Trustees

Susan Strother

Chair of Trustees

Susan was born in Blackpool and worked at Blackpool Council in a number of departments including planning, estates and the school’s capital team. She is now employed by Lancashire County Council as an Asset Manager leading on the academy conversion programme.

She has been a governor at 3 local schools and this has enabled her to widen her skill set to encompass finance, legal and curriculum knowledge. She is committed to improving educational chances for pupils within disadvantaged areas.

Nicola Farrer

Joint Vice Chair of Trustees

Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

Nicola was born and educated in Blackpool qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant in a Blackpool firm in 1996; She has been involved in accounts preparation, audits (including academies) and budget preparation for small/medium/large companies, charities and trusts.

For over 25 years, she has been a school governor serving as both Chair of Finance and Resources and Co-Vice Chair of the Governing Board. During her time as a governor, she explored options of mergers via academisation or otherwise, successfully navigated budget issues, built a brand-new school and saw the number on roll double.

She wholeheartedly believes in keeping the child at the heart of everything we do and striving for all students to reach their potential.

Gemma Duxbury

Joint Vice Chair of Trustees

Gemma is a partner in a Preston-based law firm and has been a practising solicitor for 18 years, spending time in both the public and private sectors.

Her experience includes dealing with all but one of the academy conversions in Blackpool and providing advice to all Blackpool Schools on a whole range of matters including exclusions, admissions, subject access requests, data protection, procurement, contracts for services and statutory duties.

Ainsley Cheetham

Ainsley has worked in education and training for 40 years. He has successfully led curriculum development in a number of establishments supporting over 200 schools with curriculum design and funding.

Ainsley has a clear understanding of government and ESFA funding and uses this to maximise opportunities for all pupils.

Jo Hirst

Chair of Curriculum and Standards Committee

Jo retired as the Headteacher of Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School in August 2020, following a career in primary education spanning thirty seven years, teaching in schools in both Lancashire and Blackpool.

During her eighteen years of headship, Jo was very involved in the wider educational landscape of Blackpool as Chair of the Schools’ Procurement Board, Chair of the Schools’ Forum, Chair of the Primary & Special Headteachers’ Group and a member of the Blackpool Education Improvement Board.

She has over thirty years’ experience as a governor / trustee in Blackpool schools, including in the role of Vice Chair of Governors / Trustees.

Jo currently works part time as an Education Consultant for Blackpool Council’s School Improvement Team supporting both maintained and academy schools. Jo is passionate about making sure that Blackpool schools are supporting the town’s children and families in any way they can, enabling Blackpool’s young people to be the best they can be.

Gill Hughes

Gill Hughes has worked in education all of her working life. Having graduated from Edge Hill with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1989, she worked at Moor Park Junior School for 11 years as a yr. 3 teacher, senior teacher with responsibility for pastoral care and then SENCO.

She then moved to Park Community Academy, where she has worked for 22 years. Having started there working 20 hours a week providing PPA cover and small group support, she then became KS2 team leader, then KS3 team leader and then led the school’s bid to become a Specialist College for the Performing and Creative Arts.

Following the success of this bid she became Assistant Head/Director of Specialism and was then Deputy Head for 7 years.. Following the retirement of the previous Head, she was appointed as Headteacher in January 2021.

Matt Mciver

Matt has been involved in education in Blackpool for over 16 years. He spent 8 years as a School Business Manager at St George’s High School and led the school through the academy conversion process. Matt is now the Chief Operating Officer for Cidari Multi Acaemy Trust supporting 14 schools across Blackpool. Blackburn and Lancashire. Matt is also a member of the ISBL, CST and is currently completing a CPIFA Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership.

Rachel Tax

Rachel has worked in Early Years and Primary aged childcare for over 30 years. Rachel has also been involved in governance for the past 17 years, firstly becoming a parent governor at Stanley Primary School. This enabled Rachel to gain experience and knowledge on how schools are managed and led, curriculum, planning, budgets and finance.

She is also involved as Group Scout Leader, Trustee of the Blackpool Reform Jewish Congregation and the Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company as a trustee.