Our Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Mr J M Heap - Principal

Mike Steward — Vice-principal

Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Music & PGCE in secondary education

Hailing originally from Birmingham, I made the move down to Gloucester in about 2004 when I was approached to teach at Central Technology College. It was a hugely enjoyable time in my career and one which I look back on fondly. During that time, I oversaw a huge amount of development and change. In 2010, I decided it was time for a change and moved on to a school in Worcester where I was able to further develop and grow in experience. However, I’m pleased to say that in 2018, Gloucester called me back and I am really looking forward to working here at GA.

In terms of my education, when I was younger, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up and university didn’t seem to be an option as none of my family had been. Somehow, I bumbled through my GCSEs and scraped into college. It was only here, where I was inspired by one of my lecturers, that an academic future seemed possible. At the end of my A levels, he pushed and encouraged me to go on to university. Without this push I doubt I would be where I am now. It’s looking back on this time in my life that makes me realise the difference that teachers can have on the lives of young people. I hope that in my time at Gloucester Academy, I will be able to have a similar impact on the futures of our students.

In my free time, I love going to the park with my wife and 2 children. I also really enjoy a challenge and where possible I enjoy taking part in half-marathons and long-distance bike rides — although without the wife and children!

Louise Milne — Assistant Principal

Qualifications: BA (Hons) English Literature

I was born and bred in Cardiff but fell in love with the city of Bristol, where I went to university, and this city has remained my home to this day.

The desire to become a teacher manifested in me from an early age, and I am passionate about ensuring students learn to express themselves and engage in the world around them through the subject of English. For the past seven years, I have been working in South Bristol, but I am delighted to be returning to Gloucester, the place where my teaching career first began.

I have been in the teaching profession for 13 years, and during this time I have had leadership responsibilities for both curriculum and pastoral roles. There is nothing more rewarding than working with young people and being part of their journey as they grow into independent young people with the world at their feet. My real passion in education lies in outstanding pastoral care, and I am delighted to be joining the leadership team as an Assistant Principal.

Outside of education, I am an avid reader and love nothing more than to have my head stuck into a good book. I have recently starting running, and I am hoping to run in a marathon in 2019, so watch this space!

Emile Pinco — Assistant Principal

Qualifications: Teaching Degree, Specialising in Mathematics and Science, Bachelor of Education, & Master of Education

My father was a teacher, so I was determined to forge my own way in the world and avoid teaching at all costs. Fortunately, during my first year at university, I coached basketball for a community youth team and found that I really love working with young people. So, I switched courses for year 2 and gained a teaching degree specialising in mathematics and science.

I have had the privilege to live and teach in four different countries — The Gambia, Malawi, Canada, and the UK — and I have loved getting to know the different cultures and developing my skills as a teacher. Taking on leadership responsibilities has given me the opportunity to tackle many different roles, but my favourite has always been classroom teaching. There is nothing more exciting than working with unpredictable, quirky, inquisitive, sometimes moody, but always interesting teenagers.

My wife and I are now empty nesters as both our sons have moved out and are finally paying taxes for themselves. We enjoy walking and travelling, and I occasionally get a chance to mountain bike.

Mandy Pugh — Safeguarding Lead

Qualifications: Master's Degree in Inclusive Education

I trained as a Connexions personal advisor (Brunel University) and hold a master’s degree in inclusive education (University of Gloucestershire). My role is to train, guide, and supervise around safeguarding and child protection procedures.

My experience in my previous role as Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator enables me to have a holistic approach to both identifying needs and shaping support around the needs of individual children. I firmly believe that effective safeguarding systems are child centred, and that all professionals should ensure children are respected, their views are heard, and that relationships are built on trust and consistency in support.

My comprehensive training role has now expanded to include the design and delivery of safeguarding training across The White Horse Federation. I am also a certified trainer with the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children’s Board.

My passion for raising awareness around mental health in education has led me to train in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and also to advise staff around the delivery of the safeguarding curriculum. I have worked in partnership with other agencies, including police colleagues and children’s services colleagues, in order to improve the delivery of services in Gloucestershire. I am WRAP trained and a CEOP ambassador.

Richard Wheatley — Teaching and Learning Leader

Qualifications: Honours Degree in Politics and English, Master’s Degree in English, & Master’s Degree in Education

I graduated from the Loughborough University with a BA (Hons) degree in politics and English, and a master’s degree in English. I had a number of romantic ideas for future career pathways, but it was while working in China as a ‘cultural ambassador’ (which sounds a lot more prestigious than it should), when I was provided with the opportunity of working with young people, that the notion of teaching appealed. You could therefore say that teaching found me.

I have always had a thirst for learning, and I have been lucky enough to work with so many colleagues who I have learned an awful lot from on the way. It is this pursuit of learning which encouraged me to embark on a second master’s in education. I have always been driven by a relentless desire to improve on anything I do, and I feel lucky to have made lots of mistakes in my journey that have allowed me to reflect and develop constantly.

I am in my ninth year of teaching and currently work within a fantastic English department. During this time, I have had a number of roles, including pastoral responsibilities as Director of Learning for Year 7 and Year 8, Professional Tutor, and working within a small team to design a curriculum.

However, throughout my career I have found pedagogy the most fascinating and fulfilling aspect of teaching. My current role of contributing to teaching and learning at the school and working with teachers to develop and unlock their potential alongside great professional role models has been the most enjoyable role.