DIRECTORS
Paul Hayward (CEO)
Paul is currently Headteacher at St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School in Weston. This is his second headship. His career, in education, began in 1992 as a class teacher. Since then he has worked in different schools developing his teaching and leadership skills. Paul took a few years out of education to work in business as a commissioning engineer. This gave him an understanding of business which he feels has added value to his current position. When not working, Paul enjoys playing guitar and loves to spend time with his family.
Mark Blundy
Group Director of Health and Safety at Bowmer-Kirkland
Mark’s 15 years as an HSE Inspector gave him the knowledge and expertise we required to extend and enhance our safety culture and procedures. He joined B&K in 2007 and since then a number of our Group companies have achieved OHSAS 18001 Accreditation but, more importantly, we have positively enhanced our safety culture through our procedures, training and supporting communications. On our behalf, Mark liaises with a range of client and industry bodies to develop and promote best practice in the industry. He is a Chartered Member of IOSH and when not at work enjoys mountain biking and water skiing.
John Hill (Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)
John is a commercially minded senior marketing manager with over 20 years’ experience gained in a wide range of blue- chip companies. With a strong focus on brand, communications, and customer experience, he brings a track record of delivering exponential sales and margin growth. With a passion for language and imagery, he has successfully developed numerous customer propositions and brand positioning strategies. John is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a Fellow of the Institute of Data & Marketing and holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree. In his spare time, he is a keen gardener with an interest in amateur dramatics.
Kerry Reynolds (Chair)
Kerry is a qualified accountant with twenty years experience in Financial Services. Initially working at an accounting and audit practice in Birmingham, Kerry was offered an opportunity to join a startup and became the Financial Controller, leading the Finance team during a period of rapid growth and considerable change. In 2010, Kerry joined a global bank and held a number of positions that continued to develop her strategic planning, financial management, governance and program management skills. Currently, Kerry is the Strategy and Program Lead for a multi-year global Technology program. During the pandemic, she undertook a course to develop her understanding of School Business Management. This provided her with invaluable insights into how schools function and reinforced a desire to apply her commercial experience to support local schools. Kerry lives in Weston with her husband and two children, who attend St. Andrews Church of England School. In her spare time, Kerry is an avid reader and loves spending time with her family playing games and crafting.
Anna Brotherton (Vice Chair)
I currently work for the Department of Education in incident management. I have worked with the civil service for 15 years holding various roles including project management, security and business continuity planning. I originally started my career training in early years and working with in nursery settings. I have welcomed this opportunity to see from the other side how schools operate and the impacts that some of my department’s decisions/policies have. As a parent to two daughters who attend St Andrews, I really see the value that a good educational setting provides and how this shapes our children’s future. I have a passion for helping people and have a real interest in how we can support in the SEN space with the challenges in the current system.
Richard Saunders
Richard has worked in the education sector almost all his working life, having initially worked with Staffordshire County Council in technical IT roles, before moving to work with a UK based education IT supplier for the last 10 years, spanning multiple roles from operations and account management. Insight gained in these varied roles have supported him to have an good understanding of the challenges school and trusts have in the current climate. He’s always had a keen interest in supporting Mid Trent and has previously supported St Peter’s CE Primary starting out as a co-operative governor in 2019, moving to vice chair in 2021 and then in 2022 having a further 4 years chairing the local academy committee. Richard has also had two children pass through St Peter’s and in his spare time, enjoys running, the gym, socialising and can be known to play a musical instrument occasionally.
Peter Bowers
Information to follow.
MEMBERS
Jonathan Mayne
Having spent 25 years in the Royal Corps of Signals, Jonathan is currently working as the Director of Operations at Lichfield Cathedral School. As a former Army officer, he has experience in leadership, risk management, and project management. In his present role, Jonathan is responsible for a myriad of daily operational school functions including facilities management, catering, transport, visits coordination, health and safety and marketing. He has previously held a Parent Governor appointment at St. Andrew’s Church of England Primary School and lives with his family in Weston. In his spare time he loves anything involving the great outdoors and is a volunteer with Staffordshire Search and Rescue.
Roger Williams FCMA CGMA
Roger is a commercially minded Director who began his career as an industry trained accountant, qualifying in 1986. He has over 40 years experience in finance, commercial and managing Director roles in complex Corporate entities and SME’s. He has a strong focus on Corporate governance and process, connecting those disciplines to commercial enterprise. He has 6 years experience working as a non-executive trust board member for a 20 strong MAT. He has a passion for education and learning having previous and current experience working for organisations in direct receipt of EFSA funding.
Clive O’Donnell
Clive retired in 2018 after a 37 year teaching career in independent junior schools, including three headships, two in Stafford and one in Birmingham. He served on several regional and national committees and was a team inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Having lived with his wife and three step-children almost next door to St. Andrew’s for nearly twenty years, it has been a pleasure getting to know the school as a volunteer in retirement. Hobbies include sport, especially cricket, concerts and theatre visits and exploring the countryside with two energetic dogs.
CECET Representative
The Church of England Central Education Trust (CECET) is the corporate body representing the Diocese of Lichfield with the role of appointing Directors/Trustees to Academy Trusts.
Directors and Members who have resigned or come to the end of their term of office in the past 12 months.
Clive O’Donnell retired from his position as a director on 3rd July 2026