Governors
Denis Burn
"I have been involved in the Academy from the very start, as a Merchant Venturer and also as a member of Council of the University of Bristol. I am chairman of the Academy's Governing Body; I work closely with the Principal and attend many of the sub-committee meetings. I am an engineer by background and now work as a business consultant. I am aged 55 with four children now in their twenties and live in the village where I was born and brought up, just eight miles from the Academy."
Peter McCarthy
"I am Chairman of Merchants Academy Services Ltd, the Academy's trading company which is principally responsible for the Sports Centre and have recently become Deputy Chairman of the Academy's Governing Body. I manage a portfolio of community and commercial interests. Originally from Manchester, I make no apology for continuing to support Manchester United but do want to see Bristol have its own Premier League Club."
Tony Kenny
"I served as a member of the planning committee for the Academy through my membership of the Merchant Venturers. I now chair the Finance and Facilities committee and also serve as a member of the main Governing Body. I am a Chartered Accountant and a company director. I am married with two teenage children and live in central Bristol. In my spare time I enjoy running, travel and skiing. I am also a member of two wine tasting clubs."
Richard Morris
"I have been involved in the Academy from its very early days as Treasurer of the Merchant Venturers. During this time I have been fortunate to work closely with those from both the old Withywood Community School and the wider Withywood community. I sit on the Governing Body and am also a member of the Enterprise, Skills and Partnership Committee and the Finance Committee. In addition I have governor links to Humanities, as well as Community and co-Curricular."
Robert Davies
"My involvement with the Academy started in 2007 as a Merchant Venturer. I am a Governor of the Academy and I am also Chairman of the Enterprise and Skills Committee. My background is engineering, starting out as an apprentice at Rolls Royce and then obtaining a degree at Bath University. I worked for 7 years in aero engine design in Bristol and USA, developing very high temperature combustion and high speed turbine systems. I am a Bristolian and live 6 miles from the Academy."
Chris Curling
"I am a Merchant Venturer and have been an Academy Governor since July 2009. I am a lawyer and businessman by background, having led the development of a Bristol-based solicitors to become a well known international legal practice. I am a member of the Council of Bristol University and am a Director of Sustrans, the pro-cycling and walking charity, as I have a special interest in environmentally friendly businesses."
David Crawford
"I retired four years ago having been a schoolmaster in the independent sector for all of my working life. During my career I was elected Chairman of the Society of Heads of Independent Schools and served on several national committees. I served as Headmaster of Colston's School in Stapleton for ten years before I retired. I serve on the Education sub-committee and have a special interest in science and the International Baccalaureate."
Robert Bernays
"I joined the Academy steering group at its inception and, having been involved with the governing of schools for very many years, I found the project very exciting and quite awe-inspiring. To see the Academy develop so well is very satisfying and more than justifies the journey from Gloucestershire where I live. I am also Chairman of the St Monica Trust which provides housing and care for one thousand elderly people in the Bristol area."
Stephen Wilks
"I have worked as a school Science Technician in the area for over a quarter of a century, firstly at Withywood Community School and now for Merchants? Academy. In addition to being an Academy Governor I am also a LA Governor at nearby Fairfurlong Primary School. I believe the Merchants? Academy will bring so many opportunities for young people locally, greatly enhanced by the wealth of knowledge and experience that the Merchant Venturers bring."
Margaret Speirs
"Before I retired I worked as University Secretary for Academy co-sponsor the University of Bristol. I was keen to continue my relationship with the Academy - wanting to see the project develop from the "drawing board" to a thriving school. I serve on the Enterprise, Skills and Partnerships Committee. Working with Academy staff, the University and local businesses, I am involved in organising work experience, mentors, and other opportunities for students."
Derek Pretty
"I have been actively involved with the Academy since the early stages of planning, and now serve as a governor on behalf of co-sponsor the University of Bristol. I have been the Registrar (equivalent to the Chief Operating Officer) of the University of Bristol since 1999, with overall responsibility for all professional, administrative and support services and activities. By profession I am an accountant, and have served as a director of a number of large retail businesses."
Nick Batchelar
"I have lived in Bristol for over 30 years since first coming here to train as a teacher. I taught English in secondary schools in and around Bristol, and was Senior Secondary Adviser in Gloucestershire before joining Bristol Local Authority 6 years ago. In my current role I have responsibility for learning and achievement in schools and early years settings across the city."
Ros Sutherland
"I have been involved in the Academy from the early stages. I am a Professor of Education at the University of Bristol and my research involves techniques for teaching and learning, with a particular focus on mathematics and how ICT can be used to enhance lessons. As a Governor and Chair of the Education Sub-Committee, I work closely with the Principal and am actively involved in ensuring a good partnership between colleagues at the University and teachers at the Academy."
Chris Willmore
"I joined the Academy Governors in 2009 and serve on the Enterprise Committee. My background is as a barrister, but I am currently a Faculty Undergraduate Dean and Education Director at the University of Bristol, combining teaching and research with academic management. My husband grew up in Withywood, so we both have a vested interest in ensuring local people have the opportunities they deserve."
Tracey Stelljes
"My involvement with the Academy started prior to its opening as I was part of the Community and Stakeholders Committee. I am currently a Parent Governor and Chair of the Parents Committee. I grew up in Withywood and my two girls attend the Academy. I am District Commissioner of the Guiding Association and run Rainbows, Brownies and Guides at Gay Elms Primary school where I am also a Parent Governor."
Mel Clarke
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Nicholas Hood
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