Meet the Senior Leadership Team

Imogen Bull - Senior Vice Principal

I am very proud to be Vice Principal at Avonbourne Academies and to be part of the United Learning family. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Geography, a PGCE and an NPQSL. I have worked at Avonbourne Girls' school since 2010 in several different roles, including Head of Department and Assistant Headteacher. Prior to this, I worked as a Head of Department and Deputy Head of House at a school in Greater London for 7 years. 

Seeing Avonbourne Academies develop since 2020 and playing my part in the Academy improvement journey has been, without question, the highlight of my career and gives cause for huge excitement and optimism about where we can go as a community.

I am passionate about my subject- Geography and my current area of responsibility- Teaching and Learning. I believe that the quality and rate of student learning is the most important thing we can do, ensuring every child is able to achieve the highest possible progress and have the opportunity to go on to university or an alternative of their choice. 

 I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible throughout the year.

Oliver Maund - Senior Vice Principal 

I am very pleased to have joined Avonbourne Academies in September 2020. I have worked for United Learning since 2013 and thoroughly enjoy working for such an established Academy trust who focusses on the ‘Best in Everyone’ by providing excellent education for all their young people. 

I achieved a Bachelor of Education with Honours in Physical Education in 2001 and feel privileged to be able to call myself a teacher. I have held several roles during my career but have spent a number of years as Head of Year, developing a passion for Pastoral care within schools, and the importance it plays in supporting students to be successful, confident learners within their environment. I have also completed an NPQSL.

Prior to joining Avonbourne Academies I worked at Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth for 19 Years and am very proud to be able to say I played a part in creating two highly successful schools in Bournemouth. 

I am driven to replicating the successes I have previously enjoyed, at Avonbourne Academies, creating a school where students experience the very best education and experiences both in the classroom and beyond. 

Jo Booler - Vice Principal 

I am an Associate Vice Principal with responsibility for Personal Development. I relocated from Yorkshire to work at Avonbourne Academies and I am delighted I chose to do so. Avonbourne is on an incredible journey and I am excited to be a part of it. 

I have a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Wales, Bangor and completed a PGCE in Secondary Science in 2007 at Sheffield Hallam University. I began working for the United Learning trust in September 2020, I have previously held leadership positions in other successful multi academy trust in Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. 

I believe that every student should have the opportunity to achieve academic and personal excellence in an inspiring, engaging and dynamic learning environment. I am passionate about, and work hard to ensure our students at Avonbourne are equipped to reach their full potential. 

David Patterson - Vice Principal

I am very pleased to have been appointed as Vice Principal and Director of the United Sixth Form at Avonbourne Academies from September this year.  I am excited to play a part in the continuous improvement journey of the academies and in particular, of United Sixth Form.   

I hold a BSC (Ed) in mathematics and education as well as an NPQSL and an NPQH.  I have been teaching mathematics for over thirty years in various schools around Dorset.  I joined the United Learning family in 2014 when I was appointed as a member of the senior leadership team at Glenmoor and Winton Academies. Last year, I was the headteacher of a local secondary school in Poole.    

I am passionate about teaching and have dedicated my life to improving the lives of young people.  I am also passionate about supporting staff to become great teachers and great leaders.  I have been delivering the National Professional Qualifications for the last eight years to staff across the trust.  I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to contribute to the outstanding provision at Avonbourne Academies. 

James Goldsmith - Vice Principal

Since moving to the area over a decade ago, I have been extremely proud to work within this educational context and serve our local community. I have always had a passion for teaching and coaching and at the heart of this, lies a desire to help young people develop and achieve great things. 

I hold a BA (Hons) in Physical Education (QTS Sec), and NPQSL, and have enjoyed a variety of roles that range from being a Subject Specialist and Faculty Leader, through to my current role focusing on culture and behaviour within our Senior Leadership Team. 

I believe that high expectations, clear routines, and a shared ethos are at the heart of all successful teams and organisations. I am passionate about ensuring that all students achieve excellent outcomes, but my background in sport has also led me believe that there is more to a good education than simply outstanding exam results. I believe that it is our moral imperative to develop character, compassion and service within our students and provide them with a range of experiences. I want our students to look back on a schooling which has inspired and challenged them, preparing them for the ups and downs of life. 

Angelina Brittain - Assistant Principal and SENDCo

I am delighted to hold the post of SENDCo and Assistant Principal at Avonbourne Academies.  I have worked at Avonbourne Academy since 2003 in various roles including Subject Leader, Head of Year, SENDCo and Assistant Principal.  The length of time at the Academy reflects my commitment to the school community. 

I hold a BA (Hons) in Music, LBCA (TD), PGCE, NASENCo and IQ Level 7 PAPAA.  Prior to working at Avonbourne I was the Head of Music in a large London comprehensive school.  Prior to my teaching career I was a successful performer in National Music Competitions and ran a private music tuition service in London.  I have also been an adjudicator at National Music Festivals as well as more locally, the Bournemouth and Southampton Music Festivals.  My work in music supports my commitment to fully enriching the lives of all children, including those who may have additional needs.   

