Members
Marc was appointed a governor in March 2016 and is now Chair of Board of Trustees. He is employed as a Qualifications Manager for a local training provider. Working closely with OFSTED, Marc is well informed regarding the new Common Inspection Framework. Two of his four children currently attend Whitecross.
Dame Oremi joined the Board as a member in November 2022. Her career within education began in 1979 at Whitecross where she remained teaching until 1994 before moving to The John Venn Unit as Deputy Headteacher followed by joining The Brookfield School as Headteacher in 2001 until 2016. During her time at Brookfield, the school was judged 'Outstanding' by OFSTED in 2007, 2010 and again in 2014 in all the main categories. Dame Oremi has held other roles including Executive Headteacher of the Pupil Referral Service in Herefordshire and in 2012 becoming a National Leader of Education.
Theresa was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2020 and in 2026 as a member governor. Theresa currently fulfils the role of Safeguarding Governor. She relocated to Herefordshire in 2007 from the South East and brings a wealth of experience with her having spent over 20 years with the police specialising in crimes against the most vulnerable in society.
Board of Trustees
Tim was appointed Headteacher in September 2015 having served as Deputy Headteacher for 14 years.
Zayla has worked in the education sector since 2001, initially starting her career as a Teaching Assistant in both the secondary and specialist education sectors; she then achieved Qualified Teacher status in 2008. She specialised in SEND and Inclusion throughout her Higher Education journey, resulting in her accepting the role of SENCo in a large city primary school in 2009. This role has since developed exponentially, culminating in her current position as Director of SEND for a federation of eight primary schools across Herefordshire. Zayla serves as a Governor on three other Local Area Boards and is looking forward to extending this experience into the secondary education sector.
Kelly was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2022. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Kelly has a degree in Philosophy and Psychological Studies and is also an Internal Qualified Assurer. She has worked for several training providers and as an assessor, tutor and coach, delivered apprenticeships at levels 2, 3 and 5 in a range of areas. Since 2015 Kelly has specialised in the delivering of management apprenticeships and courses using her experience in retail management before her move in to further education.
Sam was appointed as a parent trustee in July 2022. As a former Whitecross student, Sam has been a qualified Chartered Legal Executive since May 2009 and has worked in Local Government since 2003. Sam has over 20 years’ experience of working in a fast pace legal environment covering a variety of different areas of law. She is married with two children, who both attend Whitecross. Sam is looking forward to supporting the school on its continuing journey.
Gareth has joined as a co-opted governor having retired from the British Army after a career joining as a boy soldier, commissioning as an Officer and qualifying as a helicopter pilot. Throughout his career, he has combined operational flying with a strong focus on leadership and professional development. He has an MSc in Aerosystems and specialised in training and mentoring, guiding soldiers through stages of their careers, fostering resilience, teamwork and confidence. This focus on leadership and education has led to his current role as a Reservist overseeing the transition to civilian life.
Matthew was appointed as a parent trustee in January 2025. Having worked in Primary education since 1999, Matthew has been the Headteacher of Stoke Prior Primary School since 2011. Recently the school has joined the Three Counties Academy Trust. As a school leader, Matthew is aware of the pressures within the education system of providing a good quality of education with increasing budgetary pressures and curriculum demands. He is a former Whitecross High School student and lives within the local community. His daughter attended Whitecross and his son is currently a student here.
David was appointed as a trustee in July 2025. Currently the School Business Manager at Llangrove Church of England Academy, he also brings extensive experience from previous leadership roles in Financial Services. A local resident whose children are in primary education, David also has twenty years of sports leadership to support this role at Whitecross.
Clare O'Grady, Governance Professional, supports our Board of Trustees at each committee meeting with administration and offers advice and guidance on best practices and compliance.
Should a parent wish to contact Clare, they should email co’grady@whitecross.hereford.sch.uk .