Robert Finch

Head of School

With over 25 years dedicated to education, including 19 years in senior leadership across Cornwall, Robert brings a deep commitment to championing vulnerable children and young people. Holding the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and grounding his expertise as a former Maths and Science teacher, he has remained a passionate advocate for inclusion throughout his career, guided by the belief that if we get it right for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, we get it right for everyone.

His professional journey is rooted in strong, principled leadership, high expectations, and an unwavering focus on teaching and learning. As an Outstanding-rated practitioner, Robert has driven curriculum design, clear teaching structures, and staff wellbeing initiatives—drawing on the principle of removing unnecessary bureaucracy to help both educators and students to thrive. Alongside his leadership within his own setting, he has contributed widely to system improvement as an Ofsted Inspector, regional consultant, and partner with organisations such as Challenge Partners and PiXL.

Whether leading on SEND reform, attendance, or behaviour systems, his approach combines ambition with empathy. Robert is excited to step into the role of Head of School at North Cornwall Alternative Provision Academy to improve the lives of those in the community. 

Outside of work, Robert enjoys family life and has four children. In his spare time, he enjoys travel and many sports including surfing. 

Haydn Pearse

Senior Principal

Haydn has been in teaching for over 25 years. He completed his BSc Hons degree in PE, Sport and Human & Applied Biology in Liverpool before taking his route into teaching with a PGCE in Physical Education.  Haydn taught Secondary PE in Worcestershire for several years before relocating to Cornwall. Haydn joined Caradon Academy as a PE and PSHE teacher in 2011 before taking on the role of Principal, which he has been doing for over 10 years now.  Outside of work Haydn loves keeping active, rugby, mountain biking and spending time in the outdoors with his family and dogs

Jenna Reynolds

Vice Principal

With 20 years of experience teaching science in Cornwall, Jenna has developed a deep passion for inspiring young people to explore, question, and understand the world around them. Over the course of her career, Jenna has taught pupils across a wide range of ages and abilities, always striving to make science engaging, relevant, and accessible to every learner. Jenna believes that education is about far more than exam results; it is about building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and helping pupils develop the resilience and independence they need for life beyond school.

Alongside her work in the classroom, Jenna has held leadership responsibilities in both PSHE and careers education. These roles have allowed her to support pupils in their wider personal development, helping them to build important life skills, develop self-awareness, and make informed choices about their futures. Jenna is passionate about ensuring that young people leave school not only with strong academic foundations, but also with the confidence, character, and aspirations to succeed in whatever path they choose.

Throughout her career, Jenna has valued building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and prides herself on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all pupils feel encouraged to achieve their best. Jenna particularly enjoys helping pupils discover new interests, overcome challenges, and recognise their own potential.

Outside of school, family life keeps Jenna wonderfully busy. A large part of her free time is spent driving her children to and from the many sports clubs and activities they are involved in, and enjoying supporting them from the sidelines whenever she can. When Jenna gets the opportunity to relax, she loves spending time outdoors walking her beautiful little dog and appreciating Cornwall’s stunning scenery and coastline.

Sam Wells

Vice Principal

Sam grew up in Wimborne, Dorset, and moved to Plymouth in 2015 to study Secondary Physical Education at Plymouth Marjon University, where he has lived ever since.

He joined Wave in 2017 at Caradon Academy, where he became PE Lead and PSHE Lead, set up the academy’s nurture provision, and developed a strong interest in trauma-informed and nurturing practices.

In 2023, Sam became the Trust’s first PE Lead, working with colleagues across Wave to develop inclusive approaches to physical education, which contributed to the Trust receiving the Youth Sport Trust Award for Outstanding Inclusive Practice (2024).

Outside of school, Sam follows AFC Bournemouth, plays as a goalkeeper in the South Devon Premier League, and enjoys cold-water wild swimming and cooking.

Gemma Wilson

SENDCo

Gemma is our Lead SENDCo and is responsible for co-ordinating provision, supporting staff and liaising with families and professionals. Gemma qualified as a Primary school teacher in 2009 and following her passion for supporting pupils with special educational needs, completed the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-Ordination in November 2013 from Plymouth University. Since then, Gemma has worked with a wide range of pupils from those in the Early Years Foundation Stage, through to Year 11.

Lee Quirke

Pastoral Support Manager

Lee has over 17 years experience supporting children and young people with an array of complex needs. Her philosophy and day to day working style is to give young people a voice in any decision making whenever possible and to make sure their opinions are heard. She has a wide skill set built up from both academic study and practical experience. She holds a BA (Hons) from the open university as well as NVQs and a stack of Diplomas and Certificates in vocational subjects. Outside of school Lee enjoys surfing, taking long walks around the North Cornwall coast and spending time with her family..

Andrew Godfrey

SENDCo Assistant

Andrew collaborates with teachers, teaching assistants and parents to support children who may have additional or different educational needs and disabilities to the rest of their peer group. As SENDCo Assistant, he also works with many outside professionals for example Speech and Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Autism and Dyslexia specialists, who come in to train staff and work with pupils in our academy. He is passionate about Special Education and achieved the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination in October 2017 from Plymouth University and also completed the training to become the academy Autism Champion.