Francis Bray

Francis is Headteacher of Waterside Academy, an 11-16 academy in Hackney. Francis read Geography at Liverpool John Moores University before completing his Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Oxford University. Since 2000, Francis has taught in a range of London boroughs such as, Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Newham and Hackney.

Francis has rowed since he was 17 but only took it seriously when he joined Lea Rowing Club in 2002. Francis was Captain of Lea Rowing Club from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2013. During his time as Captain the senior women won Henley Women's Regatta in 2013 and the senior men reached the semi-finals of Henley Royal Regatta in 2008. He also launched the very successful learn to row programme back in 2006, and this is still running today.

Francis is also Vice-Chair of Governors of Newham PRUs. His interests outside of education and rowing are spending time with family and friends, supporting Norwich City Football Club, keeping fit, listening to music and reading.