecroft’s mission statement of being “Unashamedly Academic” in his role as Academic Enhancement and Aspirations Lead, supporting students across the school and Sixth Form to strive for the best academic outcomes. He assists students in the Sixth Form with applications for highly competitive university routes, including Oxford and Cambridge, ensuring that everybody is able to achieve their aspirations. 

He is a firm believer that all students should be able to make the most of opportunity made available to them, and that no factors should limit their outcomes. 

Dr. Agboh

Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science Lead

Dr. Agboh graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and Physiology, followed by a PhD from the University of Leicester. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at both the University of St. Andrews and the University of Cambridge, contributing to diverse projects ranging from the physiology of the spinal cord to the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance. His research has been featured in several scientific publications. 

In 2019, Dr. Agboh completed a PGCE and joined Laurus Ryecroft in September 2023, where he later became Head of Biology. In addition to teaching Biology, he leads the Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science programme, supporting students aspiring to enter these competitive fields. The MDV programme helps students strengthen their applications by deepening their understanding of the healthcare sector and exploring the ethical foundations of medical careers. It not only builds students’ confidence but also helps them stand out as well-prepared and motivated candidates for medical, veterinary, and dental school admissions. 

Mr. Haughton

Academic Football Pathway Lead

Mr Haughton graduated from the University of Greenwich in 2017 with a BA (Hons) in Physical Education and Sport before completing his PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University.
 
Mr Haughton joined Laurus Ryecroft in September 2019 as Teacher of Boys P.E.
 
Mr Haughton has had the opportunity to work for multiple professional football clubs and is passionate about the positive impact the Academic Football Pathway can have towards bridging the gap between professional football and academic achievement.

Mr. Booth

Assistant Head of School and CEIAG Lead

Mr Booth graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2011 with a BA (Hons) in Geography, before completing a PGDipEd in Secondary Education: Geography at the University of Birmingham in 2013. After a brief period working in sales, Mr Booth began his career in education, taking on roles such as Teacher of Geography, Head of Geography, Head of House, and Head of CEIAG. As one of the members of staff who has been at Laurus Ryecroft since the very beginning, he is now an Assistant Head of School with responsibility for Personal Development, including Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG).
 
Mr Booth plays a key role in supporting sixth form students through the Laurus Launchpad programme, delivering sessions on a wide range of ‘Life After Laurus’ themes and coordinating guest speakers from diverse industries. He also oversees the Year 12 work experience week, ensuring students gain valuable insights into the world of work. Born and raised in the Midlands and the first in his family to attend university, Mr Booth is passionate about ensuring all students—regardless of background—are empowered to make informed, aspirational choices about their futures, whether that be by attending the best and most appropriate university possible for their ideal career choice or by successfully being awarded a position on a much vaunted degree apprenticeship programme.