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Lealands High School

Lealands High School

Aspire Believe Achieve

Meet The Governors

STELLA AKIBOYE - CO-OPTED GOVERNOR (CHAIR)

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.

 

JOHN BURRIDGE - HEADTEACHER

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!

 

CARMEN CHILLOM - FOUNDATION GOVERNOR (VICE CHAIR)  

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.

 

EDEL GILLESPIE - CO-OPTED GOVERNOR  

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.

 
MELISSA LLEWELYN - PARENT GOVERNOR  
I have a daughter at Lealands in year 10. I'm passionate about young people accessing opportunities and the preventative and aspirational significance this has in driving their attitudes towards learning and careers. I've worked with several local charities and places of worship over the past 10 years, and currently have roles which involve supporting people who are in difficult circumstances and engaging with social and systemic disadvantage. I develop and deliver training in areas including safeguarding, inclusion, and relationships and sex education, and oversee hardship projects and community activities. I'm keen to use my safeguarding and fundraising experience to benefit the school and its pupils, and to broaden my skillset through my role as a governor.

DONNA PARKE - LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNOR  

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.