Governors' Biographies
LUCY GAMBIER - CHAIR OF GOVERNORS (18.1.2024 - 18.1.2028)
I am the Head Teacher at Penrice Academy in St Austell. I started at Penrice in September 2009 and am pleased to now be able to work alongside Pool Academy as the Chair of Governors. I have worked in three different secondary schools, teaching Art, Media and Photography, alongside working in teacher training and I have extensive experience in school leadership at secondary level. I am committed to ensuring that all students receive the very best opportunities that school can offer.
FRANK BAKER - VICE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS (30.9.2021 - 30.9.2025)
I have been a Governor since my now grown up children were at primary school. I became a Governor at Pool Academy when they transferred to secondary school. I know how important it is for each child to have respect, be able to aspire to achieve their dreams and be the best they can be. It is also important that every student at Pool Academy knows there is a place for them here. Since retiring from my role as a clinical psychologist in the NHS I have more time to look after grandchildren and be a school governor. I am committed to working for the success of Pool Academy and I know we all play a part in that.
RICHARD SCHOFIELD - GOVERNOR (5.10.23 - 5.10.27)
I work in child protection and as such have a keen interest in all safeguarding matters.
I live and work locally and believe that Pool Academy is a vital part of the community, I am committed to seeing the school succeed.
MARY ANSON - GOVERNOR (2.3.2021 - 2.3.2025)
I am a Managing Partner of Anson Care Services. I qualified as a nurse with a Masters Degree in Policy Studies (Health). Myself and my accountant husband own and manage residential care homes, in Redruth, Portreath and Penzance as well as a small domiciliary care and support agency providing care at home.
I was previously Homes Director of a National Charity, The Teachers’ Benevolent Fund (now the Teacher Support Network) and before that was theatre sister at The Duchy Hospital. The first Registered Manager of Kenwyn Nursing Home in Truro, I have been heavily involved with lobbying on behalf of older people at both central and local government levels ever since, and I often attend the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) chaired by Lord Richard Best in the House of Lords.
I was President of Redruth and District Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2005, and again from 2007 to 2012, and was involved in the regeneration of the CPR (Camborne, Pool, Redruth Regeneration Company) area. I am a former District as well as a current Parish Councillor; a Trustee of Headway Cornwall, supporting adults with an Acquired Brain Injury; and also current Chair of Trustees for a small Almshouse Trust, Bain Memorial, who have just two houses in Illogan.
DARREN HEARLEY - GOVERNOR (2.12.2023 - 2.12.2027)
I am a former pupil of Pool school, and I have lived and worked in the Pool area most of my life. I know for personal experience how important it is to get a fundamental base from school not only in academic studies but practical areas as well, such as sport. From my initial O-Level and CSE achievement at the school, I have achieved a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering and a Business Management Certificate from the Open University.
I presently have two daughters in the school and with this in mind I have an interest helping at Pool Academy.
I do not only have a personal interest in community affairs, but have altruistic values as well, these include; volunteering position at Dreadnought Centre, a local children’s charity, Coaching at Beacon Cricket Club, and a member of a process committee at Pool Health Centre, which tries to help improve the patient experience.
I run a small business within the Camborne and Redruth area, so I am well versed in dealing with procedures and communicating with many different people.
I hope this gives you an insight to the many skills that I am able to bring to the Parent Governor’s post.
DEBBIE CURNOW - STAFF GOVERNOR (5.12.2023 - 5.12.2027)
I was a Pool Academy pupil as were my children. I was a Learning Facilitator for a number of years here and have worked on Reception for the past 4 years which I really enjoy. Pool Academy has never really left me and I am proud to be part of a great team.
My position in the school allows me to see the school and our community as a whole as I work closely with students, parents and staff. Therefore, I can appreciate how good communication between parents and school gives pupils the support they need to succeed.
I am delighted to be a Staff Governor and to be part of the school's journey and the journey students experience during their 5 years at Pool Academy.
ELEANOR GLANVILLE - PARENT GOVERNOR (13.3.2024 - 13.3.2028)
I currently have 2 children at Pool Academy and was a student at the school in the ‘90s. My work background is in software development. The complexities of that role, I believe, have a direct correlation to the hugely complex task of providing an excellent education to a diverse range of students.
