Chairperson 

Sarah Ackroyd

I joined New Fosseway Governing Body in October 2020 and was elected Chair. I feel very privileged and excited to be able to support the governance of such a brilliant special school.

I bring strategic leadership and management experience to the role following a 15-year career in local government housing management, where I became a senior leader running large capital and revenue budgets and delivering a comprehensive housing service to often very deprived areas. Just over 20 years ago I co-founded The Centre for Mentoring and Coaching Ltd.

I have a passion for developing people to their full potential and for ensuring businesses and organisations are fairer and more sustainable. I was a school governor when my children where in primary school and enjoyed the experience of contributing to a school. I am looking forward to supporting a special school.

Staff Governor - Head Teacher

Tonya Hill

I am the Headteacher at New Fosseway. I am a firm believer that all children and young people can achieve great things, no matter their starting points. I have experience of leadership in both mainstream and special education and understand the value of inclusive education for all. 

Outside of work, I am a huge fan of all things sci-fi and fantasy, and it is my hope that my son will grow up loving Harry Potter and Star Wars as much as me!

Staff Governor

Billie Quinn

I have taught at New Fosseway for over 25 years and have seen many changes during that time. I have worked throughout the school with children from reception to post 16, predominantly with those with PMLD. I am at a point in my life and career where I feel I have the time and the energy to become involved in the governing body.

Hi I’m Kelly mum to Freya I joined as a parent governor in 2019. I know first hand the struggles that parents face with children that have complex needs. I feel very privileged  being a parent governor as It gives me the opportunity to work together with the governing board so that we can make the school the absolute best place it can be for our children, as I am very passionate that all children should have access to great opportunities and education.

Hi, I'm Sharon, mum to Carl.  My eldest son Kieran, also attended New Fosseway School.  I have lots of experience of working together with the school across the year groups and key stages with Kieran having transitioned through the school and moving on after completing Post 16 at New Fosseway.  I have always enjoyed attending school events such as coffee mornings, the family discos and fundraising events where I get the chance to talk to other parents and carers.  I am excited to take on this new journey of being a parent governor working with families, the school and the governing body team.

I joined the New Fosseway Governing body in January 2020 and enjoy being part being part of a team that supports and challenges the school to deliver the best outcomes for its pupils.

My day job is as the Director of Finance & Operations for a multi-academy trust and as a qualified Accountant sitting on the Finance and Resources Committee, I support the school to get the best value from its resources. I am also the H&S link Governor and sit on a number of other panels when required.

Outside of school life I enjoy travel and I’m currently struggling to learn Spanish as I’d like to spend some time in South America when possible.

I joined New Fosseway Governing Board in May 2022. I am the Managing Director of a Bristol based PR agency, which focuses on planning and development. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in stakeholder engagement, communications and finance. I have become a governor to put the skills honed in the private sector to good use and feel privileged to be able to support the work of a school like New Fosseway.

I joined New Fosseway Governing Board in May 2022. I chose to get involved after looking around the school and witnessing the great work that is done to support the children who attend and wanted to provide support where I could. I work in Human Resources with over 20 years experience in private and public sector.  I have previously been a charity trustee for national student charity. I am really look forward to working with the rest of the governors to support the school become the best it can. 

I joined New Fosseway as a governor in January 2024. I am a school engagement consultant working on two projects designed to link schools and businesses to support careers and progression: CyberFirst and Founders4Schools. Prior to this, I was a teacher in primary schools in South Gloucestershire for more than 10 years, several of those years as a Deputy Head and Headteacher. Part of my teacher training was in a special school, and I have always valued that experience and wanted to be part of a team doing such amazing work for its children, young people and families. 

I joined New Fosseway School Governors last year and currently work with the staff as their Safeguarding link. I work at Bridge Learning Campus as a Deputy Headteacher and have been there since 2014. I love working with members of our South Bristol community and I am passionate about providing our young people with the best possible opportunities. When I'm not at work, I love reading, visiting family in Essex and walking my two Jack Russell dogs - Dougal and Ted, around the woods and fields near my home.