Trustees
Staff
Staff
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STAR QUALITIESEnergy
Creativity
Cool Head
DrivenFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEForward!Chris Brindley
Chair of Trust Board Chris brings enthusiasm and energy and to everything he does. He also brings a wealth of leadership and media experience to his role and is a huge asset to our board and a familiar face in our schools.I’m Chris and I am honoured and delighted to be Chair of the Trust Board at Inspiring Learners. I have been in school governance for over a decade and was previously Vice-Chair of Governors of Sale Grammar School.
I’m passionate about education and believe in giving back and supporting my community and the next generation. I really believe it is important that we treat all the children in our schools as individuals and help them reach their potential, both academically and happy, rounded people.
Professionally, I run BBC North West which includes TV, online and radio. I am used to leading teams, overseeing projects, dealing with high pressure environments and holding people/organisations to account. I was previously a Senior Journalist and Senior Producer in National news and also ran the Central News Service for BBC England.
I am immensely proud of the schools in the Trust. We have exceptionally highly skilled staff, who really care about the children and strive to get the best out of them and each other. I love to see how happy the children in our schools are whenever I go in.
I also live in Trafford and have 3 children. Please do say hello if you see me in school. -
STAR QUALITIESExperience
People
Well-being
DetailFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTECooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there. (Virginia Burden)Karen Eccles
Vice Chair of Trust Board Karen brings a wealth of HR experience to our board and is utterly committed to our mission and vision. Karen’s voice ensures we continually appreciate the value and importance of our staff on achieving our vision and that staff well-being is as important as their professional skill.I’m Karen and I’m Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Inspiring Learners Multi Academy Trust. I have been involved with Tyntesfield Primary School for a number of years and in the past, I was a member of the Governing Body.
The philosophy that children and learning are the driving force behind everything that we do in the Trust is something that means I feel extremely proud to be a part of it.
In my professional life, I am a Human Resources Consultant. My work experience includes managing HR change projects, working with businesses to create and implement people strategies, communication planning, coaching, facilitation of training and development, performance management, engagement and reward.
What this really means is that I use my skill set to help businesses of various sizes, to achieve their aims, through more effectively managing relationships with, and developing and supporting their people. I believe this translates well to school communities where strong collaborative relationships, great communication and engaged people, including pupils, parents, staff, governors, trustees and anyone else instrumental in the life of the school, make for a shared understanding and lay the foundations for success.
I’m passionate about working hard to ensure the success of the schools in our Trust and to give all the pupils, now and in the future, the best opportunity to thrive and I feel privileged to be able to work with this Trust Board, all of whom share this passion. -
STAR QUALITIESPassion
Commitment
Vision
Lifelong LearnerFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEVision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. (Joel A. Barker)Kylie Spark MBE
Trustee (Head of Trust, CEO) Kylie’s passion, vision and energy inspires us all! She leads our Trust with a relentless drive and determination. She always sees the big picture whilst sweating the small detail too.I have worked in primary education my whole career, with over twenty years of those as headteacher and executive leader. Previously headteacher at Tyntesfield Primary School, I led the school through conversion and the establishment of our Trust in 2017 and have proudly been Head of Trust ever since.
I have also been an NLE and system leader for many years, having the privilege of working alongside school leaders in a number of schools, providing leadership development and coaching. As a lead facilitator on the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), I enjoy working alongside new and aspiring headteachers and, as Chair of Ashton-on-Mersey SCITT Board, I have gained so much knowledge about ITT and have enjoyed working alongside colleagues from the secondary sector.
In 2015, Tyntesfield was designated a Teaching School and one of three lead schools in Trafford Teaching School Alliance (TTSA). During that time, I worked closely with many Trafford Primary Headteachers to develop a CPD Programme, Research and Development opportunities and school to school support for Trafford primary schools. Although no longer lead a Teaching School, I continue to work closely with Trafford primary and secondary schools and Trafford LA to facilitate subject leader networks and development in practice to support more effective KS2/3 transition.
