Meet the Local Academy Committee Team
Hi, I’m Michael Ward the Chair of Governors here at St. Johns Academy. I have previously held the position of a Governor at the school for a little over a year and thoroughly enjoyed my time in this role, and hope this new position will bring me the same pleasure. As well as being an active member of the governing body of St. Johns Academy, I also work in HR (Human Resources) for a large retailer across the West Midlands. I’m very passionate about Learning & Development and embracing the difference in others. Originally I’m from the Black Country, but my partner of 10 years and their family are all, and always have been, situated in Wednesbury, so I’m very familiar with the local area. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns as I, alongside the governing body, want to work collaboratively with the fantastic team at St. Johns, the local community and the local Academy trust to make a positive difference.
Susan Mathews
Vice Chair
I am married with a grown up family and grandchildren of varying ages. My teaching career has been in and around Sandwell for the most part. I became a supply teacher after finishing full time feeling that i still had a role in education. as a supply teacher I have also worked around the borough. I came to St John's a few years ago in that role and have since joined the LAC team. It is a joy to be part of St John's School.
Sharon Brackpool
Foundation Governor
I have worked as a teacher in schools across Sandwell for 30 years joining St John’s in 2007.
In 2013, I was appointed to the position of Deputy Head and helped to oversee the school’s transition to becoming an academy.
I retired in 2019 as Head of School and now feel proud to continue supporting St John’s as LAC member for SEN and RE.
​
Stuart Dawson
Trust LAC
I have been in finance for over 30 years and for the 7 years I have worked exclusively in the education setting, mainly supporting and advising academies about finance. This has included onsite support and training to school business managers, principals and governors.
Greg Shilton
Parent Governor
Hello everyone, my name is Greg Shilton and I am the elected LAC parent member here at St. John's; a role I have held since February 2021. I am very proud to be representing the parent voice on the committee and I am very happy to be able to make a positive contribution to Academy life. My eldest son is currently in Key Stage 2, and his little brother will be hopefully joining the Academy soon! I am a qualified secondary school teacher and have worked in various West Midlands schools. I am now working at the University of Wolverhampton training new secondary teachers which is a role I love. It means I get to visit dozens of schools every year, including all of the secondary schools in Wednesbury! I have lived in the Black Country for most of my life, apart from a short stay away whilst at University and I am a Wednesbury lad, born and bred. It is a pleasure to work with Mrs Cockshott, Mr Carlile and my fellow LAC members, and I am delighted to be able to support the staff to continue making our Academy the best that it can be.
​
Laura Hopley
Executive Principal
Dan Carlile
Head of School Staff LAC
​
