bringing out the best in boys

Pen Portraits of Members and Governors

Andrew Young

Andrew Young crop.pngI'm proud to have been made Chair of Governors, after becoming a Community Governor in March 2018. I have spent time on the Resources Committee and continue to be accountable for Leadership at all Levels as part of the Academy's Improvement Plan. I've worked in the food industry for 15 years, at Co-op and Warburtons, and now run my own consultancy where I help food businesses become more sustainable by reducing waste and carbon and improving supply chains. I live locally in Urmston and have a young son, so continue to see the value that Wellacre has in my community. I passionately believe that all kids can achieve great things with the right conditions and with teachers that are able to focus on helping them grow; therefore I hope that my experience, time and energy is useful in helping Wellacre deliver for the boys.

Sean Anstee

Sean_Anstee4.jpg I am a Member of the Academy Trust having previously served on the Trust Board as a local authority representative.  I want to see Wellacre Academy thrive and grow, providing the best education it can for pupils.   My professional career is in the real estate and infrastructure sectors and I hold non-executive positions as Chair of Trafford Housing Trust and as a member of the Group Board of L&Q, one of the largest housing associations in the UK.  I am a member of the Board and Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee at Manchester Metropolitan University.  I have a First Class Honours in Business Management and am a keen marathon runner!

Julie O'Connor

JOC Photograph.jpgI joined the Academy Trust initially as a Member, transferring to Trustee in 2022/23. I have 30 years’ experience of working in and with schools and am very pleased to take on this new role. 

I am the Headteacher of Woodhouse Primary School in Davyhulme. In the 10 years I have been Head we have seen many of our pupils take the next steps in their education at Wellacre, and then come back to us for work experience! 

Woodhouse is a strategic lead school for TTSA (Trafford Together School Alliance) a legacy teaching school which provides opportunities for CPD and cooperative working for schools across Trafford. We are committed to improving outcomes for young people in all schools across the Local Authority.

 I have a wide range of previous experience which has included working as a School Improvement in officer in Salford, as a deputy head in a very large primary in Bradford and as a numeracy consultant in Warrington. I believe this range of experience gives me breadth and depth in my understanding of the work of schools.

I live in Trafford with my husband and teenage son. I attended Trafford schools, as does my son who is currently in Year 12. In my spare time I love to read and am also working hard to harness the energy of the newest member of our family, a puppy.

John Whitby

john-whitby.jpg

I am a Member of the Academy Trust, having previously served on the Governing Body and as Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. As the Chief Executive of a work based learning provider involved with delivering Apprenticeships and Training to the Post 16 sector, I am well placed to support Wellacre. I have over 26 years’ experience of working with young people and am able to support the School in offering independent advice and guidance in a wide variety of Post 16 sectors, with particular experience in Engineering and Construction Apprenticeships. My organisation has a strong relationship with the Academy helping support delivery of technical subjects and also supporting taster days, interview techniques, CV writing and job interviewing support and training and work experience placements. My background in a Secondary Modern School in Stretford followed by many years of training in Engineering at North Trafford College has given me the skills to be able to converse with individuals at all levels within the Academy. I was previously a Governor at Trafford College for 14 years prior to becoming a Governor at Wellacre. I have lived in Flixton for over 25 years. I am married with two children. One of my children completed his School education as a student at Wellacre Academy. I have experience in strategic development, finance, quality and development of training and have supported the Academy with industry links to enable students to understand Post 16 options.

Hannah Rayson 

Hannah Rayson crop.pngI joined the Governing Body in July 2019 and I am a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. I currently work at Manchester Airport in the Commercial team, with previous experience working for British Gas in Commercial and Marketing roles. Working in the private sector has taught me skills in leadership, problem solving and strategic planning which I will contribute in my role as a School Governor at Wellacre; assisting the rest of the board in securing the best possible outcomes for the students. After graduating The University of Edinburgh with a Masters degree in Chemistry, I completed my teacher training and spent three years teaching at a Secondary School in Manchester including having leadership responsibility of A-level Science. I have always been passionate about contributing to the development of young people, particularly recognising the need to ensure that every single student has access to the best possible education and opportunities in life.

