Andrew Thelwell

Andrew Thelwell joined Bede Academy and the Emmanuel Schools Foundation as Principal of Bede Academy in April 2019. Andrew obtained a degree in Biblical Theology from Manchester University at Regents Theological College before completing his PGCE at Kings College, London. He then served as a Religious Studies teacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher in schools in Hertfordshire, Somerset and West Yorkshire. Andrew has a professional interest in values-driven leadership, curriculum design (as a tool for raising academic attainment and developing student character) and the use of assessment to inform teaching as a tool for raising attainment.

Andrew is driven by a strong belief that they are all made in the image of God and are therefore all unique and have incredible talents. Being educators gives them the privilege of being able to help students and staff liberate these God given talents and see them used to benefit others. This requires developing students who are not only academically successful but also students of good character.

Andrew has recently moved to North Shields from Yorkshire where he lives with his wife and three sons. Andrew retains an interest in Philosophy and Theology. His sons are involved in sports teams, scouts and a wide array of activities but when not ferrying them about Andrew likes football (a lifelong Liverpool fan), taking his sons to watch T20 cricket, cycling, walks on the beach with the dog and playing board games with his family.