My work with students is based on a fundamental belief that all children can achieve.  Every individual student is capable and entitled to reach their full potential with the support and challenge of both home and school.  Every child is entitled to the same high-quality education and should look forward to an aspirational future.   

Nikki Dadson - Assistant Principal

I am thrilled to be working as a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Avonbourne Academies. Having joined Avonbourne 9 years ago, I have been committed to improving the education outcomes of our community and supporting our education with character offer. I am very excited about the future at Avonbourne.

I have a BA (Hons) in Dance and a PGCE from the University of Exeter and have completed my NPQSL through the University of Winchester. As a teacher of dance, I am passionate about providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents which help to equip them with the character attributes that will enable them to succeed later in life. I love the buzz of dance rehearsals and productions and teaching a subject which takes students away from their desks and allows them to think critically, be creative and gain confidence.

In my role, I am fortunate to support and welcome students and parents at the very beginning of their journey at Avonbourne, where we expect the highest standards in our mission to bring out the 'best in everyone'. I aim to assure the local community that Avonbourne is the right choice for your son or daughter as through challenge and the persistence to work hard and be at their best, our young people can achieve the future of their dreams.

Laura Tsabet - Assistant Principal

I was pleased to join Avonbourne Academies in January 2020, very much at the start of its exciting transformational journey. In my role as Assistant Principal, I oversee Teaching and Learning within the academies, ensuring our staff have access to the research-informed professional development. 

I hold a BA (hons) in English Literature and PGCE in Secondary English from the University of Portsmouth, an NPQ in Senior Leadership from University College London, and an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development from the Ambition Institute. 

As well as fulfilling my love for learning through my continuing studies, I have also written regularly for the Times Educational Supplement and have co-authored a book entitled Succeeding as an English teacher, published through Bloomsbury. Prior to working at the academies, I fulfilled a voluntary role as the Dorset regional advocate for Litdrive, a non-profit organisation providing CPD for English teachers. To date though, my greatest achievement is raising my wonderful daughter. 

I'm hugely excited to continue the journey started by our leadership team at Avonbourne. I believe that the exceptionally high standards of teaching, learning and behaviour contribute to a culture where pupil learning is placed at the forefront and where all students, regardless of background, can achieve the results that they deserve. We are ambitious because we care.

Charlotte Larrington-Vandy - Assistant Principal

I am extremely happy to have joined the senior leadership team at the Avonbourne Academies in September 2022. I hold a BSc (Hons) in Physics, a PGCE and am about to undertake a teach first qualification as well as complete the internal senior leadership programme with United Learning. 

My subject is mathematics and prior to joining Avonbourne Academies I have worked as a lead practitioner of teaching and learning, a lead teacher for Maths and an A level maths coordinator at local schools. Prior to teaching I have also worked in international language schools and have over 15 years' worth of experience in the catering and hospitality industry. 

I believe that all children can achieve, and will, given the opportunity. I am hugely proud to be working at a school that has such high expectations of it's students, both academically and personally. The journey the school is on is extremely exciting and I am very excited to be a part of it. 

Brianna Fairbank - Assistant Principal 

I am proud to have been working at Avonbourne Academies since September 2021. Being part of this dynamic and dedicated community has been a rewarding experience, and I am passionate about helping our students achieve their full potential. 

I hold a BA (Hons) in English from The University of Nottingham, during which I completed a semester abroad at The University of Connecticut in the USA. I also obtained a PGCE through Teach First and have pursued further qualifications, including an MA in Transformational Leadership, as well as NPQML and NPQSL. 

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to supporting the professional development of my colleagues and fostering a culture of excellence and equity for all students. At Avonbourne Academies, I have held various roles, including Lead Practitioner and Head of English, Media, and Drama. Currently, as Assistant Principal overseeing Curriculum, Data, Exams and Assessment, I am focused on delivering a knowledge-rich curriculum that brings out the best in everyone, ensuring all students have the opportunities and support needed to succeed academically and thrive personally. 

Coralie Crisell - Assistant Principal 

I had the opportunity to join Avonbourne Girls’ and Boys’ Academy as Assistant Principal in 2023, at such an exciting time as the school was expanding and developing. I am part of the pastoral team and lead on transition, safeguarding and pupil mental health/ wellbeing.  In my role I will endeavour to support pupils to succeed. 

I graduated from the University of Chichester with a Sports Coaching Science BSc in 2009 and then completed my teacher training there in 2011. Since then, I have worked in Southampton City schools and led on several pastoral roles such as Transition, PSHE, Personal Development, Attendance and Head of Year. 

I am passionate in striving to make sure that all pupils have the same opportunities, regardless of the barriers that they may face, so that they can achieve the results they deserve and leave Avonbourne as well-rounded individuals. 

The exceptionally high standards of teaching and learning at Avonbourne is something I am very proud to be a part of.   

