Andy Major

Principal

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.  

Naomi Watts

Vice Principal & SENCO

After graduating from the University of Plymouth with a Bachelor of Education with a specialism in Physical education Naomi got a job working a small rural school in Cornwall teaching Key Stage 2. Whilst working there she became interested in working with pupils with challenging behaviour. The year after her NQT year she completed the SENCO qualification. After having her son she got a job in a large town based Primary school where she worked as a senco for 3 days a week. It was here that Naomi became aware of the APA's and began working at Restormel APA as the Primary lead teacher 3 years ago. She then became the Primary raising standards Lead and last year relocated to Penwith APA. Naomi's interested in providing outreach support to primary schools to try and help pupils with challenging behaviour stay within their mainstream setting. She is looking to continue to develop the outreach that could be offered to try and reduce exclusions in the Penwith area and provide timely and targeted support to schools.

Laura Ghiblawi

Pastoral Support Manager

Laura has worked with young people and their families in schools and Local Authorities since graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1999 with a BA Hons in Applied Community Studies.

She began her career working in Hertfordshire Youth service and then moved into the London Borough of Camden working in a mainstream school with Children at risk of exclusion. She continued her career in Camden, first working with homeless young people and then managing a front line Community Legal Advice Service for 16- 25 year olds within Children, Schools and Families . She then went on to work in mainstream schools in London and Cornwall before moving into her role at Penwith Academy.

Laura has worked and travelled in Australia and South East Asia and is passionate about travelling and experiencing the culture in different countries and communities across the world.

Laura loves living in Cornwall and enjoys walks on the beach with the dog, exercising, cooking and spending time with her family.