Meet our Local Governing Body
Cllr Chris Wills, Chair - Local governing body
I am a Councillor for Withington Ward, where I also live. I am one of the Council's Lead Members for LGBT+ issues. I work in Higher Education, as a university administrator, and have worked in this environment for over 15 years. I believe all children should have the opportunity to realise their full potential, and that schools have a fundamental role to play in this.
Being a Councillor takes up much of my spare time. However I do also enjoy travel, reading, the cinema and music. I try to keep fit and am currently learning to swim. You can contact the Chair of our Local Governing Body by emailing c.wills@kingswaycommunitytrust.co.uk, or by writing to Chris c/o Ladybarn Primary School.
Lisa Vyas, Executive Headteacher (CEO)
I am Executive Headteacher working across the Kingsway Community Trust and have been a National Leader of Education since 2006. I have a strong commitment to working in Manchester and have taught in this area for the whole of my teaching career. I became headteacher at Ladybarn in 1998 and Green End in 2007, taking it from special measures within 7 months. I was in the first cohort of Primary school improvement partners and I have also mentored future headteachers through the Manchester Aspiring Leaders programme. I have a passion for working in urban schools to raise aspiration and self-belief of children and their families.
David Clemmett, Trustee, Lead for Inclusion
I have lived locally since 1988 and been a volunteer at Ladybarn since 2017. I retired in 2016 and have worked for various local City Councils in Adult Social Services in older people's and learning difficulty services . I have always tried to support services in recognising people's individuality ;supporting their independence and building on people's strengths . This includes seeing that people can develop confidence in a safe environment. I have three children who all attended local schools and feel schools have an important role to play in their local communities. I have enjoyed my time at Ladybarn and as a Governor want to see children having the best possible opportunities to grow and develop.
Lynn Birkinshaw, Staff Governor - Green End Primary
I joined the Trust in 2008 as a class teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. I began my teaching career in primary schools in Scotland, and before joining the Trust I was a specialist teacher for children with autism. I am passionate about teaching and learning, and am committed to enabling all children to reach their full potential. I feel very proud to be part of the Kingsway Trust in serving the schools and communities of which we are a part. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball and with two Mancunian daughters enjoy watching Manchester City Ladies Football Team.
Rumana Asif, Staff Governor - Ladybarn Primary
Currently I am an Assistant Headteacher in the Trust for EAL and Equality across the Trust. I started my teaching career in Rochdale and during my time there, I led English. I was then given the opportunity to work in Manchester supporting schools with the remit of Ethnic Minority Achievement. I was placed in Green End when it was in special measures in 2007 and never left! I feel so proud of where the Trust is now, thanks to the hardworking staff.
It is truly a privilege to work across the three schools. I am really passionate about helping all children to achieve their best.
Aaron Davies, Community Governor
I moved to Manchester from Australia in 2015. Since arriving, I have always lived in South Manchester. I have worked in health and social care for over 10 years and I am currently a service manager for a children and young people’s therapy service. I have a particular interest in improving outcomes around mental health and wellbeing and the role of public health and community development within this area. In my free time, I am often found walking my dog in one of our local parks, planning my next travel adventure or catching up with friends.
Fiona Long, Community Governor
I have lived in south Manchester for since 2002. Until recently I taught Linguistics and English as a Foreign Language at university. I now work for the NHS teaching English to refugee doctors and nurses. I have a passion for learning and helping others to learn and I hope to be able to share both of these as one of the Trust governors. I love spending time outside in my local area, running or walking. I also took up cooking in lockdown which is an ongoing learning experience.
Emma Garner - Parent Trustee, Ladybarn Primary
I am an experienced secondary school science teacher with a passion for education. Recently, I made an exciting change in my career to become a paediatric nurse, driven by my love for working with and caring for children. As a parent of three boys, spending quality time with my family is my absolute favourite thing to do and is really important to me. In my free time, I enjoy sewing as a way to express my creativity and find relaxation. With a compassionate nature and a strong desire to make a difference, I bring a unique blend of teaching, parenting, and nurturing skills to my role as parent governor
Fraz Majeed - Parent Governor, Green End Primary
I am a dedicated and involved parent of three, elected as a Parent Governor at Green End Primary School. I currently work as an IT Consultant (Service Engineeeer) in the Banking Sector.
As a devoted parent, I recognize the importance of creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for all children. This understanding drives my commitment to promoting inclusivity, open communication, and cooperation among parents, educators, and administration in the school community.
I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure our children receive the highest quality education in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Outside of my Parent Governor responsibilities, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and weight training.
Callum Hogg - Community Governor
I have lived in Manchester since 2015, having moved here for work. I qualified as a Youth Worker, specialising in detached and centre based youth work. I moved into festival and event production, particularly looking at safeguarding and accessibility in green field festival settings. Since then I have moved into project management in Department for Education.