Members/Trustees Profiles

Mr Alan Guildford – Chair of Trustees

I have lived in the Coppenhall area all of my life. I was approached by the Local Authority approx. 20 years ago to see if I would be interested in being a School Governor at Monks Coppenhall. I accepted the invitation to become a Governor because I saw it as an opportunity to be involved in a small way in the local community. At the time I also thought it would give me a good insight into the educational workings and be beneficial for me should I have been fortunate to have had a family of my own at a later date. I have been employed by HM Customs and Excise and its successor HM Revenue and Customs since I completed my A-Levels in 1984.

Mrs Gill Edwards – Vice Chair of Trustees

I retired in 2014 from my position as a head teacher in a primary school in Cheshire East. I have been involved with education for more than 38 years. I was a professional teacher, with a great deal of experience of classroom teaching and the management of schools. During much of this time I worked in a school within the Crewe Community. I am also a parent and now as a grandparent of young children. I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to be a director at Monks Coppenhall Academy and am proud to be able to support the staff of this excellent and caring academy in their aim to provide high quality education for all children in their care.

Mrs Pamela Simpson  – Principal /CEO of Alexandra Academy Trust

I have worked at Monks Coppenhall School, since September 2014, as Headteacher. I have been a Headteacher in two other schools, Buglawton Primary School in Congleton, for 7 years and Betley Primary School, just outside Crewe, for 4 years. Before this I was Deputy Headteacher for 2 years at Church Lawton Primary school. I started my career working as a teacher at Mablins Lane School in Crewe and was there for 8 years. During my time as a teacher and Senior Leader, I taught across all ages from Nursery to Year 6. I have gained experience as a Governor at all stages of my career. I have Coordinated Special Educational Needs for 8 years and led IT and Science across the school. I have also qualified as a Local Leader of Education and had the opportunity to support other schools. I feel passionate about removing any barriers to learning and empowering all children to succeed and have very high aspirations.

Mr Dave Malam

I have been a Governor since 1987 and Chair of Governors from 1992 until 2015. I live and work in Crewe and have endeavoured to assist Monks Coppenhall Primary School to become the excellent school that it is today. My aim is to help carry the school forward and sustain its good educational aims and objectives for the benefit of the children. They deserve the best we can give them.

Mr Gordon Fairbairn

I am a self-employed farmer with two children who both attend Monks Coppenhall Academy. I was previously elected as a  Parent Director and following completion of this term was asked to become a Co-opted Director. I find being a Director to be interesting and challenging. I like the fact I have an input into my children's education and that I can give something back to the local community.

Mrs Julie Alexandra-Orrell

I have over 30 years’ experience as an education specialist and am an accredited local leader of education. I have a particular interest in safeguarding and as an accredited trainer I have delivered briefings and information sessions to people at all levels in a variety of roles and from different settings in the area.

I played a leading role on the MAT Board and the MAT executive committee of my previous school thereby influencing the direction of the organisation.

Following my retirement from Headship in 2020 I became an apprenticeship tutor supporting management apprentices based in the education sector with their training by planning, co-ordinating and mentoring.

I currently work for a Cheshire based charity as a specialist family practitioner and have responsibility for managing and delivering a programme for survivors of domestic abuse.

I am married with two grown-up children and a grandchild.

I joined the Trust in the Spring of 2020.

Mrs Rachael Day

I have lived and worked in Cheshire all my life and have always had a passion for helping the local community through the development of its young people.

I currently work in the legal sector in a local law firm and became involved with the school as a way to help aid in shaping the next generation.

My aim is to help Monks Coppenhall to maintain a level of excellence and provide a solid basis for the children to progress.

Mrs Pauline Turner

I consider it a privilege to be a Trustee at the Alexandra Academy Trust. In 2020, after being involved with education for more than 42 years, I retired from my position as  Vice-Principal in a local primary school in Cheshire East. In my leadership roles, I had responsibility for safeguarding, attendance, Pupil Premium and educational standards.

As a Trustee, I strongly believe that each child is entitled to a rich and exciting curriculum that inspires and engages them, leading directly to improvement. I am committed to ensuring that all children have opportunities to enjoy, learn, develop, fulfil their dreams and that expectations and standards in the schools and nurseries  remain high.