Governance

Victoria Espley - Chair of Governors | Behaviour and Attitudes

Michael Dennison - Safeguarding

I have been Chair of Governors since 2012 and have had a long association with North Oxfordshire Academy and other schools locally. I am also serving on United Learning’s Education Board.  My background is in education and school improvement having previously been an academy principal, Ofsted inspector and deputy director in local authorities.  I am currently an education adviser to the Department for Education.

I am married (to an ex-deputy head teacher). Our three grown-up children attended local schools; only one became a teacher and is now working in a special school.

David East - Health and Safety

I joined North Oxfordshire Academy Local Governing Body in October 2022.  I am the Sales & Marketing Director for a UK based Chemical manufacturer and have been Managing Director in my two previous roles.  I specialise in business turnarounds, leadership & strategy, and I am passionate about developing people.

Previously, I have been a school parent-governor in Cheshire.  I am married and my wife is a Behavioural Psychologist, who runs her own business consultancy and was born in Banbury. I have two grown-up sons; one is an Officer in the RAF and the other is a Graduate Buyer.

Jon Carlton - Leadership, Management and Finance

Jon Carlton is a Chartered Engineer who worked in the electricity and gas industry, both in the UK and USA, for 35 years.  He now runs his own consultancy business as well as performing a number of Non-Executive and advisory roles.  At the Academy, Jon is taking a lead on raising the profile of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.  He is also lead governor working with the staff to increase levels of achievement across the curriculum.

Phill Slater - Vice Chair and Quality of Education

Phill Slater is Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and retired Director of Procurement from consumer product company Procter & Gamble in Switzerland. In this role he managed a team of 500 staff  located in over 20 countries. He also held senior positions with Gillette and Black&Decker working in UK, USA. Phill is married with two daughters who were both educated locally and has lived in the area since 1990. He graduated from University of Sheffield in 1978 and gained his post-graduate professional diploma at the North West Management School in 1979.

Ian McConnachie - Sixth Form

I am a University Administrator at the University of Oxford working in Admissions, Access and Outreach. I have recently relocated to Banbury from Oxford where I had lived since starting University and I grew up a little further North in Warwickshire.

I am in regular contact with a large variety of schools, candidates and parents, and understand the issues facing students wishing to enter Higher Education in particular. I am the lead governor for the Sixth Form where I work with staff to ensure that students develop skills to succeed in their future careers through both academic and vocational qualifications.

Robert Fernandes - Personal Development