Proprietary Body/Governing Body

Philip is a former head teacher of two special schools. His first a primary special school in Castleford the latter being an all aged, mixed special school in Rotherham

Philip was a Local Education Officer supporting schools with admissions, complaints, appeals and progress. Philip has acted at strategic county level to ensure excluded students were effectively and efficiently placed. He was a Senior Education Officer – responsible for strategy across the LEA for hard to place students, and the development of School Behaviour and Attendance Partnerships.
Philip is currently an education consultant.

Appointed September 2020

I am proud to be part of the Governing body. I have had a long relationship with R.E.A.L. and have worked to support the use of technology across the school sites to the benefit of staff and learners. I previously worked as a Senior School Improvement Advisor for Nottinghamshire County Council. This experience has given me skills and appreciation for helping schools to develop and achieve their potential.

As a qualified teacher, I am passionate about making a difference and making education relevant, interesting and engaging for all young people.

I am Chair of the Climate and Culture Committee

Appointed September 2020

After completing a History degree and PGCE at Loughborough University, Shan started teaching in Leicestershire in 1984. She followed the departmental route and after several moves became a Curriculum Deputy Headteacher. She led a secondary school on subject development, assessment, quality assurance and completed the timetable. She completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship and played a part in numerous training events in Nottinghamshire. Shan had always had an interest in pastoral care and so for the last eight years of her career took up the post of Senior Deputy Head in charge of behaviour, safety and welfare. She line managed a large SEN department and was the DSL, she re-modelled the school’s behaviour and support systems and was the Stonewall champion and careers lead. After retiring from full time education in 2019 Shan worked as a consultant supporting two secondary schools. She enjoys reading detective novels and listening and dancing to music. Shan is a keen gardener.

I am Chair of the Standards and Quality of Education Committee.

Appointed September 2020

Appointed December 2023

Adrian is the Director of Education at R.E.A.L. Education.

Adrian has a sports science degree and a postgraduate qualification in physical education. Throughout his career he has worked in several different schools in the local area. His experience has been across a range of different types including primary, secondary and special schools. He has been a principal in a secondary and a special school, and prior to R.E.A.L. an executive principal over a primary and a special school.

Appointed September 2021

Kelsey is the Director of People and Business Operations at R.E.A.L. Education.

Appointed September 2021

Kirsten is the Head of Schools for all 4 R.E.A.L. Independent Schools. She has a wealth of experience of leadership with the Independent Special School Sector.

Appointed April 2023

Sarah Barrett – Direct Pecuniary Interest (employed by R.E.A.L. two days per week)

Adrian O’Malley – Direct Pecuniary Interest (employee of R.E.A.L.)

Kelsey Hill – Direct Pecuniary Interest (employee of R.E.A.L.)

Jon Glover – Direct Pecuniary Interest (employed by R.E.A.L. two days per week)

Kirsten Gibson – Direct Pecuniary Interest (Head of Schools)

Craig Wilkie – Indirect Interest (supplier of I.T. services to R.E.A.L.)

All other Governors have no business, pecuniary interests or governance roles in other education establishments to declare.