Staff
Staff
Clare Barden
Executive Head Devon & Principal - Stansfield Academy
Clare completed her Degree in London, and moved to Cornwall in 1992. She worked for a few years in a Secure Unit for adults with Severe Learning Disabilites in Falmouth, before completing her PGCE in London in 1996 and working at Pool School (now Academy) for 10 years. In 2007 she took up post as Deputy at Penwith Academy, before taking the post of Head at Restormel in February 2015. Clare became Principal at Penwith in April 2017. Clare is passionate about giving vulnerable young people every possible opportunity to succeed in life, striving for ways to help them academically, socially and emotionally. Her interests outside of work include playing saxophone and keyboards, walking, travelling, gardening, cooking…..and sleeping!
Gaynor Boyden
Chief Finance Officer
Gaynor qualified as a chartered accountant after studying for a degree in European Finance & Accounting and has worked in education since 1996, more recently as Head of Administration Finance and Resources, in industry in France as Head Accountant for a CD Mastering company as well as in practice in the UK. Her skills include financial management & analysis, leadership & management and devising and implementing continuous improvement strategies as well as speaking fluent French. Gaynor believes that her hands-on management approach builds excellent relationships helping both people and the organisation to prosper and flourish in a happy environment. When not constrained to the office she enjoys spending time with her extensive family & friends on the beach in the summer and around a rugby pitch in the winter
Ryan Brokenshire
Principal - Carrick Academy
Ryan has been a teacher for 18 years. Training initially as a primary teacher, Ryan worked in two local primary schools giving him experience teaching all age groups. Ryan has however, spent the majority of his teaching career working in different academie in a range of roles. Ryan feels very privileged to be appointed as Principal of Carrick Academy and is passionate in ensuring the experiences of young people and the understanding of their individual needs are at the heart of the school. As a senior leader and now Principal, Ryan has encouraged the development of strong strategic partnerships with schools, local authority and other agencies to ensure provision meets the diverse needs of pupils and their families.
Helen Casson
Executive Head Medical & Principal - CHES / Torlands Academy
After graduating from the University of East Anglia in PsychoSocial studies, Helen completed her PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University. She then taught in Sheffield for a few years before moving to an inner London school as Assistant Headteacher, leading on student and staff wellbeing. After a move to Cornwall in 2011, Helen became Deputy Headteacher at Looe Community Academy. Helen is a trained SENCo and a Thrive practitioner and is passionate about ensuring the needs of all young people are met. Helen sat on our Wave MAT board for number of years and is delighted to have now joined the Wave team. Outside of school Helen and her family enjoy exploring Cornwall in their rusty VW camper and bright orange beetle!
Tessa Claridge
Principal - Shoreline Academy
Tessa has been in education for over 20 years. Starting her career in further education and holding various senior leadership roles, Head of Department in Surrey, Head of College in Cornwall and as Head of Education and Pastoral Operations in Oxfordshire. Tessa has used her varied experiences to inspire learners from different backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve and engage in education. Now as Principal of Shoreline Academy Tessa will be looking to bring her drive and passion to ensure an excellent student experience. In her spare time, Tessa likes to spend time with her family and dogs.
Robert Gasson
Chief Executive Officer
Rob is an experienced CEO with extensive board room experience as both a CEO and trustee. Rob’s first Headteacher role started in 2000, he has Masters Degrees in Economics and Education Management and has worked extensively with pupils who exhibit challenging behaviour and those who are unable to access school due to their health. He has contributed to developing leading policy and practice in this field and is a passionate advocate of inclusion, and proud father of two.
