Governors and Governance
DECLARATION OF BUSINESS INTERESTS AND OTHER GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
William Rollason, (INTERIM) CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, CO-OPTED GOVERNOR
William is a graduate of St. Andrews University with a French degree and believes strongly in the teaching of modern foreign languages as a core part of the curriculum.
Appointed April 2024.
Ben Henry, PARENT GOVERNOR
We moved into the area so our children could all walk to school. I have a strong commitment to education and I understand how schools operate. I would like to support the leadership team at Wixams Academy to make a positive impact on students’ lives: to help them ensure pupils’ progress academically, to help pupils develop as people and to have good access to extra curricular activities including a good sports field.
I will help ensure Wixams has the best environment for the students and teachers to work in to give them the opportunity to succeed to their maximum potential.
I will work collaboratively with parents, other governors, school administrators, and community stakeholders to make informed decisions that benefit the school and the local community. Clear and effective communication is key to building trust and maintaining positive relationships, I also have experience in finance, budgeting, and health & safety.
Term of office three years. Appointed April 2022.
Nick Kari, PARENT GOVERNOR
I am a Chartered Accountant and currently work for a Financial Services company as the Director of Finance & Accounting.
I have a passion for education and continually drive to achieve better outcomes for children. I have always had this passion but it certainly came to life when I served as a parent governor at my children’s former primary school for 5 years. So when the opportunity came up to join the Wixams Academy I grabbed it with both hands!
Throughout my career I have engaged with procurement functions, in terms of seeking value for money services, contract management and tendering. In terms of property management experience, in one of my previous companies, I managed the cost base of their 300+ property portfolio so I am confident that I have many skills across all these areas to support the school. I also have the drive and passion to serve as a parent governor.
My interests include Football (watching!), basketball, reading and cooking.
Term of office three years. Appointed June 2023.
Yookti Kotecha-Davda, CO-OPTED GOVERNOR
Term of office three years. Appointed June 2023.
Bryony Paul, CO-OPTED GOVERNOR (SAFEGUARDING)
I am an Assistant Headteacher based in Bedfordshire, and I live in Wixams with my family. My child currently attends Wixams Tree, and one of the key reasons I chose to become a governor was to both develop my own areas of professional growth and to support a school that my son may one day attend. In my role as Safeguarding Governor, I am committed to ensuring that the needs of all students are met and that every child is able to learn and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Drawing on my experience in education, I work collaboratively with the governing body and school leadership to help shape a provision that fosters academic success, personal development, and overall wellbeing. It is a privilege to contribute to the vision of a school so central to my local community and my family's future.
Term of office three years. Appointed June 2023.
Sarah Cooper, CO-OPTED GOVERNOR
Term of office three years. Appointed February 2025.
Paula Cloonan, CO-OPTED GOVERNOR
During my career I have spent over 30 years in the Education Sector, most of which has been spent working in leadership roles in schools. The majority of my experience is in secondary education although I have taught across all age groups. Most recently I have been teaching at the University of Bedfordshire, teaching in the Business School on Under-graduate and MBA Strategy and Leadership courses.
Previously I have worked on Governing Bodies through my role as part of school leadership teams and as a Chair of Governors at a feeder Primary School. During this time, I oversaw the amalgamation of the infants and junior school to become a primary school. An important element involved ensuring that parents were up to date with on-going changes keeping them onboard and to help alleviate their concerns. I also chaired the local Pastoral Council organising information sharing events within local Catholic parishes and to enhance communication and working together across faith groups.
Outside of work-related activities, I enjoy keeping fit and watching a range of different sports. I am a long-time supporter and season ticket holder at Luton Town FC. When able, I love to travel and enjoy new adventures.
Term of office three years. Appointed June 2025.
Brett Byatt, STAFF GOVERNOR
After a few years as union representative, I wanted to take the opportunity of staff governor to see how the school operates at a more strategic level and how I can assist in developing the school into the best academy in Bedfordshire.
I believe education is the most powerful vehicle to change ones life. By taking this role, I hope to do justice to that sentiment. Over the past few years, I have been working with staff and leadership as union representative. In this role, I have been exposed to many of the inner workings of the school: supporting staff through issues with school timetabling, duties, disciplinaries, negotiations, trust staff policy, the day-to-day issues, as well as transitions between three Headteachers and a trust merger!
I look forward to supporting the board of governors, holding the senior leadership team to account, and driving the school forward in its development on a more structural and strategic level, in the interests of the children's education.
Term of office three years. Appointed February 2025.
Contact the Chair of Wixams Academy Local Advisory Body
Chair of Governors
Wixams Academy
Green Lane
Wixams
Tel: 01234 608950
Email: info@wixamsacademy.co.uk
