All Saints' Academy TrustTrustee Profiles

Mr Watson is a consultant specialising in HR and recruitment and principally works with technology companies experiencing high levels of growth. He particularly specialises in developing recruitment strategies for technology companies, providing advice on staffing levels, remuneration, filling skills gaps, and staff retention. Mr Watson provides early-stage companies with HR services, developing policies and procedures, and advising on staff performance.

He’s also in demand as a singer and musician in the local area and is a member of the Oriel Singers. He is an active member of St Gregory’s Parish Church.

Having graduated from New College, Oxford with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and mics, Ms Taylor started her career in teaching at Stowe School  and was a Housemistress to Sixth Form girls there before moving on to Canford School in Dorset to run a 13-18 day house. In 2001, she was appointed Admissions Tutor and then Senior Mistress at Dean Close Senior School and worked there for six years before taking up the Headship of Christ College, Brecon, the first female Head in that School’s 475-year history.

During her 10 years at Christ College, she oversaw the enhancement of academic results, expansion of school numbers, significant building work including new facilities for Science and Creative Arts, the opening of a Junior School and a partnership with a Malaysian company to open a sister school in Kuala Lumpur before returning to Dean Close as Warden / Chief Executive in August 2017.

Ms Taylor is an avid fan of rugby and cricket, she enjoys music and theatre, loves to read and occasionally forces herself to go running. Her Christian faith is an important part of her life and she enjoys engaging in discussions about the relevance of faith to modern life, particularly the lives of young people.

Mrs Riddell graduated from the University of Derby with a BEd Honours in Primary Education. Having worked in the education industry for over 20 years, she is currently a head teacher at a local primary school within the Gloucestershire Learning Alliance (GLA). Mrs Riddell has an extensive knowledge of education and is the lead for Safeguarding and Inclusion across the GLA Trust. She is passionate about education and ambitious for all students: a majority of her former pupils join All Saints’ Academy for their secondary education. Her goal is for all students to be well-rounded citizens with a strong moral compass, whilst achieving their full potential.

Academy Chaplain

Mr Watney has a strong belief in the importance of providing all children with a high-quality education—one that goes beyond textbooks and exams to prepare them for adult life. With extensive experience in business and marketing, he is keen to offer his expertise for the benefit of the Academy, should the need arise.

In 2018, Mr Watney was awarded the Freedom of the City of London and became a Freeman of the Mercers’ Company. The Mercers is renowned for its philanthropic work, particularly in supporting young people and education. He is committed to upholding these values and hopes to apply them in his continued support of All Saints Academy.