Principal appointed ahead of Great Western Academy opening

Great Western Academy, due to open in North Swindon in September 2018 and sponsored by New College Swindon, has appointed Graham Davis as Principal.

Graham will join GWA in September 2017 from Trinity School, Newbury where he has been Deputy Headteacher for the last five years.  A graduate of the University of Warwick and having gained his PGCE at the University of Nottingham, Graham started his teaching career in Mathematics.  Previous roles include Assistant Headteacher at St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury and Head of Maths at the Ridgeway School, Wroughton.

Graham will spend the first year of his new role ensuring that GWA is an inspiring place to learn and teach, and a centre for the local community. This will include appointing his staff, overseeing the build and developing the approaches that will support his vision for the Academy.

Graham Davis said: “It’s not often that the chance arises to shape a school from its inception and I am delighted that I have been chosen as the person to make GWA outstanding from the start.  The Academy will be the leading example of educational excellence in the Swindon area, with students that thrive, staff that enjoy and take pride in their work and a school that’s central to the North Swindon community”.

Mary Martin, Chair of Governors, said: “We are thrilled to have appointed such a high-calibre candidate to be our new Principal.  It was a tough and challenging interview process but Graham impressed the entire interview panel with his vision and approach.  He brings a wealth of experience in both teaching and management to this new and exciting role.”

Construction has started on the Academy and will conclude by July 2018, ready for school opening in September 2018 for Year 7 and Year 12 pupils. The location is at Tadpole Farm in North East Swindon.   A full website for the School is available at www.gwacademy.co.uk and any interested parents of Year 5 pupils should follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GWASwindon.