Chris Denley

Executive 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.

Sean Wiltshire

Head of School

Sean has been working in Education since he was 16 years old. He started out as a youth worker Watersports Instructor for Gloucester County Council before going to Exeter University to study Exercise and Sport Science where he achieved a BSc with honours.

Following university, he worked several jobs including for Archers Brewery as an Assistant Brewer he then moved back into Education as an Education Support Assistant in a Special School for students with a statement of special educational needs for behaviour and emotional difficulties.

Sean then trained to become a teacher of Physical Education before moving to Bexleyheath Academy a 2000 pupil academy in London. Sean progressed at Bexleyheath from being an NQT to become the head of Physical Education where he managed a department of 10 staff before becoming Assistant Vice Principal for Behaviour and Safety. He also spent an extended time as Acting Vice-Principal working under 4 Headteachers. After leaving London he moved to Devon when he joined The River Dart Academy who are part of the Wave community before moving to Carrick Academy in Truro and then to Penwith.

Sean has played rugby since the age of 7 in his time he has played for the University of Exeter winning the BUSA Championship at Twickenham before going on to play for Blackheath in National League Division 2 and one occasion represented Wasps A team as a guest player.

Sean has stayed involved in Watersports and has completed the Fastnet once as well as several Cowes weeks and other Royal Ocean racing Club events. He still spends as much time on the water as he can either paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing. He has also held qualifications in Water Sports including being a Senior Dinghy Instructor, Powerboat Instructor and VHF Radio Instructor.

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.

Victoria Smith

Pastoral Support Manager/Assistant 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!