Welcome to the Gloucester Academy website. As Interim Principal, I am committed to ensuring all of our students enjoy access to the very best education in a safe, secure environment led by outstanding, passionate staff.

As a father of two, I am fully aware of the many challenges faced by young people in today’s society. Ensuring our pupils develop the skills, qualities, and characteristics to flourish in all aspects of their life is essential. That’s exactly what Gloucester Academy will focus on providing with renewed energy and vigour. I can’t wait to get started!

I have worked as a teacher for nearly 20 years in schools across Walsall, Gloucester, and Bristol. This includes working as part of the team who took The Peak Academy from an Ofsted ‘inadequate’ grade to an Ofsted ‘Good’ within months of joining The White Horse Federation.

I’m truly excited to use my experience and passion to drive the development of Gloucester Academy forward. I’ll be leading from the front, working closely with our staff and community to bring about rapid change. Of course, I won’t be acting alone.

The Gloucester Academy New Team

As Interim Principal I am surrounded by a brilliant team of dedicated staff and a skilled Senior Leadership Team who all share the common goal of ensuring our pupils receive an exceptional education.

I encourage you to visit our Senior Leadership Team page where you can learn more about the superb people working in joint ambition to help Gloucester Academy fulfil its potential and become the school of choice for young people in our community.

I am thrilled to also be supported by Helen Glass, The White Horse Federation’s Regional Director, in this task.

Helen will be supporting us for three days a week for the foreseeable future and brings a wealth of experience in leading and improving schools to Gloucester Academy – including our predecessor school, Central Technology College, which under Helen’s leadership was graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted and became the most improved school in the southern region in 2007.

Here are just some of the outcomes achieved by Central Technology College under Helen’s leadership:

• Attendance rose from 86% to 93%
• 92% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C, 47% with Maths and English
• Raised from ‘Notice to Improve’ to ‘Good’ in 14 Months

Helen took up appointment as Headteacher of Fortismere School in 2010 and under her guidance the school was graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for the first time in its history. It was also named as the 12th highest performing state comprehensive in the country in 2017 based on Key Stage 5 outcomes.

Julian Morgan will also be offering his expert support as Assistant Secondary Director of The White Horse Federation. Julian was appointed as an Assistant Head by the Gloucestershire Local Authority in 2004 to support and develop leadership across five of the county’s most challenging secondaries, including Central Technology College. In 2006, Julian was appointed as Curriculum Deputy Head at Central Technology College, working with Helen to play a pivotal role in securing the successful outcomes achieved.

Julian took up Headship of Clayton Hall in September 2010 and rapidly took the school from ‘Satisfactory’ to ‘Good’, with a judgement of ‘Outstanding’ for Behaviour and Safety. Julian will work closely with Gloucester Academy to ensure no stone is left unturned in our pursuit of achieving excellence in the standards of teaching and learning.

Driving Gloucester Academy Forward

To say that Gloucester Academy is in good hands is an understatement. Together with the support of Helen, Julian, and our existing Senior Leadership Team, I am confident in our ability to deliver excellent education for young people at Gloucester Academy.

I look forward to working with all staff, students, parents, and carers during this phase of Gloucester Academy’s journey!

Andy Vinton
Interim Principal