Governor Profiles

Lynne Allan

Co-opted Governor - Chair of Governors and a member of the Curriculum Committee and Building & Resources Committee

I was a teacher in the Manchester area for 35 years in secondary schools, sixth-form colleges and further education. I taught English at all levels and latterly specialised in English Language and Literature at A level and was the Course tutor on an Access to University pathway.

I have had a long association with Beaver Road, as a parent, grandparent and governor. It has always been an excellent school with excellent staff who deeply care for the children in their care.

My work as Chair of the Portico Library in Manchester as Chair of the LGB at Beaver Road has given me experience in managing change and ensuring that much loved institutions have the leadership and governance that will ensure their resilience to survive in an ever changing landscape.

I feel privileged to be working alongside a dedicated Leadership, staff and governing body. Most of all I enjoy working to ensure that the children have the best educational and life experience that is possible.

Term ends: 25/02/2026

Pauline Black

Co-opted Governor

I first became involved with Beaver Road when my daughter was a pupil and was elected Parent Governor when she was in year 4 (she has now just left secondary school). Although I am not from Manchester, my cousins and their children had also previously been at the school. I was very impressed with the holistic education Beaver Road offers its pupils and was inspired to get (and remain) involved.

I continue to be impressed by the expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm of the whole school team who, on a daily basis, demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest quality education to the pupils.

In terms of my own work, I am a Senior Lecturer at one of the local universities where I teach social work. Through this, and my previous work in practice with adults, I have come to really appreciate the value of instilling a love of learning, that can carry people through life and so I am delighted to be a part of the Beaver Road LGB and support the school to nurture that passion in our pupils.

Term ends: 11/09/2024

Matthew Coupe

Parent Governor - Deputy Chair of Governors

I am a proud father to 2 children in the school who are 3rd generation 'Beaver Roaders'. As our family has a long and proud association with the school I am delighted to be able to give something back in my capacity as a parent governor.

From 15 years working in Higher Education I have a range of experience in IT, project delivery, information governance, recruitment, quality assurance and budgeting and I currently hold a leadership position at the University of Manchester.

I am a firm believer that consistent and effective communication with carers helps children to thrive at school. I will use all of my personal and professional experience, but most importantly that of a parent, to bring what I hope will be an effective voice to the role.

Term ends: 27/05/2025

Catherine Hare

Parent Governor

Beaver Road forms a really key part of our family, with one of my daughters currently in year 1 and another due to start reception shortly. I have been so impressed with the excellent care, support and education that pupils are provided with and I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the school by being a parent governor.

I have a keen interest in education in my private and work life, and currently work as a Professional Support Lawyer within an employment law team, which specialises in education and public sector work. As well as a professional interest, education has always formed part of my family life, with my parents, grandparents and wiser family being either teachers or lecturers, with some becoming school governors post retirement. I therefore am fully aware of what the role entails and the importance of being a school governor at such a prestigious education establishment.

Term ends: 08/07/2028

Hosam Aleem

Parent Governor

My daughter is a pupil at Beaver Road Primary School. I am very satisfied with her development since she joined the school and my son will be joining in September 2024.

I am an academic at the University of Manchester and have been for more than ten years, where I teach in the department of Chemical Engineering and have special interest in sustainability.

I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education reflecting my interest in pedagogy and the theories of teaching and learning.

I started my career as an engineer in the Oil and Gas industry in the past millennium! I then moved to the Pharmaceutical industry focusing on quality assurance and regulatory compliance. I believe I bring a varied set of skills to the governing body in addition to enhancing its diversity.

Term ends: 08/07/2028

Emma Foster

Co-opted Governor

As a Teacher, I am passionate about facilitating learning in diverse and creative environments and I thrive off being fortunate enough to work in a school every day, where I can support young people to be the best versions of themselves. I am proud to be a Secondary School Teacher of 19 years, 16 of which have been based in our local community.

I really value the opportunity to support the academic and pastoral outcomes for young people in my capacity as a Teacher, Leader and as a Governor. These values, partnered with my leadership experience as Directory of Art, Design and Technology, KS2-3 Transition lead and more recently Director of Learning for KS3 and Pupil Premium, gives me relevant experience to support the governance of Beaver Road and fulfil the values they hold for each individual pupil.

Term ends: 24/01/2025

Michael Burke

Co-opted Governor

I’ve been a Television producer and journalist for the last forty years making documentaries that have taken me around the world and all over the U.K.

I have always maintained an active interest in education. I was a parent governor at the village school my sons attended in West Yorkshire. I’ve made course materials for the Open University and for schools. I was a founding Trustee of The Conversation UK, a not-for-profit news organization that harnesses the collective expertise of academics to engage the public. During the pandemic I was a mentor to students at The University of Manchester.

I’ve lived in Didsbury for the last twenty-five years and I’m keen to contribute to this community. My work as a journalist has not only given me privileged access into people’s lives, it’s given me a set of tools to analyse issues, ask critical questions and take nothing for granted. I believe these transferable skills and what I have learnt as a Trustee will help further the values and ambitions of everyone who is a part of the Beaver Road school community.

Terms ends: 09/10/2027

Paris Brown-Gardner

Staff Governor

I am proud to be one of the Staff Governors at Beaver Road. My teaching journey started four years ago but I have been working at this school for almost two years. Currently, I am a class teacher in Year 3 but I fulfill other roles such as Design and Technology Co-Lead and Diversity Leader.

Since completing my Master Degree in Education, I have become passionate about enhancing and embedding more representation within our school's culture and curriculum. Therefore, as a Staff Governor, not only am I bringing my KS2 teaching experience and middle leadership expertise, but I am also excited to take on this role with a diversity perspective. I look forward to working with the rest of the Governor Board to positively shape our school.

Term ends: 17/03/2027

Melissa Ulett

Staff Governor

Having worked at Beaver Road for 16 years, I am delighted to now take on the role as staff governor. I hold a degree in Education (B.Ed Hons) and since graduating, my journey in education began as a learning mentor at Manchester City Football Club, where I worked in inner city schools with a drive to improve numeracy and literacy skills.

I then moved to Beaver Road and have never looked back! I have worked in every year group, in a range of roles and am now currently an integral part of the SEND team, as the school’s Family Engagement Officer. My current role allows me to work closely with families throughout the school, offering multi-agency support, advice and guidance.

Term ends: 17/03/2027

Michael Davenport

Head of School

Michael has been teaching since September 2011, after he graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a First Class Honours degree in Primary Education. Since then, Michael has worked in two contrasting schools; starting as a teacher at Beaver Road in September 2013. Over the years, Michael has skilfully taught and led across the different key stages at Beaver Road, while also gaining first-hand experience in leading curriculum areas, including assessment and staff CPD. After holding several senior roles within the school, Michael was appointed to the post of Head of School and has obtained the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Having worked at the school for over a decade, he has played a key role in leading and supporting the school's expansion to a five-form entry setting, over two school sites. Today, Michael is a system leader with a strategic vision for advancing Beaver Road, working alongside other senior leaders as part of the M20 Learning Trust.

Michael has a real thirst for quality teaching, wanting to bring only the very best opportunities to all children, no matter their starting point or background. Understanding that children only get to experience primary school once, Michael leads with the highest standards and enjoys bringing teams together. Michael's investment in both staff and children ensures they are fully supported. This is reinforced through the strong relationships and collaboration his leadership style not only promotes, but also is built upon. Both in and out of the classroom, Michael celebrates originality and has always been a creative practitioner, capable of creating an environment where all learners succeed by provoking their curiosity and ensuring children feel safe enough to take appropriate risks.

Terms ends: ex officio