Meet The Governing Body 

Dr Linda Higgins (Chair Of Governors)

My name is Linda Higgins, and I have worked in education for over 20 years, firstly at UCLAN in Preston, then moving on to the University of Derby, and finally, Manchester Metropolitan University.  I majored with a degree in Organisational Psychology, and a PhD in Occupational Stress.  Prior to moving into education, I worked in mental health services in a project management role, and whilst working full time I combined this with my studies, and a voluntary director role for a local mental health charity.  Throughout my career I have enjoyed working with people of all ages. working in teams and enjoyed taking on new challenges.  I am a passionate advocate of social mobility and equality of opportunity.  I have been fortunate to have travelled extensively with my work in the University, and worked with students from different cultures, creeds and abilities. I was very motivated to take on a governor role at Fulwood Academy and shall look forward to working with the other governors,  and supporting the Chair and the Principal of the Academy.
Email: info@fulwoodacademy.co.uk (FAO: Chair of Governors)

 

Mrs Emma Hilton (Vice Chair Governor)

My name is Emma Hilton and I have lived in Preston for the majority of my life. I currently work as a children's community nurse within the local area. I have been a children's nurse for 23 years. I have gained lots of skills within the area of caring for children and their differing needs beyond just their physical health, such as safeguarding and mental health needs. Through working in the local community I have an awareness of the different areas of the city and how these can affect the children who attend the school.

I attended Fulwood High myself as a child and I remember it being a thriving environment for children. I currently have two children who attend the school, one in year 11 and one in year 9. My youngest is due to start the school in September. I became a parent governor as I am passionate about improving the school and making it a place to be proud of within the local community.

I'm proud to be a governor of the school and have been witness to the improvements that have happened over the last year and I'm looking forward to this continuing.

 

Mr Matt Chagas (Staff Support Governor)

 

My name is Matthew Chagas, I am from Preston and have grown up and gone to school and further education in the local area. I have a 2-year-old son called Harry who attends nursey in Preston.

I have worked at Fulwood Academy for over 11 years. I spent a year working on supply as a cover supervisor and was then offered a permanent contract.

My job titles have changed over the years from cover supervisor to a more pastoral role. I have spent time working as a head of Year, KS3 Pastoral manager and then part of a Year 10 Pastoral team. Most recently I have been the pastoral support manager for year 7. I have a real passion for my job and want the students at Fulwood Academy to have the best possible chances in life once they leave us.

I hope to utilise my skills and experience in education and working with parents and the community to support the Principal, the Governing body and the staff in fulfilling our aspirations for the future of Fulwood Academy. As a staff governor, I am keen to ensure that the views of the staff, the governors, the parents and, most importantly, the children are shared and valued.

I was extremely pleased to be appointed as a staff governor and look forward to working alongside the other members of the LGB.

Mr Mark Holmes (Staff Teacher Governor)

My name is Mark Holmes, I am from Northampton originally but have spent most of my life in Preston.  I have grown up and gone to school and further education in the local area and spent four years at John Moores University, Liverpool. 

I have worked at Fulwood Academy for around 5 years.  Originally on supply I and was then offered a permanent contract. 

My job titles have changed over the years and I have worked in various departments.  This has included Physical Education, NTP tutoring, ICT, Maths and my current role in English.  

I hope to utilise my skills and experience in education and working with parents and the community to support the Principal, the Governing body and the staff in fulfilling our aspirations for the future of Fulwood Academy. As a teacher governor, I am keen to ensure that the views of the staff, the governors, the parents and, most importantly, the children are shared and valued. 

I was extremely pleased to be appointed as a teacher governor and look forward to working alongside the other members of the LGB. 

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Joan Dean (Observer)

As Chair of Trustees I also have a role in supporting the Governing Body of the school, my role is to observe and support. Governors are committed to ensuring that, by working in partnership, with parents and the wider community, we can offer an exceptional learning experience for all our pupils, preparing them for a successful future.

 

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Andrew Galbraith – Principal (Ex-Officio)

I have been in education for 25 years having taught in a number of state schools in the north of England. Starting as a Business and IT teacher, I enjoyed teaching at a variety of levels before progressing into senior management in my specialist areas of teaching & learning, curriculum and data. I have worked as a Senior Leader for 18 years, and I am proud to be the Principal of Fulwood Academy. 

I have a passion for social mobility, believing a person’s background, such as their social-class, should not affect their ability to access good education, employment or impact their career progression.

I have experience of working in the Opportunity Areas of North Yorkshire and Blackpool, supporting the government's plan for improving social mobility through education, helping to ensure that children from all backgrounds are given equal opportunity to reach their full potential through education.

