My name is Stella Akiboye, and I am a Co-opted Governor, previously I was a Parent Governor. I chose to become a Governor to give something back to my community and to make a positive contribution to the school my sons attended. I believe I can support Lealands Leadership Team with its direction and its future, working with the Headteacher to improve behaviours, performance and standards throughout the school.

My background is in Human Resources and I have a broad experience of dealing with people in various situations and at different levels. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, meeting up with my friends, reading and travelling.

I am a Governor by virtue of my role as Headteacher. Although a full member of the Governing Body, there are some governor duties I cannot take on due to being a school employee and Headteacher (e.g. I cannot sit on appeals panels). I have been Headteacher at Lealands for over a decade as we have taken the school on a journey of transformation, both physically with major refurbishment, but also in terms of our approaches, ethos and outcomes. I am proud of all we have achieved and that which is yet to come. Lealands is now a thriving, oversubscribed, high achieving school with an excellent Ofsted report. Prior to joining Lealands, I worked as a senior school improvement advisor. My background is in English teaching, having previously been a Head of English and Deputy Headteacher. I have been an inspector for Ofsted for over 15 years and continue to fulfil this role on an occasional basis, alongside my very full job at Lealands!

My name is Carmen Chilom. I have a daughter in Year 9 at Lealands High School and a son at Leeds University. I have become a Parent Governor at Lealands High School with the aim of learning about secondary school systems and to understand the process in which it operates.

My knowledge in mental health and wellbeing will help me in the role as Governor and by working close together, we can make a difference for the school and the community. 

I am passionate about helping young people to achieve their best and I strongly believe that the value and importance of a well-balanced education and discipline today could shape the next generation. Although everyone learns in different ways and at various speeds, great things are achieved in the right environment and with the right motivation.

My career in education spans more than 20 years. In that time, I have had a variety of positions; teacher, Local Authority consultant, Ofsted Inspector, Deputy Headteacher and since 2013 Headteacher of Leagrave Primary School.

At the time of my appointment the Parliamentary Review stated that “The reputation of the school was poor, teaching was inadequate and behaviour was challenging.” Through a drive and passion for learning Leagrave was awarded an outstanding judgement by Ofsted in December 2018. “The Head provides exceptional leadership. Teachers, leaders and governors have her relentless determination to make sure all pupils succeed. Her high expectations result in excellent outcomes for all.”  LPS now stands in the top 3 % of schools nationally for progress and achievement.

As a school governor I am committed to ensuring high aspirations for all the children attending Lealands as well as a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all. I am prepared to give time, challenge, strategic leadership, skills and knowledge to create highly effective governance.

My name is Donna Parke, and I have been appointed as the Local Authority Governor. I am a qualified social worker with over 25 years of experience working within safeguarding for various local authorities. I specialise in working with children and their families from 0 to 18 years. I find my job an honour, as I can work within the community that I serve. I have an interest in the education system and how it impacts on the more vulnerable children in our community. I can bring my knowledge and experience in order to support the leadership team, in respect of supporting young people in promoting their safety and well-being within the education system.

I enjoy spending time with my children and our cat Daisy. I also enjoy reading and watching movies. As a family, we also enjoy doing activities together.

My name is Emma Warren, and I am the Staff Governor and Assistant Director of Humanities at Lealands High School. With over 10 years of experience in teaching, I have had the privilege of working with students, parents, and staff members to help create a positive learning environment. 

As the Staff Governor for our school, my role is to represent the views and interests of the staff members, while also working collaboratively with the governing body to make decisions that benefit our students and the school community as a whole.

In this role, I will strive to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of the staff are heard and taken into account when making important decisions. Additionally, I will work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to help develop and implement effective policies and strategies that improve the quality of education and support provided by the school. Through my experience and passion for education, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the governing body, and help to ensure that our school continues to thrive and grow.