Michael Ellis, Chair of Governors

My interest in education started at an early age with a mum as a teacher: I was always fascinated with the difference between how a school was run in the background in contrast to the experience I had as a student.  As a parent myself now of two relatively young children, that interest has been reinvigorated, especially with the greater awareness of the constant challenges our schools face, either through the varying policy changes from the government of the day to which our schools have to adhere, to the ever changing social and cultural pressures that make educating young people a moving target.  Without a specific background in education, I still wanted to help and joining as chair of the local governing board of the nearest secondary school to where I live in Markyate is an honour. I hope that I will help Manshead to flourish and operate as effectively as possible.

Outside my role as Chairman of the Local Governing Board I am currently Chief Operating Officer of The Marketing Practice, a midsize marketing services company that operates around the world.  Prior to that I’ve had various operational and marketing leadership roles at DXC, HP, Accenture, Siemens, the BBC and started my career as a business consultant at Arthur Andersen.  Aside from running around after my two children, I can usually also be found running around a squash court or being chased off the sofa for watching too much Netflix.

Laura Redrup, Trust Appointed Governor

Petra Cook, Parent Governor

I started to volunteer as a Parent Governor one year ago, when my son started his 2nd year in Manshead. I was part of a very active Parents Association team in my son’s previous school for 5 years and enjoyed it very much.

I was looking for a similar role in the next school environment not only to be able to voice my opinion as a parent and to offer help and expertise but I also wanted to understand the school environment, and the challenges they are facing.

Originally from Czech Republic I have trained as an Early Years Teacher, worked and also volunteered in the school environment and different children’s clubs. Later on I moved into the business environment working in various roles including Finance, HR and Training. Currently I am employed in a local business as their HR Manager.

I feel very passionate about children having the right learning and nurturing environment but I also understand the commercial aspects of managing people and organisations and fully appreciate that combining both is not an easy task.

However, whilst volunteering on the Local Governing Board I have had a firsthand experience of how passionate and dedicated Manshead staff and leadership team is and always put children’s interest first before anything else. I feel privileged to be part of such a dedicated team.

Simi Otukoya, Trust Appointed Governor

I very much enjoy the responsibility and privilege of being involved in the education of school students and helping the next generation flourish. As a Christian, I view being a governor with the Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust as a practical way for me to live out my faith and to support Christian ministry. I would also like to use the skills I have developed in my own working life to the benefit of students. I believe my relatively recent experience of the educational system and my engineering background can be of real value for schools needing educational support in this area.

I have extensive experience working with schools through volunteering roles with STEM NET, IMechE and Career Ready. These have involved tutoring and mentoring school students throughout the academic year as well as presenting at school career fairs, leading and promoting STEM activities. I have also sat on a College Panel where I reviewed and assessed disciplinary and misconduct cases. Professionally, I have skills in structural engineering, construction management, project management, creative problem solving and process improvement.  

Andy McBurnie, Headteacher - Ex Officio

Paul Thomas, Staff Governor