Chris Denley

Senior Principal

Chris started teaching at Greendown Community School in Swindon in 1997 as a History teacher. He became Director of Vocational Provision, organising work-related learning before being appointed to the Leadership Team as Assistant Head with responsibility for Curriculum, Assessment and ICT. In 2008 he moved to West Penwith to become Deputy Head, and then Head of School, at Cape Cornwall School. He was a Specialist Leader in Education for Truro and Penwith Teaching School and supported schools across Cornwall in developing teaching and learning. He moved into alternative provision and set up an education provider with colleagues, before joining Wave and teaching with CHES. He has continued to support Teaching and Learning, working with Stansfield Academy, and was appointed Associate Principal with Wave, based at Penwith Academy, in January 2023.

Outside of work Chris has a family with three children. He enjoys playing guitar, cycling, running and surfing. He loves watching football with his sons who share his love for the mighty Swindon Town and Liverpool. He also enjoys watching rugby with his Dad, and supports Dings Crusaders from afar. He has recently completed his MA in History and is an Outreach Team member of the British Association for Local History. In his spare time, he is researching a book about working-class religious affiliation and leisure in Bristol the end of the Victorian period.

Victoria Smith

Vice Principal

Victoria has worked with children and families within both the education and youth justice sector for over 20 years.

Victoria is passionate about supporting children and working with their families. She is eager to assist children and staff with any concerns so that we are best enabled to build a strong culture of safeguarding. 

Prior to joining Wave, Victoria was the DSL at an alternative provision in Hampshire.  

Victoria gained a wide variety of leadership experience across both secondary and primary schools. 

 She started her career as a teacher in a primary school,  and went on to support children in Greater Manchester within the Youth Offending Service. Then as a Senior leader working for children with complex social, emotional and mental health needs. 

Victoria previously managed an alternative provision in Camborne. 

Victoria has learned so much from every child she has worked with and says “I have been fortunate to work with some amazing colleagues who have influenced my practice and completely inspired me to give children the very best - and they really do deserve the very best!”

In her spare time, although she misses her extended family and friends who don’t live in Cornwall, she loves finding beautiful spaces to walk, especially along the coast with her partner and 2 little dogs …..with the occasional stop for coffee! 

Grace Barber

SENDCo

Grace started teaching in 2014 and spent 10 years in a mainstream primary, working in Year groups from EYFS-Year 5.  During her time there Grace was the SENCO, DDSL and led a variety of subjects.

Grace has also worked with a behaviour service from another LA, developing her knowledge of how to support schools and colleagues with behaviour in mainstream classrooms.  In recent years, Grace has been passionate about supporting children from vulnerable families, including those in care and previously looked after.  The human brain and how it develops in early childhood fascinates Grace and when her children are older, she would like to continue to study this area.

Outside of school, Grace loves spending time with her family.  She has two small children and a dog called Troy.  They are outside as much as possible, exploring Cornwall.  Grace also loves keeping fit, nutrition, cooking (when she has time!) and reading.

Lizzie Stevens

Pastoral Support Manager

Lizzie has dedicated her career to supporting children, young people and families across education, youth justice, and pastoral care.

She began as a nanny and maternity nurse before moving into her career as an alternative education project manager working with permanently excluded young people in Bristol.

Later, Lizzie progressed to becoming a Youth Offending Team Worker within youth justice, working both in the community and in custodial settings, with Youth Offending and Probation.

These roles saw Lizzie working closely with young people, families, and multi-agency professionals to improve outcomes and safeguard vulnerable children and young people.

Following time raising her own family, Lizzie returned to education as a 1-2-1 SEN Teaching Assistant, where she supported a child with an EHCP in a mainstream primary school.

Lizzie is passionate about building positive relationships, promoting inclusion, and helping every child feel safe, valued, and able to achieve their potential.

Away from work, Lizzie has four children and one husband! She loves nothing more than watching her family flourish and thrive. She loves animals especially cats, dogs, and horses - all of which she is lucky to share her life with.

Wayne Randle

Vice Principal

Wayne started his teaching career in London in 1998 as a Design Technology specialist and has since taught in Essex, Somerset, Bristol, Plymouth and Cornwall. He has a wealth of senior leadership experience across a range of schools including 6 years as Deputy Head at Redruth School and 8 years as Headteacher at Mullion School.  Wayne’s main areas of expertise include Behaviour, Teaching and Learning and School Improvement. Following 2 years supporting schools as an Educational Consultant and a member of Cornwall’s School Effectiveness Team he has joined Wave as our Peripatetic Vice Principal providing leadership capacity and support across the Trust.

Wayne’s educational philosophy has social justice at its core.  He believes an inclusive education for all students is a basic right, with a strong belief that all students can realise their potential at school and experience a genuine sense of achievement and high self-esteem.  He is passionate about removing barriers, challenging disadvantage, providing opportunities and closing the gaps to allow all children to thrive.

His commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practices has been recognised through roles as a lead in the national pilot for SEAL, the Local Authority pilot for Trauma Informed Schools and presenting at the National Conference for Behaviour and Attendance. In addition to his educational leadership, Wayne has served as Chair and board member for Cornwall organisations including the BFL Partnership and CASH Small Schools.

Outside of school Wayne is a keen football and rugby fan and enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and walking.

Josh Richards

Assistant Head of School

Josh has worked in education for the last 14 years and has spent all his educational career in either AP or SEMH/ SEN Settings.

Josh has gained experience in a variety of roles during his time in education including; Head of Maths, Lead on Maths Interventions, Autism Champion, co-ordinating the whole school timetable and recently completing his NPQSENCO course.

Josh has learned a lot from every child he has worked with and is inspired to ensure that all pupils are given the best opportunity to reach their potential.

Outside of school Josh enjoys staying fit and exercising at his local gym, watching football and rugby and spending time (usually outside) with his wife and two children.