Members

Steve James
David Malam
Mark Bailey
Dr. Aswin Sayiram SJ

Trustees

Chair of Trustees

Mr Alan Guildford

Chair@alexandraacademytrust.co.uk

I have lived in the Coppenhall area all of my life. I was approached by the Local Authority approx. 20 years ago to see if I would be interested in becoming a School Governor at Monks Coppenhall. I accepted the invitation to become a Governor because I saw it as an opportunity to be involved in a small way in the local community. At the time I also thought it would give me a good insight into the educational workings and be beneficial for me should I have been fortunate to have had a family of my own at a later date. I have been employed by HM Customs and Excise and its successor HM Revenue and Customs since I completed my A-Levels in 1984. I have now been a Trustee at the Alexandra Academy Trust since 2016.

Vice Chair of Trustees

Mrs Julie Alexander-Orrell

I have over 30 years’ experience as an education specialist and am an accredited local leader of education. I have a particular interest in safeguarding and as an accredited trainer I have delivered briefings and information sessions to people at all levels in a variety of roles and from different settings in the area.

I played a leading role on the MAT Board and the MAT executive committee of my previous school thereby influencing the direction of the organisation.

Following my retirement from Headship in 2020 I became an apprenticeship tutor supporting management apprentices based in the education sector with their training by planning, co-ordinating and mentoring.

I currently work for a Cheshire based charity as a specialist family practitioner and have responsibility for managing and delivering a programme for survivors of domestic abuse.

I am married with two grown-up children and a grandchild.

I joined the Trust in the Spring of 2020.

CEO

Mrs Pamela Simpson

I was Principal at Monks Coppenhall Academy From September 2014 until August 2023. In addition, in March 2020 I was commissioned by Cheshire East Council to support Haslington Primary School (school causing concern). As a result of this support, in April 2021 Haslington joined the Alexandra Academy Trust.

I am an accredited Local Leader of Education and have been a Headteacher in two other schools, Buglawton Primary School in Congleton, for 7 years and Betley Primary School, in Staffordshire, for 4 years. Before this I was Deputy Headteacher for 2 years at Church Lawton Primary school. I started my career working as a teacher at Mablins Lane School in Crewe and was there for 8 years. During my time as a teacher and Senior Leader, I taught across all ages from Nursery to Year 6. I have gained experience as a Governor at all stages of my career. I have Coordinated Special Educational Needs for 8 years and led IT and Science across the school.

I have also qualified as a Local Leader of Education and gained the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership ( NPQEL ) which has given me the opportunity to further support other schools. I feel passionate about removing any barriers to learning and empowering all children and staff to succeed and have very high aspirations.

Trustees

Mrs Gill Edwards

I retired in 2014 from my position as a head teacher in a primary school in Cheshire East. I have been involved with education for more than 38 years. I was a professional teacher, with a great deal of experience of classroom teaching and the management of schools. During much of this time I worked in a school within the Crewe Community. I am also a parent and now as a grandparent of young children. I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to be a Trustee at Alexandra Academy Trust and am proud to be able to support the staff of this excellent and caring trust in their aim to provide high quality education for all children in their care.

Mrs Kathryn McBurnie

I am currently Chief Financial and Operations Officer at The Sir John Brunner Foundation, a multi academy trust that includes secondary schools and a sixth form college from across Cheshire East and West. I have been involved in the education sector as a finance and operations professional for over 10 years and am passionately dedicated to providing young people with the highest quality of outcomes and opportunities in life. I am a qualified chartered accountant with the ICAEW, starting my working with career with Deloitte and have over 20 years post qualified experience. As a trustee I share the vision and values of the Alexandra Trust and firmly believe that integrity, excellence and cooperation will provide our young children with the best possible start in life.

Mrs Julie Sercombe