Will Meldrum
I joined the Greenshaw Learning Trust in 2018 as a Teacher of Art at Five Acres High School, drawn to the Trust's unwavering commitment to providing the very best education for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. What stood out to me was the collaborative, outward-facing approach to school improvement and the belief that we achieve more by working together.
Since joining, I have been fortunate to progress from Teacher of Art to Head of Expressive Arts, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher at Gloucester Academy, before being appointed Headteacher at Barnwood Park School in September 2026.
Throughout this journey, GLT has provided exceptional opportunities to develop as a leader. From an early senior leadership secondment and leading design and technology across the Trust, to participating in the Step Up programme, I have benefited enormously from working alongside talented educational leaders. I have always been encouraged to look beyond my own school, seek out excellent practice and, importantly, been empowered to bring those ideas back to make a difference.
I am particularly proud of contributing to exceptional outcomes at Five Acres and being part of the journey that saw Gloucester Academy become one of the most improved schools in the country. Both experiences reinforced my belief in building a winning culture, where staff and students share the ambition, responsibility and determination to achieve extraordinary things.
Becoming a headteacher has been an incredible privilege, and the generosity, expertise and support of fellow GLT headteachers continues to inspire me.
For me, what makes GLT special is its genuine sense of togetherness. There is a shared determination to provide the very best for every young person, alongside a commitment to developing the people who make that possible.
My advice to anyone starting their journey with GLT is simple: embrace every opportunity, learn from the brilliant people around you and never underestimate what you can achieve together.