 

Mrs Lisa Carlisle (Governor)

My name is Lisa Carlisle and I have lived locally in Fulwood for over 20 years. I’m extremely proud to be a Governor at Fulwood Academy, having started life as a Parent Governor while my child attended the school. I live with my husband, and we are proud parents of children who attended the school, who became actively involved in school life. 

I work in Control & Assurance for a multi-national global defence company. This is a varied and challenging role that requires lots of critical thinking teamed with a continuous improvement mindset. I am experienced in working within operational & financial frameworks. I believe that the skills gained throughout my career help me make a positive contribution as a Parent Governor.

I proactively support diversity and inclusion and have a genuine community spirit. Having previously spent a week as a volunteer at the UK Trials for the Invictus Games, I sincerely hope to be able to continue this at the rearranged games in the Hague.

 

 

Rayan Mukhtar - Governor

 

My name is Rayan Mukhtar, I have been privileged to work in various senior management roles for a renowned multinational organization over 24 years across the globe.  Especially the last 17 years have been

spent in Asia Pacific working in a Strategic Management role within the Life Sciences & Clinical division. Based out of Singapore.  A certain aspect of my role was to work closely with academic institutions,

I found myself intrigued by the challenges and culture of these organizations.

My family & I relocated back to Preston as of Jan 2023 as I decided to pursue a new opportunity. I too am born & bred Prestonian, currently in a leadership role with a prominent publishing organization whose foundations are built on research and learning.

With my diverse background and global experience, I hope to bring perspective & meaningful impact to the academy.

I am married & have two daughters, one who is currently studying at Fulwood Academy the other is still in primary school. In addition, we have been blessed with triplets who turn four this year.

 

Gregg Kane (Co-Opted Governor)

Greg is a proud and life-long Prestonian who’s lived all over the city area and, along with his wife Tricia, has raised his family there too.

 

Greg has a real passion for driving growth and success; amongst other interests, with his partner he owns and leads what is now a large, multi-brand business employing over 500 people across 13 sites, designing, manufacturing and installing windows, doors and extensions across the retail, newbuild and commercial sectors.

 

Whilst new to school governorship, his main focus is pupil premium students and he’s driven to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance at success. He really believes in the team at The Dunstone Trust and at Fulwood Academy and endeavours to use his skills and passion to aid them deliver the best possible academic experience and outcomes for all students.

 

Ruth Whittle (Co-Opted Governor)

My name is Ruth Whittle and I have worked in education for 19 years as an English Teacher in Blackpool and as an Assistant Headteacher for 10 years, overseeing Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, Teaching and Learning, Disciplinary Literacy and more recently, examinations and Key Stage 4 action planning.

I was educated in the local area and I majored with a degree in English Language and Literature at Lancaster University and also have a PGCert in Active Approaches to Teaching Shakespeare through the Royal Shakespeare Company which I am very passionate about.

I have a three-year-old daughter who attends nursery locally and in my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, walking and cycling in the Lake District, attending the theatre and reading a wide range of genres.  

Driven by a firm belief that every child deserves an exceptional education regardless of their background, I am joining school governance to help champion equity and social mobility in our local area. I am looking forward to taking on a Governor role at Fulwood Academy and I hope to use my experience in multiple areas of leadership within Education to support the Principal of the Academy, Governing body and wider school and community.

 

Nichola Drummond (Appointed Governor)

My name is Nichola Drummond.  I have worked in central government for over 30 years, with experience across the Department for Work and Pensions and, more recently, the Department for Education (DfE).

I currently work as a Procurement, Commercial and Supply Chain Management Lead within the DfE’s Schools Delivery Team. My role supports the delivery of vital services to schools and local authorities, including grant funding and ensuring teacher training providers have the services they need.

One of the highlights of my career was supporting schools across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to ensure children could continue learning at home. This included the procurement and distribution of over one million laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi services, to support disadvantaged children.

As a former pupil of Fulwood High School, I have a personal connection to the school and am delighted to have the opportunity to give something back. With my professional experience, knowledge of the DfE and recent involvement in the special educational needs (SEN) sector, I hope to make a positive contribution to Fulwood Academy and its pupils.

 

 

 

Further details on Term of Office can be found here.

 

Dunstone Education Trust governance

Fulwood Academy’s Local Governing Body operates under the governance arrangements of Dunstone Education Trust. Information about Trust members, trustees, committees, the Scheme of Delegation, governing documents, attendance and business interests is available on the Dunstone Education Trust website.