Chris Akpakwu
Chris is an experienced business leader and human resources professional with extensive experience in banking, project management and human resources, specialising in business transformation, M&A, employee experience and leadership development. He is a Chartered member of the CIPD and an alumnus of the University of Sunderland Business School. He enjoys supporting young people with access to early careers as a mentor for the Social Mobility Foundation.
Chris is a parent governor with two children at Orchard and is looking forward to bringing insights and experience to support Orchard & Shepherdswell values and maintain high standards
Kirsty Weatherspoon
Kirsty is an Early Years specialist teacher and has been working within the sector including KS1 for over a decade. During this time, she has been a both a team leader and manager of an Early Years setting where she enjoys teaching young children and instils valuable hands on learning experiences. This helps the children make sense of the world around them - thus building strong key foundations as they begin their educational journey.
She has an Early Years teacher qualification (EYTS) and is very much looking forward to obtaining her Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) this year.
Having previously run a pre-school which was charity owned and part of the committee she ensured the smooth running of the Early Years setting. She is also a member of a local carnival committee who are dedicated all year round to organise and co-ordinate a fun packed family weekend out every summer.
Kirsty is currently a Reception teacher at Shepherdswell Academy and joined in August 2022. She is also part of the school PTA.
Zaiba Rehman
A dedicated and insightful School Governor with a BA in Psychology and CIPD Level 3 certification, Zaiba brings a wealth of knowledge in human behaviour and organizational development. Having studied and lived in India before moving to the UK in 2013, she brings a rich, multicultural perspective to her role, enhancing her ability to engage with diverse school communities.
Motivated by a strong desire to give back to society, she joined the school’s governing body in 2024 to make a meaningful contribution to education. Her expertise in psychology equips her with a deep understanding of emotional and social dynamics, which she applies to support student well-being and staff development. Her background in HR through the CIPD qualification allows her to contribute to effective governance in areas such as policy development, staff relations, and strategic planning.
Zaiba has also experience working in sales and customer service for BP Pulse, Capita and Card Factory. With a passion for making a positive impact, she is committed to helping the school thrive by using her skills to foster a nurturing and supportive learning environment for both students and staff.
Andrew Hill
Andy has been a professional educator for over 40 years and began his teaching career in Northampton and Wellingborough. Andy moved into International Education as an English teacher in Italy before becoming a Head of School in the USA, France, Belgium, Monaco, Kuwait and central Africa.
Andy has returned to Northants after ending his international career as a consultant and schools inspector for international schools. Andy qualified with a teaching degree from the University of Leicester at Nene College Moulton Park and completed his Masters in curriculum design at Michigan State University in the USA. Andy is also a qualified teacher of History with the International Baccalaureate.
Andy was Board Chair at Antwerp British School in Belgium for over ten years and has accredited school boards worldwide through his association with the Council of International Schools. As a student and NQT Andy lived in the neighborhood and on his return to the UK last year was intrigued by the international nature of the school, in particular the number of nationalities and languages spoken mirrors his own experience as an educator. Andy hopes his experience will assist the school moving forward.
Graham Knight
Graham is a Programme Director / Consultant currently working in an international military environment specialising in communications, intelligence and cyber projects. He has an extensive background in telecoms and electronics spanning various business sectors. Graham is an associate of the BCS and holds PRINCE2 and MSP Practitioner and APMP qualifications. Away from work, Graham is married with 3 children, so a lot of his time is spent driving and supporting them at ballet and gymnastics lessons. When he does get the time, he likes classic cars and running.
Ross Everard
Ross is an experienced and dynamic professional whose career spans senior leadership, digital transformation, and operations across both private and public-sector environments. Ross brings to the school a strong grasp of complex organisational frameworks, stakeholder engagement and innovative change management, enriched by his experience at board-level and international business contexts. Ross has experience in employment tribunals and high court proceedings involving complex shareholder matters, and has recently transitioned his business into employee ownership by way of an Employee Ownership Trust.
He holds a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors (IoD), underscoring his commitment to governance, strategic decision-making and ethical leadership.
Ross is new to school governance and is looking forward to making a positive impact.
Outside his professional life, Ross is a devoted father to two young daughters. He is a passionate supporter of Northampton Saints, enjoys playing the guitar and has a long-standing love of quizzing—having participated in the Milton Keynes Quiz League from 1996 through to 2024.
Hitesh Katechia
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