Inspiring Learners grew from our passion and commitment to provide the best opportunities for children and staff, to grow and flourish as learners and to foster community. Collaboration sits at the heart of our Trust as we share best practice, challenge and support each other, learn and grow together to enable ourselves, and each other, to thrive.
We fervently believe that every child deserves the very best opportunities to achieve their potential and, although no longer in the classroom, I am as passionate as ever about teaching, learning and innovative curriculum development and LOVE my role as Head of Trust, leading the Trust towards achieving our vision. -
STAR QUALITIESCreative
Collaborative
Learner-focused
ThoughtfulFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEPeople will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)Lynne Bianchi
Trustee Lynne's passion for education shines through everything she does; children and learning are truly at the heart of her work. We are delighted that Lynne is part our Trust Board, she lives and breathes our Trust values and her passion, knowledge and educational experience ensure we always remain focused on what really matters - ensuring the very best outcomes for the children in our schools.I have always had a strong desire to make a difference and to work with people. As someone who enjoys learning – both in terms of being a learner myself and curating learning for others. My main passion is around primary education, and in particular science and engineering education. I am passionate about how we can support teachers, children and their school communities to learn about the world around them, the amazing innovations where science is applied to solve engineering challenges that matter to us.
Having worked in two primary schools in North Manchester, I studied for a Masters and PhD after which I spent a good number of years at Sheffield Hallam University. I owe them a lot of gratitude for the skills and experiences I had there, that then led me to launching SEERIH (Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub) at The University of Manchester in 2014. This has become a leading national centre, with a wider range of activities including the Great Science Share for Schools! I am also the Vice Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Science & Engineering which means I have the pleasure of working with many teams to continue making a difference in our communities.
At home I am a mum to three amazing daughters, a wife, daughter, aunty, friend, etc. etc.! The list goes on. I have a very full and busy life. I enjoy playing the piano as well as travelling and eating great food. I am most proud of taking on the role as Trustee of the Inspiring Learners Trust – where I know I have found a home in terms of values and ambition. -
STAR QUALITIESFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEAlan Budenberg
Trustee Alan brings a wealth of financial and governance experience to the Board enabling him to effectively support our strategic decision-making and analysis of risk. Alan is committed to our Trust values and to ensuring the very best outcomes for the children in our Trust.I’m delighted to have joined the Inspiring Learners board. I have lived in the local area all my life and have a long history of being involved in education in Trafford.
I bring financial expertise to the board after 40 years at Barclays. I had a number of different roles, from local branches to project work and as an investment advisor. As part of my role, I was also the President of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments, which is the professional body for advisors, in Manchester. I now work part-time as an investment consultant and am a guest lecturer at the University of Manchester.
I have over 20 years’ governance experience, I have been the Chair of Governors at Sale Grammar School for nine years, where I was involved in all aspects of the school and have continued as a member of the school’s board. I have also been a governor at two other Trafford Primary schools, which has given me a good understanding of the constraints and decisions required when running a school in the area.
In addition to my experience in education, I am a trustee of a children’s medical charity and an animal charity, giving me further experience of the role of a trustee.
In my retirement I considered a number of different roles but thought Inspiring Learners was one of the most interesting with the opportunity to build on the work to develop a group of schools and really make a difference to the education of children in the area. -
STAR QUALITIESResilient
Integrity
Determination
CommitmentFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTETo Thine Own Self Be True – Hamlet (William Shakespeare)Carol El-Hawary
Trustee Carol is a valued Trustee at Inspiring Learners, bringing extensive expertise in risk management, governance, and strategy across education, finance, and IT. With leadership experience in the UK and abroad, she excels in assessing risks, driving strategic decision-making, and supporting organisations through change. Passionate about education, Carol is committed to strengthening governance and ensuring the Trust’s long-term success.I'm Carol and I am delighted to be a Trustee at Inspiring Learners Multi-Academy Trust. I bring extensive experience in risk management, governance, and strategy, having worked across multiple sectors, including education, finance and IT.
My career has spanned leadership roles in in the UK and abroad, where I have specialised in assessing and mitigating risks, ensuring robust decision-making, and supporting organisations through change. My background includes managing large-scale projects, advising on operational risks, and developing strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability.
