Claire Smith
I am delighted to be the Principal of Bedford Academy which promises to be a forward thinking, dynamic and successful school. Prior to this post I have worked in schools in Northampton, Luton and North Warwickshire all successfully moving through challenging circumstances. Having grown up in Bedfordshire, I am keen to see Bedford Academy provide an outstanding education for its community. I am married with two girls just entering secondary education and together we enjoy a good shop and netball.
Julie Lombardo
I am enjoying my new role as Finance & Operations Director for the Academy. I am an accountant and have spent the last year working in an Academy in London and prior to that I was employed in the IT industry in senior finance and operational management roles. I am married with two teenage sons and as a family we all enjoy motor racing, particularly Formula 1.
Jackie Smith
I am the Assistant Principal with responsibility for pathways and post 16 provision. I am really proud to be a part of Bedford Academy, working with the staff and students in this exciting school! Prior to this appointment I have worked in schools in Essex and Luton and have been part of the Fast Track teaching programme for the past 3 years. I enjoy eventing with my four horses and walking with my dogs in my spare time.
Zoe Baines
I am very proud to be the Assistant Principal responsible for Inclusion and Welfare. The pastoral care of the students at Bedford Academy is very important to me. For students to be successful, we need them to be happy; my team and I ensure that the students are fully supported. I completed my degree at Bedford's De Montfort University (now the University of Bedfordshire) in 2002 and I have been teaching in Herfordshire for the last 8 years. I am a very competitive person and I very much enjoy team sports.
George Lewis
I am the Assistant Principal who looks after the Maths and Business Learning Village and has whole school responsibility for New Technology and Intervention. I am really excited about working in Bedford Academy and watching what our young people are able to achieve. As part of my intervention role, I keep a close eye on the progress of all pupils; I am pleased to say that all year groups are making substantial improvements in their attainment. I am also really excited about our new build. We will have a completely new building in 2012 which will be at the cutting edge of technology. I am involved in the process of making sure that we have all the most up to date ICT to support learning and the delivery of our new, exciting and innovative curriculum.
J’anina Taylor
I am Assistant Principal responsible for Learning and Teaching at Bedford Academy. I relish the challenge of ensuring that the teaching and learning standards of the Academy are a model of excellence and that they inspire and motivate all students to achieve. I have been in teaching for 10 years and prior to this post I was Assistant Head Teacher at John Bunyan School. I am excited by the opening of the Academy and the unique opportunity it will give to the students, staff and local community. During my spare time, I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my family, enjoying life, reading anything written by Toni Morrison or going to the theatre.
Helen Eastlake
I am delighted to have been appointed as Assistant Principal with responsibility for Community and Enrichment at Bedford Academy. I have teaching experience in a variety of schools and immediately prior to my Academy appointment I was Assistant Headteacher at John Bunyan School. I am looking forward to the new Academy building being established at the heart of the community as well as enhancing the opportunities available to all our students. I am married with two young daughters and enjoy spending my leisure time trying hard to keep fit as well as enjoying travelling and entertaining family and friends.