Governors

Our Governors

King Edward VI Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Jude Hunton
  Executive Headteacher
  Jude Hunton

• Mark Wilkinson
  Principal
  Mark Wilkinson

• Alastair Dixon
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Alastair Dixon

  Alastair joined King Edward VI ASC in October 2020 and regularly volunteers to Chair Pupil Discipline Committee meetings. He completed 22 years' service in the RAF back in 2019 and is now settled into a new career with Siemens as an Engineering Manager. Alastair can challenge decisions, to ensure they are in the best interest of the academy and its pupils, a keen eye for Health and Safety, and a passion for the well-being of children in general. As a family man, he loves weekends away in their caravan, and carp fishing trips with his youngest son.

• Valerie Greig
  Parent Governor (Vice Chair)
  Valerie Greig

  Valerie was appointed a Parent Governor on the ASC on 8 January 2022. Having followed her two sons progress through the academy and her daughter just having started her journey, Valerie is very interested in ensuring that high educational standards are maintained and that all the children are safeguarded well and are given the opportunity to fulfil their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs or disability. Valerie currently owns and manages a small touring caravan park with her husband. Before this she worked as a qualified engineer in the oil and gas sector for 20 years. She has experience of managing projects, personnel, commercials, procurement, and contracts. Many of these skills are transferrable to her governor role including working as part of a team. Valerie is not afraid to challenge decisions to ensure the best outcomes. She is an avid reader and loves to keep fit and travel.

• Chris Blanchard
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Chris Blanchard

  Chris was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor at the academy on 28 November 2017. He initially became a governor because he wanted to have an influence on his daughter's education but then realised he could make an impact to all the students' progress through challenge. He is also passionate to see the school as the school of choice for the area and not see children waiting for a bus to take them to another school. Chris has served 35 years so far for the Royal Air Force. His good leadership and managerial qualities enable him to effectively Chair the ASCs at Barnes Wallis, King Edward VI and Thomas Middlecott Academies. Chris is empathetic with excellent communication skills and has the courage to give challenge to school leaders and the higher Trust leaders, if required. He has a calm demeanour and is very approachable, and is often called upon to support other academies in the Trust. In his free time Chris enjoys Running, cycling and reading.

• Charlotte Walton
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Charlotte Walton

  I became a governor to utilise my knowledge and experience of working in education and support another local school. I also wish to develop my understanding of the role of the ASC and the part they play in supporting the school to achieve the best possible pupil outcomes. I am a secondary school English teacher and whole school Reading Improvement Lead. I understand the impact of low reading ages on student outcomes and have experience in developing a bespoke reading improvement intervention programme, for my setting. I also have personal experience of SEN in raising a child with autism, who is in special education. I have an interest in neurodiversity in schools and feel passionate about helping to improve support for children with SEND.

• Chrissy Breakwell
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Chrissy Breakwell

  I decided to become a governor at King Edward VI Academy because I wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the education and development of young people in the local community. Having worked in education for many years, I’m passionate about helping pupils access the best possible opportunities and experiences, both within and beyond the classroom. I also wanted to share my own professional insight into teaching, pastoral care, and co-curricular development to help support the Academy’s vision and values. Becoming a governor allows me to give something back — using my experience to help the school continue to grow, thrive, and serve its community with ambition and care.

  I work in education as a Housemistress and teacher, with significant experience in both pastoral leadership and curriculum development. My role involves overseeing the welfare, progress, and personal growth of pupils aged 11–18, as well as teaching and assessing academic work across key stages. I also lead co-curricular and character development programmes, focusing on leadership, resilience, and community engagement.

  I hope to bring deep understanding of how school culture, teaching quality, and pupil wellbeing interact to drive outcomes. My skills include data analysis, strategic planning, and evaluating the impact of initiatives on student progress and engagement. I also have extensive experience supporting staff teams, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to whole-school improvement, all of which I hope will help strengthen the Academy’s provision and accountability.

  My first love has always been sport, and it remains a huge part of my life. I originally trained as a PE teacher but now teach Geography as well as running a boarding house, which has strengthened my belief in holistic education — developing the whole person through challenge, curiosity, and community. I’m passionate about programmes such as the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which help pupils build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills.

  Health and fitness are central to my life, and I enjoy golf, Muay Thai, and strength training. I also have a deep passion for learning and self-development, and am currently learning Greek and the saxophone. These pursuits remind me of both the joy and the struggles of learning something new and reinforce the importance of breadth, perseverance, and a lifelong curiosity about the world.

• Hannah Johnson
  Staff Governor
  Hannah Johnson

• Vicky Bayley
  Clerk
  Vicky Bayley

  Vicky joined DRET as a clerk in December 2023 and is also a DRET appointed Governor and Vice Chair at Eastfield Academy. Her professional roles have encompassed public service as a midwife, working in a police force control room and as a one-to-one learning support assistant in a primary setting. Vicky enjoys using her leisure time creatively in various crafts, playing her baritone and likes to read.

Current Governors

Former Governors

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for King Edward VI Academy is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust's scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

aug 2025 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive?

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.