Chris Stokes

Chris Stokes graduated from the University of Leeds in 2007 with a degree in Business Management. Whilst completing his degree, Chris gained significant leadership experience outside of education as a Retail Manager for WH Smith. Upon graduating, Chris completed his PGCE in Business Studies at Leeds University and began teaching as a Business Studies and Mathematics teacher at Abbey Academy in 2009.

Within his first year at Abbey Grange, Chris took on leadership for e-learning and developed both the school infrastructure and day-to-day practices that ensured all students had significant access to ICT. This eventually led to securing a programme which provided all students with an iPad, with the school being highly recognised for its use of IT in the classroom. Whilst teaching, Chris completed his Masters in ICT and Education, gaining a distinction in 2011 from the University of Leeds and completed an Advanced Certificate in Mathematics Education at York St John University.

In 2013 Chris began working for White Rose Academies Trust as Assistant Principal: Mathematics, successfully taking Leeds West Academy from 50% to 66% A*-C in his first year in post and Leeds City Academy from 23% to 51% A*-C in 2015. After a series of promotions, Chris achieved the role of Principal at Leeds East Academy in 2016 and led the school from the bottom 5% of secondary schools to the third most improved school in the country with results in the top 10% in 2017. This improvement was viewed by the Department for Education as one of the most impressive nationally and led to Chris and Leeds East Academy being selected to appear in the prestigious Parliamentary Review in 2017.

Chris took on his second Headship in 2018, assuming the role of Principal of The Farnley Academy. During his time in post, Chris led the school from a position in the top 45% of schools in the country, to a sustained position in the top 8% of schools. Additionally, under Chris’ leadership, The Farnley Academy moved from Requires Improvement to an Ofsted Outstanding judgement in September 2023, with inspectors remarking that Pupils proudly attend this aspirational and visionary school. Whilst he is forever proud of what he and his team achieved together at The Farnley Academy, following the birth of his first child, Chris took the decision, along with his family, that it was time to return home to North Yorkshire, a place that he loves.

Chris proudly took on the role of Headteacher at Bedale High School in September 2024 and has set out a bold and ambitious goal for the school to be rated Ofsted Outstanding in its next inspection which is likely to be in the 27/28 academic year.