Mike Wood - Assistant Principal 

I am extremely proud to work at Avonbourne Boys’ and Girls’ Academy since 2023, as it continues to develop and thrive into the choice school for the local community. As Assistant Principal supporting behaviour, culture, and the pastoral team, it is a privilege to work with our students across year groups and work to make a difference in young people’s lives and helping them overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Pastoral work, I feel is central to a successful school environment, both for students' wellbeing and academic progress, making it extremely rewarding. 

I graduated from the University of the West of England (Bristol) with a BA Hons in History and completed my QTS through the Wessex School’s Training Partnership (WTSP) in 2012, at St Edward’s School in Poole. Since then, I have worked in school as a Head of Year and Director of Learning overseeing and supporting the pastoral and academic progress of the students. I am an enthusiastic historian with a particular passion for modern Russian history and the Cold War which I hope to share with the students here at Avonbourne. I strongly believe that school’s do not just teach curriculum subjects, but life lessons, which is why I am keen to support students to be in school and in lessons every minute of every day, while developing their character, commitment, and goals for the next steps in life.   

Tom Kidman - Assistant Principal 

Having grown up in Bournemouth and been educated at a local school, I recognise how important high-quality schools for this community are. I feel privileged to have joined Avonbourne from a local outstanding school in 2020 and am very proud to have contributed on its journey to a position of local and national excellence. 

I hold a BA (Hons) and PGCE in History from the University of Southampton and a NPQSL through Ambitions Institute. Over the past few years, I have been focusing on raising standards across the history department by developing a curriculum that extends our students’ intellectual and cultural horizons, creating informed and tolerant young adults. The History department at Avonbourne was recently ranked 16th in the country for non-selective school attainment at GCSE. In 2022, I launched our Avonbourne Grammar Stream, ensuring that students with high prior attainment excel on their secondary journeys and formed the partnership between Avonbourne and the University of Southampton. 

As an Assistant Principal, I am delighted to be driving standards at Key Stage 3 and Year 10. I firmly believe that if all students are challenged, supported and engaged, then every child can achieve well, regardless of their starting point. 

Kira Jupe - Assistant Principal 

I am extremely proud to have been working at Avonbourne Academies since September 2020. My role as Head of Year allows to me to help students grow emotionally, socially, and mentally. I am honoured to have a wider impact on the community at Avonbourne to help our students achieve their full potential.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics from the University of Birmingham. I have a PGDE through Teach First, as well as undergoing a MA in Transformational Leadership in Education.

Throughout my time at Avonbourne, I have been committed to improving the experiences and opportunities for students who face various barriers in their life. I enjoy promoting a culture that ensure our students become excellent citizens of the world. In my role as Associate Assistant Principal, I continue to support these values by overseeing Pupil Premium and EAL.

Sam Lanahan - Assistant Principal 

I am proud to have joined the Avonbourne Academies in 2024 as Assistant Principal. Having already spent 8 years at Glenmoor and Winton, within the United Learning family, I am fully aware of the successful journey the academies have been on. They have continually improved the supervision for the staff, students and community. I am therefore pleased and excited to have the opportunity to work with this fantastic group of colleagues as we continue to develop along this journey.  

I have a BSc (Hons) in Sports Development and Coaching Sciences from Bournemouth University. I have also benefited from experiencing many roles within Glenmoor and Winton senior leadership team ranging from teaching and learning to raising standards. I was also fortunate to play a role in supporting other schools with behaviour whilst being part of the behaviour hub team.  

Within my role as year 11 raising standards lead, I will utilise my previous experiences to ensure that each student has ample opportunity to reach and succeed their potential. In order to facility these opportunities I believe each child deserves disruption free learning. Whilst also being provided the necessary support at key times throughout their education.  

Overall, I have a real passion to open up opportunities for all students regardless of their background and take real pleasure in witnessing their successes come results day. 

David Gorvin - Assitant Principal

I was delighted to join Avonbourne Academics as an Assistant Principal in June 2024 with my main area of responsibility being Senior Attendance Champion.  

I am looking forward to supporting the school on its journey of continued success and am passionate about providing young people with the academic knowledge and personal skills needed to lead happy and successful lives.  

I began teaching in 2011 in West London and throughout my career I have been a Head of Department, Lead Practitioner and Assistant Headteacher. I have completed an NPQSL and last year I led and facilitated a National Professional Qualification (in Leading Teaching), supporting fellow teachers in their first stages of school leadership.  

Avonbourne is a brilliant school and I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the academic year. 

Jo Sirodcar - Associate Assistant Principal

As the first member of my family to attend university, I fully understand the transformational impact a brilliant education can have. Because of this, I am immensely proud to be working at Avonbourne Academies. 

Previously, I worked at another United Learning school in Bournemouth for twelve years, playing a part in the two schools’ journey from requires improvement to outstanding, to now being some of the highest performing schools in the country. In terms of my background, I trained through the Teach First Development Programme, have been a lead practitioner, and led KS3 English and professional development.