News / schools
New headteacher at Merchants’ Academy Secondary
Guy Swallow will become the new headteacher of Merchants’ Academy Secondary from March.
His new leadership role will mean a career that has come full-circle for Swallow, who trained to be a teacher at the school in Withywood.
Swallow, who has worked in a number of schools across the South West, will join Merchants’ Academy from his current role as headteacher of Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet, a position he has held since 2020.
“This is somewhat of a homecoming for me,” said Swallow. “My career in education started right here at Merchants’ Academy in 2009, when I began training to become a teacher.
“That experience shaped my aspiration to build a career around the belief that education offers a real opportunity for young people from less privileged backgrounds to achieve a successful future.
“Over the past two months, I’ve been spending time with staff and students at Merchants’ Academy, finding out more about the improvement journey that’s already underway.
“There is enormous potential here and I’m determined to secure excellent outcomes for every student, while supporting them to be aspirational, respectful and proud members of their community.”
Merchants’ Academy is part of the Venturers Trust, a multi-academy trust (MAT) sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol, which will soon be joining forces with national MAT, E-ACT.
Merchants’ Academy chair of governors, Robert Bourns, a lawyer and a senior member of the Merchant Venturers, said: “Our students deserve to have the same opportunities as other young people in the city.
“Under the leadership of Guy Swallow, and working in partnership with the community, I’m certain that the improvements already underway will accelerate significantly.
“The expertise that Guy brings to the role, alongside his determination and vision to place Merchants’ Academy at the heart of this strong community, is a truly powerful combination that will make a big difference to the successes that our young people can achieve.”
Main photo: Venturers Trust
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