Pen Portraits of Members and Governors

Steve Casey

 

I am proud to be appointed Chair of the Governing Board at Wellacre Academy.  I have over 20 years experience in teaching, the last 10 years worked at senior leadership level across two mainstream secondary schools.  I worked at Wellacre Academy from September 2009 to December 2023.  I have had whole school responsibility for behaviour, inclusion, SEND and attendance and experienced numerous OfSTED inspections and been part of leadership teams that have obtained "Good" and "Outstanding" OfSTED judgements.  I have held the position of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, undertaken extensive training in this area and have substantial experience dealing with complex safeguarding issues.  I currently sit on the board of governors at specialist primary school in Flixton and hold the position of Chair of Personnel and Standards.

 

Andrew Young

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I became a Member in December 2025, prior to that I was a Community Governor from March 2018.  During this time I held the position of Chair of Governors for four years. 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 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

I 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 and I attended Trafford schools. 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.

Meena Radhakrishnan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I 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 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.

 

 Sam Russell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 and now at Salford Council, I have developed skills in governance leadership and strategic planning, which has supported the 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 Schools within my remit 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m honoured to have this opportunity to be appointed as a Member 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.

 

Laura Hepple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I 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 at Wellacre and 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.

Joanne Thirkhill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am incredibly proud to hold the role of Parent Governor on the board on trustees here at Wellacre. My son joined the school in September 2023 and we have both been overwhelmed by the ‘family feel’ at Wellacre and the support that is available to all of the boys.  

I live locally with my husband and 3 children. In my spare time (not that I get much of that!) I love to get outside, camping, hiking or kayaking or curl up by the fire with a good book!   

I have 20 years of experience within the primary education sector and have been fortunate enough to hold the role of senior leader at large schools both within Trafford and Oldham having previously taught in Newham. I have recently become a Headteacher. I am a governor at another local secondary school and a Specialist Leader in Education and love the opportunities I get to collaborate with other settings. I hope that I am able to utilise many of my skills to support the boys and staff at Wellacre and also bring the perspective of a parent to the future direction of the school.  

Lindsay Johnston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am proud to have been elected by the parents for the role of Parent Governor at Wellacre. My Son joined Wellacre in September 2021. He loves attending here. We have always received great support from the school.

I have over 28 years working within the NHS with the majority of that in Emergency and Urgent Care. I hold the role of Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Non-Medical Prescriber. I work clinically as well as a management role. I also am a programme lead and lecturer at the University of Salford. Education is ongoing and I am an eternal student. Everyday is a school day. There is always something to learn and Wellacre gives the boys the building blocks for the future.

In my spare time, I am a leader/ training manager/ First aid trainer within the Scout Association and a chaperone at local amateur dramatics groups.

I am proud that my son attends Wellacre and I am equally as proud to be a Parent Governor.

 

Nafeesa Mohammed

I am pleased to take on the role of Trustee (Governor) at Wellacre Academy. The school's
values, honesty, pride, respect, resilience, and aspiration, align closely with my own and
reflect the principles I use in raising my three children.
I bring a First-Class Honours degree in Medicinal and Biological Chemistry and over ten
years' experience in procurement, alongside more than six years' experience as a Governor
across both primary and secondary settings. I currently serve as a Parent Governor at
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, and I also have over four years' experience working in
school governance, with extensive clerking expertise and regular involvement in exclusions,
complaints, and committee meetings.
Wellbeing is an important part of my life, and my practice of yoga helps me maintain
balance, focus, and resilience, qualities I hope to bring into my role at Wellacre. I look
forward to contributing my knowledge, experience, and energy to support the school and its
community.
I strongly believe that all children have the ability to reach their potential, when the right
conditions are in place and teachers are supported to focus on helping them grow. My
experience as both a Governor and Clerk to Governors has strengthened this conviction,
and I hope that the time, energy, and skills I bring will support Wellacre in continuing to
deliver the very best for its boys.

 

Stuart Crampton 

I have over 20 years' experience working in education, with a strong commitment to inclusion and improving outcomes for all children and young people. Throughout my career, I have focused on supporting inclusive practice and ensuring that pupils with additional needs feel understood, valued and able to achieve their potential.
I am a local resident and a parent of a pupil at Wellacre, which gives me a strong connection to the school and its community. I have seen first-hand the positive impact of the school's inclusive ethos and values. I am keen to continue supporting Wellacre as it develops and grows, and I am pleased to contribute my experience, insight and passion for inclusion through my role as a trustee.