We were pleased to welcome a number of new teaching staff at the beginning of the academic year 2025-26. We caught up with a few of them to discover a little more about them.
Mrs Esther Moss, Deputy Head (Pastoral)
A PE teacher by trade, having begun teaching in 2004, Mrs Moss quickly moved into pastoral care. She has been Head of Year, Head of House, Assistant Principal and most recently Deputy Headteacher at St Thomas Boughey Academy.
“I feel particularly proud of the progress made in attendance and behaviour during my time in these roles – taking attendance from below average to above national comparisons, being invited to contribute to DfE attendance conferences, as well as driving improvements in behaviour that made school a more enjoyable and safer place for pupils. These changes not only supported better academic outcomes but also helped create environments where children feel happy, secure, and genuinely want to be.”
“I really believe a school’s role is to develop the whole person and provide opportunities that help young people discover who they want to be. That’s why I’m often found organising trips, whether to build community, inspire curiosity or simply to help pupils feel they belong.”
Alongside professional roles, Mrs Moss has always coached netball – both in and out of school. She worked with all age groups at Staffordshire County Netball, before moving on to coach the Under 19s at Loughborough Lightning, one of the Netball Super league franchises.
Outside of school, if Mrs Moss is not playing netball or training, she is off in the camper van or on a paddleboard, exploring with her husband and son.
Mr Emlyn Thomas, Head of PE and Sport
It is an exciting time for PE and Sport at Adams as we develop the excellent provision that already exists and continue on our journey to full co-educational provision. We start the year with a new gym and next year sees the first sports tour since 2019
Originally from Anglesey, Mr Thomas has been at Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby since qualifying as a teacher in 2003. During his 22-year tenure, he was instrumental in designing and planning the sport facility, provision and curriculum following the school’s new build and developing PE and Sport as fundamental to supporting young people in a considerably challenging context. “Seeing the impact that success in rugby, athletics and netball gave the pupils was a particular highlight of my time at Abraham Darby.”
Mr Thomas’ sporting background is in swimming and football. He competed in swimming at national level when young. Since hanging up the football boots, after a couple of injuries, he now plays golf regularly. With two daughters, both keen netballers, most evenings are taken up with netball games, training and umpiring.
“I am really looking forward to joining Adams. Haberdashers' Adams already has a strong sporting reputation and I hope I can contribute to enhancing that reputation.”
Mrs Michelle Jenkins, Teacher of Business & Economics
Mrs Jenkins joins us from the Ersamus Darwin Academy in Burntwood. She has been teaching for 20 years, of which she has spent 18 years as Head of Department. She is the Assistant Principal examiner for Business GCSE paper 2 and a writer for the GCSE paper 2.
Her students have participated in the Student Investor Challenge, reaching the semi-finals, and the Tycoon Challenge. Miss Jenkins is looking forward to testing Haberdashers' Adams Enterprise skills with some new exciting challenges…
A resident of Newport, Mrs Jenkins is looking forward to a much shorter commute! She loves all things Newport, especially visiting the coffee shops.
Dr Debra Clayton, Teacher of Chemistry
Dr Clayton came to teaching later in life. Having read Biochemistry and Genetics at Aberystwyth University, she studied for a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Glasgow’s Vet School.
She then carried out research in bird flu before retraining as a science teacher at the University of Reading. Dr Clayton returned to university for a fourth time to complete a physics course enabling her to teach A-level biology, chemistry and physics.
Originally from the Midlands, Dr Clayton has moved around the UK, but moved to Telford last year from North Wales with her two rescue dogs, Suzie and Simba.
Ash Williams, Hockey Coach
We are delighted to welcome Old Navaportan Ash Willism (Class of 2010) back to Adams.
Ash will train our 1st and 2nd XI hockey teams on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. He brings a wealth of experience as men’s 1st XI captain and Junior Head Coach at Newport Hockey Club. Ash juggles all this alongside being Youth Engagement Project Manager for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
We wish all of our new staff all the very best on their Adams journey.