Meena Radhakrishnan

Meena Radhakrishnan - Governor crop.pngI am pleased to be appointed to the Governing Body of Wellacre Academy and I am a member of the Resources Committee. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and have over 20 years of experience working in education and financial services sector across UK and Asia Pacific. I have experience in strategic development, financial reporting, project management and commercial valuations.

I am married and have three children, one in a grammar school and the younger two in primary schools. Education is important and is always at the forefront in our lives and I believe that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest and I am here to invest my time with the Academy.
 

I am honoured to be given an opportunity to contribute towards improvement of education and look forward to helping the children achieve their full potential. I am extremely passionate about learning and am committed to supporting the school in bringing out the best in boys.

Louise Henry

Lousie Henry Governor crop.pngI am delighted to be appointed a Governor at Wellacre Academy. I have been doing this role since December 2020. I was educated in Trafford and have lived here for most of my life.  I took A-levels in Trafford (that include biology, chemistry, law and history) and hold a Bsc (Hons) in Applied Biology. I previously worked as a microbiologist for 7 years. During this time, I worked at United Utilities examining drinking water for the presence of parasites and also at Stepping Hill Hospital as an Environmental Microbiologist ensuring medicines were produced in a sterile environment. Skill sets included knowledge of procedures, being able to obtain and examine results and taking appropriate action.   

In 2002, I became a police officer, working for Greater Manchester Police. For most of that time, I have been a Detective involved in investigating serious crime. For over ten years, I specialised in public protection. I safeguarded children that were the victims of abuse and investigated this. This involved speaking to children, obtaining accounts and arresting and investigating offenders. I also specialised in domestic abuse - specifically investigating high risk cases of abuse. I also conducted enquiries and investigations into vulnerable adults that were being exploited or abused.

I have taken an active role in multi-agency meetings and investigations with agencies such as social workers, school safeguarding leads and NHS workers. I have attended many meetings such as strategy meetings, Child Case Protection conferences, LADO meetings (involving allegations against professionals) and MARAC meetings (multi agency meetings in relation to high risk victims of domestic abuse).  This involved researching information, providing appropriate information, listening and making informed, multi-agency decisions.  For the last 15 months, I have been working in the Serious Crime Division and specialise in investigating Money Laundering and Serious Fraud Offences.  

I have a 13 years old son in Year 8. I am keen to try and ensure that the pupils at Wellacre have the same opportunities that I did.  I am excited to have been given this opportunity to help and develop Wellacre pupils.

Shirley Procter

Shirley Procter.jpg

I joined the Governing Body in September 2021, as I wanted to serve in a local school. My background is in Human Resource Management, having worked in local government, the Further Education sector, and the NHS as a trainer all my working life. Before I retired, my last role included managing the Apprenticeship scheme for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, managing the staff development programme, as well as delivering a range of skills-based training programmes. I hold a Master’s degree in HRM, from MMU. 

As well as being a Governor, I’m a Trustee of a national charity, PIP-UK, and was HR trustee for my church, Vinelife Manchester, for 5 years. I’ve had various roles at Vinelife, including youth leader, home group leader, worship leader, and safeguarding trainer. I also led our homelessness programme, working with homeless people in the city centre.

I’m married with 2 adult children and 2 adult foster children. We fostered for Trafford for 13 years, having looked after 14 children during that time.

We‘ve volunteered as a family at music festivals with Oxfam for the last 15 years; my role varies, from steward to shift lead. I fundraise for Oxfam by painting commissioned video game images and these go all over the world.  I also write for a music site, attending many gigs and reviewing each one, as well as interviewing musicians. I’m active in local politics, and was a Labour Councillor in Flixton Ward until May 2021. 

Sam Russell

Sam Russell.jpg

I am a Member of the Governing Body and Resource Committee. As a CIPFA qualified Principal Finance Manager, with 6 years of public finance experience specialising in School Finance, I am well placed to support Wellacre with financial decision making. Working at Manchester City Council I have developed skills in governance leadership and strategic planning, which has supported Manchester Schools Forum and Education Senior Leadership team to make informed decisions. I understand the ever-changing impact of economic policy on funding implications and have three years’ experience of dealing with the Department of Education consultations to ensure that Manchester Schools received the best outcome.

