Headteacher
I first qualified as a teacher in August 2007 where I started teaching in my final teaching practice school in Bodmin before moving onto St Stephens Community Academy where I taught for seven years. I went from being a Newly Qualified Teacher to Key Stage Two Leader during my time there. I then moved to Windmill Hill Academy as I was offered a post in the Senior Leadership Team.
I now head into my first year as Headteacher but previusly completed five years as Head of School and prior to that I was Assistant Head for three years. I also had a year in between where I was seconded as Head of School to Princetown Primary, who are now part of the Trust, where I was able to gain experience as a Head of School and prepare me for the role I am in now.
I am extremely proud of our wonderful school, Windmill Hill Academy, and I am honoured to be the Headteacher. Windmill Hill Academy is where inspired me to become a teacher - I completed my Year 12 work experience there over 20 years ago! I have had the privilege of working within the Trust since it first formed and been part of the positive journey it has been on.
I am very passionate about pupils gaining a wide range of experiences and inspiring them to high aspirations for themselves. We have worked very hard at Windmill Hill Academy to give pupils these experiences and deliver a broad curriculum to prepare them to be lifelong learners who strive to make a positive contribution to their local community and the wider world.
You have probably seen or heard that we have our very own well-being dog called Bertie. He is owned by myself and has been a wonderful asset to our school. I enjoy taking him on long walks and I hope to eventually run with him. One of our recent achievements was walking to the summit of Snowdon.
Co-opted Governor/ Chair (Improvement, Well-being, SEND )
jha@andaras.orgI moved to Launceston from Bude with my wife Barbara in 1982, we have two children. I have worked in the social housing sector for many years. My biggest interest is in art as a painter/sculptor. I also have a degree in art history. My wife was a teaching assistant for 20 years which gave me an insight into the world of primary education.
Co-opted Governor (Pre-school, Early Years inc. Curriculum, & Whistleblowing )
I have lived and worked in Launceston all my life. Launceston is a place that I hold very dear to me, not only because my family are situated here but also due to its rich history and thriving community. I have always been committed to serving our community. For 30 years, I managed a charity-based pre-school in the heart of Launceston, supporting hundreds of children and their families during this time. I am currently a Town Councillor of Launceston. I am also a member of Kensey Vale Bowling Club, where I coach the Windmill Hill Academy’s Bowling Team, which allows the youth of today to develop and gain new skills outside of their day-to-day education establishment. I am whole-heartedly committed to our wonderful town and its future. I am looking forward to supporting and working with everyone, adults and children, at Windmill Hill Academy.
Parent Governor (Data, Information)
I grew up in Launceston and attended St Stephens Primary and Launceston College before gaining a degree in Media and IT in 2002. I have quite a technical background having worked at Babcock International (the dockyard in Plymouth) in the IT department since 2004. I joined as a Software Tester, spent many years as a Developer and am now employed as a Senior Systems Analyst. My wife works in education and my two children attend Windmill. I love being outdoors and exploring the coast and moors with my family and cocker spaniel Cooper. We feel very fortunate to live in Cornwall and often spend time away in our campervan or surfing at the local beaches. We love being in nature and I believe it is important that our youth are taught to enjoy it, appreciate it, and respect it at an early age.
Co-opted Governor (Safeguarding & PE )
I moved to North Petherwin November 2020 with my wife and Cockapoo after 30 years in the Police Service as a Detective Sergeant on the Major Crime Team. I love the outdoors and looking after my new vegetable garden and eight chickens. I’m totally enjoying a new way of life after being in the fast lane for a long time, learning new craft skills and Nordic Walking.
I have become a governor to “ Give Something back to Education “ - had it not been for the teachers who gave me confidence, inspiration and self belief, I would never have gone onto further and higher education which enabled me to obtain a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science.
I believe that all children should be given every opportunity to flourish and prosper in their early years.
Co-opted Governor (Curriculum, Pri 3, PPG )
I was born and lived in Launceston all my life and have always played an active role within the local community. I attended Windmill School, as did my two daughters. Over the last 20 years I have had involvement in Early Years, firstly becoming a Treasurer of a Charity run Pre-school and then taking a job as an Assistant there for 10 years until July of 2021.
I now have a grandson at The Windmill Hill Academy which has renewed my interest in the future of the school and hope that my involvement will provide support as a Governor
Staff Governor (Curriculum, Stakeholder )
After completing my Early Years PGCE in 2014, I started teaching at Windmill Hill Academy in January 2015. Prior to this I gained my BA Hons in English Literature with Education Studies and have always aspired to be a teacher.
I am passionate about teaching and learning, especially the EYFS, and believe that the early years lay the foundations for the rest of a child's learning.
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy exploring the beautiful county of Cornwall with my partner, our four children and our golden cava doodle Loki.
I am looking forward to supporting the staff and governors in delivering Windmill Hill Academy's vision of 'Inspiring Passionate Lifelong Learners'.
ADMAT Governance Officer
Local Governance Officer/Clerk to Governors