I am passionate about supporting schools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring that the Trust continues to provide the highest quality education. I am excited to contribute my expertise in risk management to help the Trust strengthen its governance, safeguard its future, and continue to inspire learners.
Day to day, I work with organisations to identify risks, improve processes, and enhance strategic planning. I have a strong background in leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making - skills that I believe are essential for a thriving multi-academy trust.
I live in Sale with my four much-loved rescue cats, and I am delighted to be part of Inspiring Learners, supporting the Trust Board, staff, and school leaders in helping our schools and pupils' flourish. -
STAR QUALITIESPassion
Strategy
Collaboration
PeopleFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEEffective leaders are driven by the overarching commitment to serve the needs of children. (Grint)Yvonne Gandy
Trustee Yvonne is passionate about education and brings her extensive experience to Inspiring Learners. She is able to think strategically whilst having her eye on the finer detail and is a huge asset to our board. Yvonne is committed to our mission and lives the Trust values in all that she does.I’m Yvonne and I'm extremely proud to be a trustee on the Trust Board at Inspiring Learners.
I am passionate about education, and my mission is to get the best for children in our schools so they can thrive. I have worked in education as a teacher, leader, adviser and more recently as a consultant focusing on effective school leadership, school improvement, professional development and training.
My skills include performance coaching, creating and leading effective teams, strategic direction setting and working collaboratively with diverse groups of school leaders and organisations.
I have two boys and live on the Wirral.
I am excited and feel privileged to be working with a fabulous Head of Trust and team of Trustee’s. I look forward to continuing to play an active part in the development and success of the Trust, working on behalf of all the staff, parents and children who are central to the work of the Trust and its ambition to inspire and enable its community of learners and leaders to achieve the best outcomes. -
STAR QUALITIESQuestioning
Thinking
Analysis
Big PictureFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEWhether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right. (Henry Ford)Tabitha Gardner
Trustee Tabitha asks the best questions. Her rigour, attention to detail and analytical mind are complemented by her fantastic ability to think strategically, be forward thinking and see the big picture. Tabitha will often ask the question that makes us stop, think and truly reflect on ‘why’.I am Tabitha and I lead the financial element of the Board of Trustees of Inspiring Learners Multi-Academy Trust. My work is to ensure the Trust, and the schools within our Trust, have a robust financial position so that we deliver our aims and objectives. We set the financial plan and regularly review financial performance against the plan. We also ensure robust financial control, which means we spend our funding appropriately and get value for money.
In my day job I work as the Chief Finance Officer at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, managing the budget for hospital and community services in Wigan and Leigh. I have also worked in NHS England, as well as in the private sector in KPMG.
I am passionate about developing our Trust and schools to ensure that our pupils are stretched to achieve their best, both academically and as individuals. -
STAR QUALITIESAnalysis
Focus
Calm
PeopleFAVOURITE MOTIVATION QUOTEJamie Whyte
Trustee Jamie’s calm, thoughtful, values-driven leadership and analytical style ensure our board remain focused on what really matters – the children. Jamie has been involved with Inspiring Learners from the very beginning and is utterly committed to what we are striving to achieve.I’m Jamie and am a Trustee and Member of Inspiring Learners Multi-Academy Trust. For over four years I was Chair of the Trust Board and I led the process to establish the Trust in 2017, and prior to that was Chair of Tyntesfield Primary School's Governing Body. I was also Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee and have been involved in governance since 2011.
I am immensely proud to have been part of our Trust Board, and I am tremendously excited about our future! The relationship between the schools, and with the Trust, enables our schools to collaborate at a deep level, and I can't wait to see how the leaders and staff continue to make the most of this opportunity. The positive impact on teaching and learning is evident in all schools in the Trust.
Day-to-day, I work with data, advising government departments, not-for-profit organisations, and businesses on data strategy. I am also Director of Open Data Manchester; a community interest company I helped set up to promote a more equitable society through fairer use of data. I gained an understanding of educational policy through working with schools to analyse their performance data whilst working for Trafford local authority.