Meet Emily Wilson
Principal of Thomas Deacon Academy

“I massively value the support and advice of TDET’s central team in making sure TDA is well run and is successful.” 

 

Developing and investing in our leaders is central to the culture at Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET). In recent years, we have promoted outstanding colleagues from within the Trust to senior leadership roles, recognising their expertise and supporting their development. Emily Gaunt’s appointment as Principal of Thomas Deacon Academy reflects this approach and our ongoing commitment to building strong teams from within our own community. In this interview, Emily shares her inspiring career journey, her vision for TDA, and what she values most about working within the Trust.

 

 

Can you tell us about your career history?

I trained at Sheffield Hallam University, qualifying with a BSc in Education and Science, specialising in secondary education. I began my teaching career at John Mansfield School in Dogsthorpe as a Science Teacher, then took on leadership roles as Deputy Head of Science and later Head of Year. I joined Thomas Deacon Academy (TDA) as Lead Teacher for Innovation, as part of the national Fast-Track programme, which supported my early leadership development. Over the years, I’ve held a wide range of roles at TDA, from STEM Leader and PSHE Coordinator to Assistant Principal.

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

I’m proud to be part of TDA’s history, from its early years educating just a handful of pupils in Peterborough to the thriving all-through academy, from Year 3 to Year 13, that we have today. I’m excited to see what the next phase of our academy will bring.

 

 

What are the benefits of working for TDET?

TDET is a small Trust, and I know almost everyone. The Central Team has the experience and expertise in areas I could never have learned in my career - HR, Finance, Operations Management, Health and Safety, and I greatly value their support and advice in making sure TDA is well run and successful.

Where do you hope to see TDA in the future?

I see TDA continuing as an innovative, responsive, and modern academy which continually reflects and adapts. Our strength is in our work as a team and, as we look ahead, I think there is much for us to celebrate and continue to develop.

 

 

What do you enjoy doing outside work?

I really enjoy open water swimming. During the warmer months, I swim in a reservoir each weekend. I miss it during the winter, but even with a wetsuit, I don’t think I’d manage the cold!

 

 

Thank you, Emily!