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Illuminate Minds Trust Governing Body consists of members, Trustees and local Governors as outlined within the Academy Trust Handbook.

The Scheme of Delegation outlines the remit of the members, Trustees and Local Governors.

Meetings take place at the following frequencies:-

• Governing Body members meet annually.
• Trustees and Audit Committee meet termly
• Local Governing Bodies meet termly.

Fairford LAC

 

Chair - Mr D Clements

I’ve been associated with Fairford Academy Barnehurst for over seventy years!  I was one of the first pupils when the school opened in the early nineteen fifties.  Also, our three children went to Pelham Primary, our trust partner, so I have associations with both schools.

I became a parent governor while our boys were at Pelham Primary.  I did so to show an interest in the school and the education of our boys.  Since that time, my aim has always been the welfare and success of both adults and children.  When Fairford Academy became part of the Trust in 2015, I became a governor at the school. 

I was a secondary school teacher for forty years, teaching Maths and ICT.  After I retired, I became involved for a time in one-to-one and small group tuition at Pelham and Fairford, mainly teaching Maths.  I later took on the role of chair of governors. I try to get involved with all aspects of school life, and try to attend events when possible.

In my spare time I pursue my interests of photography and listening to music.

 

Mr S McFarlane

I am a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist, and the Director of a therapy clinic in the City of London. I have a long history of working within the NHS, and also of  volunteering within South London. 

Having grown up within inner-city London I have seen first hand the importance of having a good educational grounding and the need for having good visible role models. 

As I am able to give something back to the local community, the role of school governor represents an opportunity to support organisations with the same ethos of growth, support and excellence. 

Mrs B Farinre

My name is Bamidele Farinre, and I am a Chartered Scientist and Scrum Master specialising in Agile project management. I am dedicated to patient safety, governance, and quality within the healthcare sector, striving to enhance lives through robust health and safety practices. In addition to my professional roles, I actively mentor young scientists and advocate for diversity and inclusion as an ambassador for several STEM initiatives. My journey, which began with overcoming significant academic setbacks and a lack of role models, has fuelled my passion for mentoring and advocacy.

As a school governor with Illuminate Minds Trust, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. I became a governor to leverage my experience and insights to help shape educational policies and practices that empower all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring they have the guidance and opportunities needed to succeed. My involvement in this role is also driven by my deep commitment to giving back to the community, providing young people with the mentorship and resources I wish I had during my own educational journey.                                                       

Billy Jackson

I've been working in education recruitment since I was 25, starting out as a confident trainee at Protocol Education. Fast forward 15 years, and it’s been a real journey – full of highs, challenges, and plenty of learning along the way. I've worked with several agencies over the years, each with their own way of doing things, and looking back, I can see how those experiences shaped the recruiter – and the person – I am today.

The longer you spend in education recruitment, the more your relationship with the sector changes. When I started, it was about placements, commission, and career growth – and there’s nothing wrong with that. But over time, I began to see the bigger picture. You learn what schools really go through, the effort it takes to create a safe and supportive environment for pupils and staff. You understand that we’re not just helping people find jobs – we’re playing a small but important part in something much bigger.

That shift in mindset is what eventually led me to start Create Education in 2018 – not long after my daughter was born. I’d reached a point in my career where I knew I wanted more. I’d been successful as a consultant, manager, and associate director, but the idea of building something that truly reflected my values just wouldn’t go away. So, I went for it.

Create Education isn’t just about me – I’m lucky to work with some brilliant people who bring decades of experience and share the same values: honesty, trust, transparency, and a real desire to make a difference. We know the kind of company we’d want to work for, so we’re building exactly that – a place where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

For us, it’s about more than recruitment. It’s about relationships. Supporting schools, guiding candidates, developing our team, and ultimately doing our bit to make sure pupils get the education and support they deserve.

At Create, we say: “Every child is unique. Every school is unique. And so are we.” That’s something we stand by every day.

 

Mr W Chipchase

My names Will, I am an extremely proud dad whose daughter attends Fairford Academy. This year has been the first year of her school journey, and it’s been amazing to see her grow and thrive. About me, I’m a keen sports fan whose passion is for both Rugby and Football. I love a round of golf when I get time too. For work, I am a director in my family business. We supply and install home improvements such as windows, doors and conservatories. The reason I became a governor was to embrace this opportunity to support my daughter’s school and give ideas on ways to improve everyday school life. 

 

 

 

 

Nicoleta Petre

I'm Nicoleta Petre, with roots in both Italy and Romania. For the past two years, I have been a dedicated volunteer, actively participating in my daughter's school as a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and collaborating with various philosophical, cultural and humanitarian organizations. My passion lies in helping individuals achieve health, happiness, and peace through the study and application of natural and metaphysical laws. Over the last decade, I have developed a deep interest in the education and well-being of children. I've experienced both home education and traditional schooling, and after extensive research and personal experience, I chose the school education model for my daughter. I believe this path offers her the best opportunities for development and growth.

I wanted to become a governor, driven by my passion for education and the belief in the potential of every child. I believe that the formative years of childhood are crucial, and I have witnessed many challenges that children face in schools. Often, their voices and struggles go unheard by the adults around them, including parents.I am passionate about supporting children during this pivotal phase of their lives. In my view, volunteering signifies the act of contributing, illuminating one another's paths, and collaborating towards a shared vision, while offering guidance and assisting children in establishing a robust foundation of enthusiasm and appreciation that fosters their development. I firmly believe that, when children feel valued and heard, we can assure a more effective transfer of knowledge and skills. I hope to contribute positively to your mission and help create an environment where every child feels supported and appreciate.

 

Staff - Miss A Roach

As your Governor, I am honoured to serve this great school, working every day to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Our strength lies in the inclusion, diversity, and resilience of our community. Together, we can tackle any challenge that comes our way. Generations will thrive as we continue to build a nurturing environment for learning, growth and collaboration.

I feel passionate about working in partnerships to be a voice for positive and necessary change. Having recently completed the Early Career Framework, I understand the importance of setting ambitious goals that drive success for both students and staff. It’s vital that we foster an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential, contributing to a thriving and supportive school community.

Let us continue to move forward, united in our vision for a better tomorrow. Together, we will build a future that reflects the values and aspirations of the trust. Thank you for your trust and for the privilege of serving you. The best is yet to come!

Head of School - Ex Officio - Ms A Aujla

Trust Board Governance