Our Team | The SGS Academy Trust

Gareth Lister

Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Gareth Lister is the Headteacher at the UTC. He has worked in the senior leadership team at the UTC since it opened in 2017.

Gareth has been teaching for 17 years, and his career has involved educating a wide range of students from a number of different schools. Once he had completed his Computer Science degree he taught ICT and Computing at a school in Birmingham before moving down to the South West to continue his career in Wiltshire. He is an experienced senior school leader with a proven track record of leading on student success.

Gareth has a passion for both education and technology, and he is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Engineers and Computer Scientists.

Jennie Peirce

Deputy Headteacher

Jennie Peirce is the Senior Assistant Headteacher responsible for employability, marketing and recruitment.

Jennie’s role also involves working with our Partners in Industry to combine traditional and cutting edge technologies that will prepare our students to become the Engineers of the Future. Before training to teach she worked as Graphic Designer and brings this abundance of experience with her to the role.

She has worked at a number of schools in Gloucestershire, most recently as Head of Design Technology in Stroud. Jennie is a strong advocate for the engagement of young women in STEM.

Jennie is also our careers and progression lead.

Graham Withers

Assistant Headteacher

Graham Withers is the Assistant Headteacher for Values in Practice, and he is responsible for attendance, behaviour, enrichment, student well-being and Physical Education. He has high expectations and standards for all around him and has an infectious enthusiasm.

Graham has been teaching for nearly 20 years and has held a variety of posts at some of the premier educational and sporting establishments in the country. Graham has an excellent reputation for supporting students through pastoral care, is also the UTC Mental Health champion, and regularly supports those who require his time.

In his spare time he has a passion for sport and regularly takes part in triathlons and can often be seen at the end of the day training for some event or another.

Lesley Ward

Assistant Headteacher

Lesley is the Assistant Headteacher responsible for curriculum, teaching and learning, CPD and initial teacher training. She is also Lead Teacher of Science.

After completing a Masters degree in Physics with Astrophysics, Lesley was employed as a Publishing Editor at the Institute of Physics Publishing before moving into a career in teaching. She has worked in several schools in South Gloucestershire and, after many years of experience, has honed her skills as an outstanding classroom practitioner. A key aspect of Lesley’s role is supporting colleagues to develop their practice and improve the learning experiences of students at the UTC.

In her spare time she works as a Principal Examiner for an international exam board and also enjoys mountain biking, kayaking and the great outdoors.