Meet The Governors

Claire Turpin

My role as CEO of the trust is to make sure all children, in all our schools, no matter what their starting point, achieves their very best. Whether it is ensuring we have the right staff, the best facilities or the most up to date technology; the most important thing is how these impact on our everyday classroom teaching. I have a proven track record of ensuring exceptional student progress, whether this is with my own classes, as a Curriculum Leader of mathematics or as Headteacher of a whole school. I have the ability to help diagnose issues, find solutions and move a class, subject or school forward. I am exceptionally excited about working directly with the Ernesford Grange staff, to help them further improve the quality of education, which has dramatically improved since they joined Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust back in 2014. As a Trust we are so proud of Ernesford Grange for achieving a Good Ofsted rating in 2018 and my aim now it to work with the leaders to help them achieve Outstanding in their next inspection.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Michelle Rose

I joined the Sidney Stringer Multi-Academy Trust Family in July, 2022. I have previously worked for Coventry City Council in Governance Services supporting Elected Members and also within the City Council’s School Governor Support Service.

I am excited to be working in an Academy environment and will endeavour to maintain the high quality of governance the Trust requires.  I am a proud Coventrian and I am looking forward to being part of the team supporting the education of our younger generations.

Harjit Bhambra

I have 10 years’ experience in teaching.  Currently, I hold a post as a GCSE English and Functional Skills Lecturer at Coventry College. I have first-hand experience in improving learner outcomes and devising course material that will improve the quality of education being taught. Additionally, I have been managing in the Events Industry for over 14 years and have been Director of Business for 4 years. I have successfully managed multiple teams to meet tight deadlines and many priorities.   

As a lecturer of English and a Director of Business, my competency profile is sufficiently equipped to ensure that I strive for excellence in both leadership and the learner aspect when making decisions. I strongly believe in providing a learning environment whereby diversity is acknowledged and respected. This promotes inclusivity and takes into account the core values and ethos at Ernesford Grange Academy.

Co-opted Governor Ernesford Grange LGB
Responsibilities: 16+ Vision
Appointed By: Trustees

Trevor Hirst

In April 2003 I completed a progressive military career of 24 years as an Artificer Vehicles in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME). I achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and served in a number of challenging and varied posts including; UK, Germany, Cyprus, Canada and Brunei.

On leaving the Army I joined an Engineering Consultancy in Shropshire (Quorum) whose core capability is that of Supportability Engineering. I have now progressed within the company to Shareholder and joint owner. As the Operations Director my focus is specifically the strategic direction of the company and includes: Business Development, Marketing, Quality and Human Resources. I am also responsible for the planning and managed execution of current programmes, including the allocation of suitably qualified and experienced engineers to the specific projects.

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) I am a very active member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) and I recently received recognition for my sustained high levels of achievement through leadership, senior responsibility, innovation and professional service at the forefront of engineering by being awarded a Fellowship. Being extremely committed to the IET, I also provide voluntary support in the form of coaching and mentoring professional registration applicants, assessor of fellowship applications and CPD advisor.

I enjoy keeping fit and I can be frequently seen pounding the lanes of the countryside of either Shropshire or Warwickshire (running and cycling). My other keen interest is photography which allows me the opportunity to leisurely capture the Shropshire and Warwickshire countryside with my ‘happy snaps’ (and possibly planning new routes for my running and cycling).

Co-opted Governor Ernesford Grange LGB
Responsibilities: Careers
Appointed By: Trustees

Rehana Dawud

I am grateful for the opportunity to join the EGA local governor board as a parent governor. Both my children attend EGA, I have a vested interest to support and challenge the school towards excellence, for my children and all students. Life brings a spectrum of challenges and so a solid grounding of great education is essential. Within my role as parent governor, I hope to provide the parents perspective into schooling decisions.

Professionally my career is within the utilities industry, presently responsible for IT Contract management. My day job is very busy and challenging but my experience from a heavily regulated industry can be applied wider.

Aside from being a dedicated mum and working professional, I have a passion for fitness and exercise; we love going out for regular family walks! Important time away from tech and time to talk.

I’ve always wanted to give my time to a governor role but didn’t want to do it a disservice due my busy schedule! I’m looking forward to getting involved and supporting the school.

Co-opted Governor Ernesford Grange LGB
Responsibilities: Attendance, Behaviour and Culture Vision
Appointed By: Trustees

I am a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Azure Cloud Architecture, driven by a profound passion for the digital transformation of IT. Beyond my professional pursuits, I actively engage in contributing to the educational landscape as a committed parent and school governor.

In my role as a parent governor, I am committed to fostering excellence within the school environment. Drawing upon my practical experience as a parent, I provide valuable insights to streamline the teaching process and offer constructive feedback. Through this, I aim to represent the parent perspective in shaping important schooling decisions.

Despite the demanding nature of my day job, which spans a heavily regulated industry, I leverage my diverse experiences to contribute to broader applications. Beyond the realm of technology, I am a devoted father who values family time, indulging in regular walks, badminton, and table-tennis. Additionally, my personal commitment extends to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a passion for fitness and exercise.

Helen Nicholls
In December 2024 I retired from teaching at Ernesford after 35 years. Initially a Physics teacher my career progressed through Head of Science to Assistant Head then Deputy Head and in the final 4 years part-time Director of Staff Well-being.

As part of the senior leadership team I was responsible for many areas of school life at different times. The Science College status,  data, behaviour, attendance, timetabling and the library. I also line-managed most faculties within the school.

After such a long time my commitment to the school is strong and I want to continue to support the school as it develops in the future. As well as my role as a Governor I would like to develop an Alumni organisation to harness the talent of our former students and staff and also to capture the history of Ernesford, the first urban community college in the country.