Local Governing Boards

The Governors of Phoenix Academy

For Academy Transformation Trust registered correspondence details: click here

Please see the Local Governing Body Terms of Reference for governor appointing bodies.

Should you have any queries relating to the Local Governing Board, please contact Verna Mills, Clerk to the LGB via Verna.Mills@academytransformation.co.uk

Local Governing Board – Chair of Governors – Mr David Grice

Address: Phoenix Academy, Odell Road, Leamore, Walsall – Tel: 01922 712834

Mr David Grice – Chair

I have been fortunate enough to teach in many diverse settings including pupil referral units, colleges, prisons and most recently, universities. I am a passionate advocate of the importance of education and lifelong learning.

I am very aware of the highly levels of influence that years 1 to 6 have in developing a sound basis for further study. In addition to teaching myself, I have also delivered teacher training and coaching for a number of universities. As such, I am highly experienced at supporting teachers to become more effective in their role.

As an experienced leader with a passion for raising expectations and a distain for thwarted opportunity, I am very comfortable in providing challenge where it is required. I firmly believe that all involved with education have a social, ethical and moral responsibility to ensure that every child is supported to realise their maximum potential. I am a lifelong resident of Walsall and I have served as a volunteer governor in other schools for many years. I am really looking forward to playing my role in ensuring that Phoenix Academy consistently exceeds your expectations and is a place where children can make excellent progress in a comfortable, supportive environment.

Mr Neil Toplass – Vice Chair

Pen Portrait Neil Toplass Colour 256x300

I have worked supporting and educating challenging students for the last 25 years. I have been a school leader for over 16 years and have been a Head for 12. I am currently the Executive Head Teacher of a split site residential SEMH school covering students from KS2 to KS4 (7-16 yrs old). I am clear that students experiencing SEMH issues need to be supported by the best staff and have access to the best resources and curriculum a school can offer.

Students quite simply need to leave our provisions literate, numerate, resilient and able to self regulate their behaviour. This will provide them with the best possible starting point to enter a place of work.

Over the last 6 years I have worked to develop a Regional Network of SEMH schools based in the Midlands. With the support of Engage, and joining the committee, our local schools are working more and more closely to bring together staff (through moderation exercises, conferences and visits), students (through inter school competitions and events) and leadership teams (through network meetings and more recently peer reviews).

I am passionate about improving the life chances of some of the most challenging and vulnerable students in our country and I’m happy to share my experiences, both good and not so good to support others in their journey.

Miss E. Phillips – Principal

I come from a family of teachers – both mom and dad inspired me to teach. Though I have come to Primary Education through a winding route, from being a Lecturer in Pottery for Adults and running my own business, I have been at Phoenix Academy since 2013 and have been part of the Leadership team for 5 years. In 2018, I took up the role of Assistant Principal, and in 2019 the role of Vice Principal.

My passion for education comes from the truth that it can, does and will continue to change people’s lives for the better. Since I became Interim Principal in the summer of 2020, I have dedicated myself to adding to the school’s positive environment with a keen focus on understanding our pupil’s behaviour. This is the key to improving both academic outcomes and arguably, more importantly, their life outcomes.

I work tirelessly to ensure that our pupil’s enjoy reading and writing, apply maths to everyday life and have real insight into their behaviour and the actions they can take to regulate it. I am determined that our pupils will enjoy their time learning at Phoenix Academy, and that we will be part of the reason why they will be fully rounded citizens with the ability to think critically about the decisions they make in their life and employment.

Miss Lucy Dawes – Staff Governor

I am proud to be a staff Governor at Phoenix Academy. I have been a teacher here since 2012 and have taught at both Key stage 1 and 2 stage, across all year groups. Before my appointment here, I taught in mainstream for five years. In 2018, I took on the role of Assistant Principal and SENDCo, leading on Personal development, Behaviour and Attitudes within the Academy. I am passionate about education and thoroughly believe that ALL children have a right to the best education for them and I fight tirelessly to help achieve this. I try to ensure that all children have a full and rounded experience of education and have plenty of opportunities to extend their learning beyond the academic curriculum. I hope to inspire a love of learning in all children that I teach or am involved with, enabling them to successfully transition into the next stage of their education and on into later life.

Miss Jade Greenwood – Staff Governor

I have been a class teacher at Phoenix Academy since Easter 2018. Previously, I have taught in a mainstream Academy Transformation Trust school for 5 years across a range of year groups. I have always taught in KS2 but developed a passion for UKS2, particularly year 6.

Since joining Phoenix Academy, I have taught a year 5/6 class and I am currently teaching the year 6 class. Also, since joining Phoenix Academy, I have become the Maths subject leader, PE coordinator and KS2 lead.

I am excited to be Staff governor and continue to make a difference within Phoenix Academy and the community.

Mia Brough – Community Governor

I am proud to be a governor here at Phoenix Academy. I am a primary school teacher at a school in the local area. I have been a teacher for over 6 years and have taught both Key stage 1 and 2 stage, but the majority over my time has been spent in Year 5 so far.

I am also currently studying for a Doctorate in Education and enjoy the lifelong learning process. I am a true believer in the ability and power education holds and the doors it unlocks for all, no matter the age.

I hold a firm belief in learning of all curriculum areas for all and all children can achieve, no matter what their ability or background. I hope to inspire a love of learning in all those around me and enable them to progress to the next stage of their lives with the skills they need.

Parent Governor – To be confirmed….

Should you wish to make contact with any of the above listed, please contact Phoenix Academy on 01922 712834 who will be happy to assist you with this.

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The Governors of Phoenix Academy