My focus is effective communication, driven by interest in individual wellbeing, mental health and mediation.
My roles as Parish Councillor and Community Governor (primary school) allow me to learn and develop more ways to bring together information and resources to benefit the Academy and so the wider community.
I have deep roots in this area and am grateful for an opportunity to support the Academy as they prepare students for their next life stages.
AMY CARPENTER - PARENT GOVERNOR (15.4.2024 - 15.4.2028)
I am a parent of three children, two are currently pupils at the school. I am extremely passionate about education and possess the desire for all pupils to achieve and fulfil their potential whilst at Pool Academy.
I am a qualified primary school teacher with over 20 years experience in the primary sector, I am now enjoying a different role still within education. I also work within the Higher Education sector with trainee teachers. In my spare time I like to be on the beach, exploring our coast path or supporting on the side-lines of various sporting matches.
I am keen to support the school leadership team with their aspirations and ideas and bring a parental perspective. I will promote parental engagement and encourage a safe, nurturing environment for all at the school.
I am particularly interested in SEND, mental health and wellbeing for all. I will utilise my knowledge and experience of the education system but more importantly use my role as a parent to three children and three step children to bring a parental perspective to the board.
VICKI WEBB - PARENT GOVERNOR (13.3.2024 - 13.3.2028)
I grew up in Cornwall and then worked and travelled around the world and lived and worked
in various parts of the UK. I returned to Cornwall in my late 20’s, where I gained my degree.
My work to date has been focused on Customer Services and Community Development.
Since August 2022, I have been a Parish Councillor, which I thoroughly enjoy. During my
time as a parish councillor, I have been keen to build partnerships with the local
Community, building stronger relationships to enable change to happen. I’m particularly
proud of the Portreath Youth Consultation and more recently the Community Junior Netball
project.
I have two children at Pool Academy and I am invested in the school, its growth and delivery
and most importantly, the outcomes for the pupils. I have a keen interest in Youth Councils,
ensuring young people are listened to and heard.
As a parent governor, I am keen to encourage more participation and consultation with
parents as well as a focus on the wellbeing of staff. I am a firm believer that only good can
come from open and transparent communication.
I am grateful to be part of the Pool Academy Governor team, and to have the opportunity to
contribute and support the school forward in a positive way for students, staff and parents.
NICK WARD - PRINCIPAL (1.9.2021 - Present)
I started my career as a teacher of science at Launceston College in 1995 and have since worked at Treviglas Community College in 2004 and two academies in Plymouth. My aim is to prepare all students in becoming responsible and active British citizens, who take pride in being part of their local community and I am incredibly proud to be the Principal at Pool Academy.
ARCHIVE
Sara Davey (30th September 2021 to 29th November 2023)
Before retiring a year ago, I was a Headteacher in Cornwall for 18 years and led a school that was graded outstanding for the last 10 years and was given high performing status for 5 years previous to that. During the last 3 years I acted as an Executive Head for 2 other schools needing support. I am a National Leader of Education and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. My passion is education and working closely with the community. My recent retirement has given me time to go cycling and during this year I have toured Scotland, Wales, England and Cornwall of course. Reading and coastal walking have also been a great tonic during the pandemic. I am looking forward to working with governors, staff and students at Pool Academy as we move together into the next phase of its development and success.
Nevil Friggens (2nd December 2023 to 8th March 2024)
I am pleased to be a part of Pool Academy as a Parent Governor. I want to contribute to the success of the Academy. We live locally and have one child in the school.
I am employed in a full time role in the construction industry, working for a large national construction company. I have worked in the industry for nearly 30 years, always in Cornwall and Devon. I work as a part of a team of managers that supports our core construction activities in Cornwall & Devon, working from home and an office in Plymouth.
I am keen to support the Academy team with my varied experiences, particularly in working with large numbers of diverse stakeholders, and using my day to day skills in team work and collaborative working to ensure the Academy Governance is focused on providing the best opportunities and support to all the students, to ensure their learning experience at Pool is enjoyable in an open, inclusive manner, and that the learning is engaging, rewarding and raises aspiration for all.