Buildwas and Priorslee Academy Local Advisory Committee

Mrs Gaynor Simmons – Chair

B.Ed (Hons) Education. PGCE Maths Specialist

Gaynor retired from teaching in 2017, having been a Primary teacher in Telford for 27 years, working with all age ranges from Reception to Year 6.

Gaynor was the maths subject leader and a middle manager for the last 10 years of her careers, striving to find effective ways of supporting children’s learning in Maths and across other subjects.

She was previously the Staff Governor at her school for 12 years, so has plenty of Governance experience.   Since retiring, Gaynor has been volunteering at Priorslee Academy helping in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. She is also the SEND link governor for the combined local academy committee.

Outside of school, Gaynor enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking in the outdoors, reading, cooking, gardening, and travelling to experience the diversity of new cultures and places.

(May 2026)

Mrs Becky Brewer – Staff Governor

Appointed November 2024.

Becky Brewer was born in Telford and went to Goldsmiths’ College, London in 1988-1991, where she gained a BA (Hons) in Communication Studies and Sociology.

Training for a PGCE in London and having qualified in 1996, Becky has been a teacher at Priorslee Academy since 2002. Becky has been a member of staff for so long, she has even taught two of Priorslee’s current teachers! Spending most of her years in Upper Key Stage 2, Becky has been subject lead teacher for music, RSHE and English, before she became the school SENCO in September 2019. She is also one of the deputy DSLs and the Designated Teacher for looked-after children.

Becky’s Australian Labradoodle – Adelaide – has been training to become the school’s therapy dog. Adelaide will be supporting pupil and staff well-being and helping to improve children’s attendance.

(May 2026)

Mr Gareth Kibby – Parent Governor

Appointed November 2022.

Gareth is the safeguarding link governor for the combined local academy committee.

Updated biography to follow as part of website refresh (May 2026).

Mrs Emily Mondon – Parent Governor

Appointed November 2025.

I have lived in Shropshire for most of my life, and returned here after university to pursue a career in teaching. I taught Maths at a Bridgnorth secondary school for four years, stopping when my son was born. I then taught my son, and subsequently my older daughter, at home. Following the birth of my youngest, my older children joined Buildwas Academy in 2022. We chose it for its small size and family feel, and being there has been a great experience for them. My youngest is now in Nursery here two days a week and having a really wonderful time.
I bring varied perspectives to the governing role, having been a teacher, home educator and parent of children at school. I am keen to use my experiences to bring a balanced view on how we can mitigate the particular challenges of a small school and make the most of the benefits.

Mrs Katie Handy – Parent Governor

Appointed November 2024.

I have lived in Telford for the majority of my life and attended Burton Borough school. I completed a BSc in Psychology at Worcester University and later completed a PG Cert in Education (SEN specialism) I have a qualification in Counselling children and young people as well as Cognitive behavioural therapy. I also have a qualification to teach children’s Yoga. I have worked in education for the last 11 years and currently work in Telford and Wrekin school.

I work supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing and enjoy my work.

I have recently started my own private business counselling children and young people and run children’s yoga and wellbeing sessions.

My daughter attends Priorslee Academy and attended Little seedlings since she was 2 years old. My daughter has thrived in the school environment and I have chosen to join the LAC team as parent governor.

Outside of work I enjoy going for walks with my family and dog Yogi and spending time with friends.

(May 2026)

Mrs Joy Sutton – Parent governor

Appointed November 2025.

Updated biography to follow as part of website refresh (May 2026).

 

 

Mr Glen Robson – Staff Governor

Appointed November 2024.

Following a very rewarding thirty-two-year career as a police officer with West Midlands Police a change of career led me to a new challenge within the field of education. I am employed as Behaviour Support Learning Mentor at Buildwas Academy. That role gives me the latitude to work across the whole school and I really enjoy that part of my job. I am also fortunate that Buildwas Academy and the wider Mighty Oaks Academy Trust have offered me continuing professional development opportunities to develop my skill base. I am a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Early Help Assessment trained, and I have recently qualified as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA). ELSAs are trained to plan and deliver programmes of support to pupils in their school who are experiencing social and emotional needs. The majority of my ELSA work will be delivered on an individual basis, but sometimes small group work may be more appropriate, especially in the areas of developing social and friendship skills.

 

I am an alumnus of The University of Wolverhampton where I read sociology and social policy and The University of Birmingham where I studied public administration and finance for my master’s degree. I am a season ticket holder at Newcastle United, an active football referee and through the catholic church I work as a volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Society.

(May 2026)