Governor Biographies & Pecuniary Interests

Meet our Governors

Clare Mills - Chair Of Governors

I’m a retired secondary head teacher  having worked in challenging schools in  Birmingham, Liverpool and the north east  of England. I live locally and am keen to  support the education of the children in  the Federation. I would also enjoy  working with as many parents and carers  as possible during my term as Chair.

Charlotte Bull - Vice Chair of Governors

I bring my skills as a lawyer and a mom to  the role of vice chair of governors and  enjoy being part of the strategic leadership team. I have three sons, two of which, twins, are  at Victoria School. I love visiting the  school and meeting the students.

Julie Fardell - Executive Headteacher

I have been a Head Teacher for more than  18 years and a SEN Teacher for more than  38. I have worked in 3 countries, in both  the government and independent sectors  and with people of all ages. I am a  passionate advocate for children and  young people with special educational  needs and have been the Executive Head  Teacher of the Federation since January  2017.

Sadie Bolton - Co-opted Governor

I am mum to 5 boys, two of whom have  special needs. I have worked in Education  for over 30 years as a youth worker and  now work as a Careers Adviser for  Sandwell Council.

Lesley Jackson - Co-opted Governor

I am a chartered accountant, and after  completing my training with KPMG in  Birmingham. I moved into Industry, where  I remained for the rest of her career. I joined the Board of Governors in March  2018 and was appointed to Chair of the  Finance committee in the Autumn of  2018.

Kristen Sanders - Co-opted Governor

I am mom to three girls who attend  Victoria School. I have advocated on  behalf of children and young people with  disabilities for the last 12 years by serving  as a trustee for a variety of organisations.  I am currently a trustee for Children's  Quarter and have been a governor for  almost 10 years.

Sue McCorkindale - Co-opted Governor

I am a wheelchair user, now retired from  working as a consultant trainer / researcher in the area of disability  equality and inclusion with local organisations, businesses, schools and colleges. I love volunteering at Victoria each week  with great young people in the 14 to 19  department.

Martin Carpenter - Co-opted Governor

I run my own IT support company. My  Wife and I have two young boys, 

one at Victoria School. They both have  autistic diagnosis with their individual  distinct needs. I volunteer my time at several places believing in helping them  to get the most of limited resources.

John Pemberton - Parent Governor

I run my own IT support company. My Wife and I have two young boys, one at Victoria School. They both have autistic diagnosis with their individual  distinct needs. I volunteer my time at several places believing in helping them to get the most of limited resources.

Lisa Wootton - Parent Governor

Hello! I'm Lisa, mum to two children, our  eldest son started Cherry Oak in January  2017. I grew up in a small town in North Shropshire and left home at the grand age  of 18 where I was Cheltenham bound to  do a degree in Business Management. Almost a decade later the bright lights of  Birmingham beckoned and I took the plunge and moved here following a  secondment through work. I worked in market research fieldwork for over ten years but haven't returned since having our youngest son. I now do lots of community based 'work' sourcing, arranging and spreading the word on local activities for SEND people and their parents / carers. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be on the governing board and to be a voice of parents across the federation.

Mark Cottam - Staff Governor