Mr Chris Healy

Headteacher

Born and brought up in Manchester, I graduated from Nottingham University in 1972.  My teaching started in Nottingham, moved on to Milton Keynes and then to the West Country in 1987.  The opening of our sixth form and its remarkable success has been the highlight of my career, especially as both of my daughters were students here and have gone on to achieve excellent degrees at university.

I now hope to see Balcarras continue to provide an exciting, fulfilling education for every one of its pupils, in beautiful surroundings, and Manchester City depose United at the top of the Premiership.  The first hope is certainly attainable, the second becomes more likely every day!

Mr Ben Stitchman

Deputy Headteacher

I was born in Yorkshire but was brought up in Derbyshire, I attended Loughborough University where I gained a degree in Economics and Politics. Before becoming a teacher I had a number of different jobs including working for Sainsbury’s in their Logistics Division and at a Chateau in France. My first teaching job was in Haydon Bridge in Northumberland, after two years I moved to Tewkesbury as Head of Business and Economics and was then appointed Assistant Head after 3 years.

My responsibilities include the planning and resourcing of the school curriculum, timetabling, and providing data analysis to staff and governors.

Outside of school I’m a keen Chesterfield supporter and enjoy travelling to different places.

Mr Andy McClelland

Assistant Headteacher

Formerly a Head of Year Seven and then a Head of House at Monkscroft School, Cheltenham, I became Head of Selvey at Balcarras when the school opened in 1986. I teach art and ceramics and studied history, politics and social anthropology for a Masters degree at Bristol University. My children are both grown up and any spare energy over the years has gone into building two homes with my wife Jill, the last being a barn conversion in which we both now live.

Mr Neil Baxter

Head of Sixth Form

Originally from Leicestershire, I have worked for 12 years in West London teaching mathematics and P.E., before relocating to Cheltenham. During my time in London I was Head of Mathematics for 5 years and Assistant Head for 3 years.

I have two young sons who are both delightful and full of life and keep us very, very busy. In my spare time I like to swim and play basketball.

I started as Head of Sixth Form at Balcarras in September 2006 and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many successful A Level students progress to either university or their chosen careers. I have an MA from Cambridge University in mathematics and then trained in mathematics and P.E. at Loughborough University.

Mrs Becky Atkin

Assistant Headteacher

After graduating with a degree in chemistry form the University of Durham in 1992, I trained to be a teacher and took up my first teaching post at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School. I had a variety of teaching and pastoral responsibilities there for five years.

I joined Balcarras in September 1999 as the deputy head of the sixth form. I have really valued and enjoyed being involved in the development and expansion of the sixth form. I joined the senior management team in September 2006 and have enjoyed the challenge of the various projects.

My interests outside school are playing the violin for the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra, supporting the charity ASET, which trains widows in Afghanistan and leading a small study group with my husband for our church.