Clare Barden
Executive Principal - River Dart Academy
Clare completed her Degree in London, and moved to Cornwall in 1992. She worked for a few years in a Secure Unit for adults with Severe Learning Disabilites in Falmouth, before completing her PGCE in London in 1996 and working at Pool School (now Academy) for 10 years. In 2007 she took up post as Deputy at Penwith Academy, before taking the post of Head at Restormel in February 2015. Clare became Principal at Penwith in April 2017. Clare is passionate about giving vulnerable young people every possible opportunity to succeed in life, striving for ways to help them academically, socially and emotionally. Her interests outside of work include playing saxophone and keyboards, walking, travelling, gardening, cooking…..and sleeping!
Andy Major
Principal - Penwith Academy
Andy trained as a Science teacher, specialising in Biology. He taught at Kingsbridge Community College in Devon for 7 years, where he became Head of PSHE, Citizenship and Work Related Education before moving across to alternative provision. Andy taught Science at Torbay Pupil Referral Unit for 2 years before becoming Head of KS4 at Torbay School, a day special school for children aged 4-16 with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Andy went on to become Head of Centre at Torbay School before making the move to Cornwall. Having worked as Vice Principal of Carrick Academy in Truro for 2 years Andy was appointed as Principal of Penwith Academy in September 2019. Before training to teach Andy worked across the UK as an event manager for national radio stations and magazine brands such as Kiss and Smash Hits. He also travelled extensively across West Africa working for NGOs, schools and nature reserves, spending 2 years with some of the most impoverished and vulnerable communities on Earth. Andy and his sons love their football and are involved in Redruth United FC, where Andy coaches the U8s team. Andy and his family love the Cornish life - surfing, walking the dog and all things outdoors.
Haydn Pearse
Principal - Caradon Academy
Haydn has been in teaching for 18 years. He completed his BSc Combined Hons degree in Physical Education, Sport and Human & Applied Biology in Liverpool. He completed a PGCE at Chester College before going on to teach secondary Physical Education in Worcestershire for several years before relocating to Cornwall. Haydn joined Caradon Academy as a PE and PSHE teacher and has enjoyed making a difference with challenging pupils ever since in his role as Vice Principal and now Principal. Outside of work Haydn loves Rugby and spending time in the outdoors with his family and dogs.
Jonathan Stocker
Principal - Nine Maidens Academy
Jonathan has worked at Nine Maidens since 2003. During his teaching career he has worked in a number of local schools initially as a SENCO and then as a Deputy Head. He was born in Hayle and considers it a privilege to be able to give something back to his local community by working at Nine Maidens. Jonathan has 4 children, 2 dogs and in his spare time enjoys surfing, windsurfing and mountainbiking.
Richard Triggs
Principal - North Cornwall Academy
Richard graduated from Plymouth University with a first class honours degree in Biological Science (BSc Hons). He then attended Exeter University to complete PGCE in Science/PE. Richard taught Science at Brannel since 2000, along with a pastoral role as Head of House. He has always been committed to making a positive difference to the most challenging pupils in his care. Richard is fortunate enough to have played football for the County Senior team, and now coaches an under 10’s team, keeps fit primarily by cycling, but enjoys many sports. He enjoys spending time with his family (wife and two children).
Lianne Ward
Executive Head Cornwall & Principal - Restormel Academy
Lianne Ward has been a teacher for 21 years. After completing her education degree in Cardiff she then spent 13 years employed as a Year 6 teacher in a local Primary school before travelling the world in 2002. Whilst travelling Lianne enjoyed teaching in Peru and Thailand. In 2011, she was appointed lead teacher of an area based Nurture Group as part of Cornwall Council before taking on the post of Vice Principal and SENDCo at Restormel Academy, and was appointed as Principal in 2017. In April 2019, Lianne was appointed Executive Principal for Wave MAT Cornwall, overseeing the smooth running of all six academies in Cornwall. Lianne is committed to providing a nurturing school provision to support our most vulnerable students whilst maintaining high expectations with a strong academic focus. Lianne is passionate about sharing expertise and supporting all pupils effectively to enable them to achieve their best. Lianne loves being active and enjoys the outdoors with her family and dog, Isla. She frequently travels with her family and enjoys sewing.