I have lived in Davyhulme over 25 years and my brother and father attended as students at Wellacre Academy. I am committed to supporting Wellacre Academy to become a great environment for both pupils and staff ensuring that all pupils have access to the best possible education leading to the pupils reaching their full potential.

Chris Hinchcliffe

Chris Hinchcliffe.PNG I’m honoured to have this opportunity to be appointed to the Governing Body of Wellacre Academy. Since leaving Wellacre in 1995 I’ve gained over 25 years of experience within the financial banking sector.  I’m passionate about continued development and for the pupils of Wellacre Academy to also have this opportunity, I feel it’s fundamental to help the boys thrive, supporting the choices they will make in their adult lives. The mindset of development has helped me gain hands-on experience within Leadership and Strategy, complimented by continuing my education alongside my day to day role of a Bank Manager via an MSc in Leadership and Strategy.

As mentioned I was educated at Wellacre Academy and have lived in the local area for over 40 years. I’m committed to invest my time in supporting our Academy equip the boys to be inspired, fulfilled and confident after their time learning within the Academy.

Tom Fredrickson

Tom Fredrickson.jpgI am immensely proud to be appointed to the Governing Body and excited in the hope that I can contribute another dimension to the many and diverse skills that exist on the Board. I hope to bring my lifelong social skills and legal background to add another dimension to the sustainability and future of Wellacre Academy. Having an insight to the inner workings of the school as an invigilator since 2013 and more recently carrying out Covid-testing on students, I have witnessed first-hand, the respect and organisation during a school day. 

Serving as a magistrate for 23 years on Adult, Youth and Family panels, has given me experience with a cross diversity of communicating with not only defendants, witnesses and families, but also different agencies such as the police, the CPS, solicitors and social workers.

Having changed career from an electrician to enter the field of education late in life has provided me the opportunity to achieve job satisfaction from teaching in further education, people from diverse backgrounds, age groups, disabilities and disadvantaged. 

I live in Urmston with my wife and great grandson who is in year 8 at Wellacre. I am a volunteer for the Coroners Court Support Service (CCSS), an independent charity, which offers free, confidential, emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an inquest and provide advice to a number of agencies concerning a death. On a lighter note, we train puppies for the Guide Dogs which gives us great satisfaction knowing that they will enhance the life of a person who is visually impaired.

Owen McGrattan

Owen McGrattan.jpgI am honored to support Wellacre as Governor starting in September 2023. I currently work in another Academy within Greater Manchester as Head of Year, I also lead the whole school Student Personal Development and Academy Pride plan. With this line of work, it will allow me to support not only the staff here at Wellacre but our main priority, the students. 

Whilst working in education for nearly 5 years it has always been a key aim to support local communities to ensure we provide the best quality of education and support. As well as working in education I am also Trustee for 3 Community Hubs across Greater Manchester. Working closely in Salford, Oldham and Bradford. 

I am very excited to support you, your school and your community.

Laura Hepple-Stokes

Laura Hepple-Stokes crop.jpgI am proud to be appointed to the Governing Body starting in 2023. As a Chartered Accountant, with 9 years of audit experience I am well placed to support Wellacre with financial decision making and governance. I currently work in the Audit Quality Support Team at Mazars LLP, a top 10 audit firm in the UK, working in innovation and audit methodology. I have worked with a variety of clients which include large companies, international groups, schools and further education entities.

I have lived in Trafford all my life, attended a Trafford school and studied Finance and Accounting at Salford University. I have an 11 year old step-son who recently joined Year 7 at Wellacre. I am excited to be given this opportunity to support the school, ensuring the students have access to the best education and facilities possible.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and horse riding. I also enjoy travelling and completed a 6 month secondment in South Africa in 2018.

This site uses cookies. Some of the cookies we use are essential for parts of the site to operate and have already been set. You may delete and block all cookies from this site, but parts of the site will not work. See our Cookie Usage page for more details.