Our Staff

Richard Lewis - Principal

During 10 years in education, Richard has worked in three different SEMH schools in both Gloucestershire and Hampshire. Initially starting as a PE teacher, he has taught a variety of subjects. The majority of Richard’s teaching career has been in management and leadership roles.

His expectations and aspirations for The Peak Academy are high. Richard is committed to developing the young people in our care so that children of all abilities, backgrounds, and cultures can flourish and realise their potential in a happy, caring environment. Richard enormously values the links between Academy and home, and believes success is built on strong partnerships between parents/carers and the school.

In earlier days, Richard had a successful rugby career and represented Wales at youth level. Following this, Richard had a career in the Royal Marines. He continued to play rugby during this period and represented the Royal Marines rugby league and union team, the Royal Navy rugby league and union teams, and captained the Royal Navy under 21¹s rugby union team.

Richard has a little boy and enjoys watching him develop and hopes one day he will take over the rugby boots.

Sandra Lewis - Safeguarding Officer & Extended Services Coordinator

Sandra has more than 20 years’ experience working in the SEMH sector, within both residential and day provision. Starting as a teaching assistant - which at the time was a job to fit in with having 2 young children who are now amazing young adults successful in their own right - it soon became apparent she had a passion for supporting children and wanted to support them over the full 24 hours. So, Sandra transferred her role over to safeguarding officer and head of care, leading an outstanding residential inspection for three continuous years. Sandra’s passion and drive has helped support The Peak Academy, and her robust procedures and knowledge of safeguarding have made her the perfect representative to work with parents and external agencies to support our pupils.

Sandra has overseen and participated in many of the extracurricular activities we offer, and she feels they are of huge importance to pupils within a specialist provision. She has spent many hours with children, whether it’s on a canal boat, kayaking, walking the many mountains in the UK, or supporting pupils during a cultural experience walking the Pyrenees.

Wayne Grant - Assistant Principal

Since leaving the British Army, Wayne has worked diligently to become a teacher of the highest standard. His time in education has seen him hold the position of head of year for the last four years and also the position of head of boys PE. In these positions, he has strived to establish the highest standards of achievement, progress, and attitude to learning in order for all pupils to achieve their full potential.

Wayne has been an excellent role model to young people due to his ambitious and can-do approach to every challenge. He has always practised what he has preached, and enjoys participating in various sports, to a good standard, along with a few half marathons. He enjoys spending time with his family and especially watching his two little boys grow into keen sportsmen themselves. Who knows - they may well become famous and allow Wayne to retire early!

Scott Pollok - Assistant Principal

Scott joined The Peak Academy having spent more than 12 years in further education. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in teaching and learning and will be able to guide our young people onto employment or the next stage of their education. Scott is in charge of teaching and learning, ensuring that the curriculum matches the needs of our pupils while improving grades and progress. Scott’s teaching philosophy is very pupil centred and looks to promote independent learners as well as developing social skills.

In his younger years, Scott had a successful sporting career having represented county in several sports at youth level. He went on to play rugby professionally for Bath RFC. More recently, Scott has represented Gloucestershire twice at Twickenham in the county finals and has even managed to run the London Marathon!

Scott is married to Vanessa, has two children, Harvey and Maisey, and enjoys spending time together - ideally in warmer foreign climates while reading a good crime novel.

Judith Buckingham - Interventions Manager

A graduate in Psychology and English Judith started her Educational career as an English teacher. The majority of her career has been in Senior Leadership roles in both Mainstream and Specialist Provision SEMH schools.

Judith’s areas of expertise encompass strategic development of Inclusion, Behaviour Management, Teaching and Learning, Staff Professional Development and Training and supporting other schools to drive improvement.

Judith is married to David and has three children. She enjoys running, swimming and cycling and likes to raise money for charity through participating in Triathlons and Half-Marathons.