Our Team | The SGS Academy Trust

Louise Davies

Headteacher

Louise Davies is our Headteacher. She has previously worked as part of the leadership teams in large and highly successful South Gloucestershire and Bristol secondary schools. She brings a wealth of key stage 4 and 5 leadership experience to the role and is passionate about the value of vocational education. A modern languages teacher by training, she has a Master’s degree in Film.

In her spare time she is a trustee of an addiction recovery charity and before joining the teaching profession, worked in voluntary sector management and was an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Gareth Lister

Deputy Headteacher
Designated Safeguarding Lead

Gareth Lister is the Deputy Headteacher, and is responsible for raising achievement, curriculum, data, examinations, reporting, employability and student progression.

Gareth has been teaching for 14 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.

Rich Williams

Assistant Headteacher
Specialism Lead for Cyber & Digital

Rich is the Assistant Headteacher responsible for teaching and learning, CPD and initial teacher education. He is also Specialism Lead for Cyber & Digital.

Rich has worked in secondary education for over 15 years, having held a variety of posts including Subject Team Leader for Computing and Raising Standards Leader. Rich has a Master’s Degree in Educational Practice and is passionate about using current research to improve the learning experiences of students at the UTC. As an Honorary Teaching Fellow with the University of Bristol, he supports the Computer Science teachers of the future.

In his spare time he enjoys both playing and watching football and is a keen supporter of Bristol City FC.

Jennie Peirce

Assistant Headteacher
Specialism Lead for Engineering and Design Technology

Jennie Peirce is the Assistant Headteacher responsible for employability, marketing and recruitment. She is also the Specialism Lead for Engineering and Design Technology at the UTC.

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.