The Local Governing Body
A local governing body within Reach South Academy Trust consists of the following:
- 4 Trust appointed members
- 2 Elected parent members
- 2 Elected staff members
- Headteacher
Additionally, there can be up to 3 Co-opted members.
Our Governors:
Nick Buckland OBE
Chair
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 01.09.22-01.09.25 Improvement Board
01.09.25-01.09.29 Local Governing Board
Attendance 2023-24: 4/5
Attendance 2024-25: 3/4
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: Joint owner of Ditchen Farm, Chair of Parnall Group, Trelonk Ltd, Parnall Aircraft Company, Riverford Organic Trust, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, St Petroc’s School Trust, SA Certification, HRC College and Shebbear College and Director of Talklight Ltd and TWSW Ltd. Trustee of Theatre Royal Plymouth, PML, PMF and Karst. Chair of Governors of UTC Plymouth, Millbay Academy & High Street Primary and Stoke Damerel Primary School. Fellow of IMA, RSA, IET, BCS and CMI. Member of IoD and RI. Spouse is a Quality Manager for Cornwall Adult Education
Eur Ing Nick Buckland OBE is the Chair of Governors for several Reach South Academy Trust schools. Originally a mathematician he spent many years in the IT industry working on high performance computers, the early years of virtual reality and the internet. From the mid 1990’s he has had a portfolio career as a Chair and director of organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors. He has been a strong advocate of STEAM and its importance for the UK economy and is passionate about ensuring young people are given the opportunities to gain a good education that will ensure they can take up exciting and well paid jobs and careers. He was appointed OBE for services to Innovation and Technology in the 2009 New Year Honours List and is a Chartered Engineer, Information Technology Practitioner and Manager. He is a Fellow of a number of professional bodies.
JJ Thakkar
Co-Opted
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 05.06.23-01.09.25 Improvement Board
Term Dates: 01.09.25-01.09.29 Local Governing Board
Attendance 2023-24: 5/5
Attendance 2024-25: 3/4
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: Glen Rock Advisors Business Consulting Owner -July 2024; Royal Society for Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA) Professional Body Member - November 2022; Durham University Higher Education Lay Member, Council (Board of Directors)- 01/08/2023; Institute of Directors (IoD) Professional Body Member - April 2023; International SOS Risk and Medical Consulting Director of HR - June 2024.
Jairaj (JJ) Thakkar is a global HR executive and non-executive director with over 20 years’ international experience across life sciences, energy, and consulting. He has held senior roles in the UK, US, Europe, and Asia with organisations including International SOS, Cytiva (GE Healthcare), Equinor, and Rolls-Royce. He is a member of the Department of Health and Social Work’s Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB), which is responsible for making recommendations on the pay of doctors and dentists taking any part in the National Health Service. He also serves on the Council of Durham University. His expertise includes reward, governance, and organisational transformation.
Phil Arnold
Headteacher
Appointed : Ex-Officio by virtue of position as Headteacher
Term Dates: 05.06.23-01.09.25 Improvement Board
Term Dates: 01.09.25-01.09.29 Local Governing Body
Attendance 2023-24: 5/5
Attendance 2024-25: 4/4
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: Domestic partner is an employee of Reach South Academy Trust.
Phil is a Fellow for the Chartered College of Teaching and has held senior leadership positions in schools and trusts for over 10 years. This includes system leadership across Plymouth and experience of both primary and secondary school improvement.
Mary O'Neill
Photo to follow
Parent
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 05.06.25-01.09.29
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: tbc
Bio to follow
Kate Amphlett
Photo to follow
Parent
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 01.09.25-01.09.29
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: tbc
Bio to follow
John Jones
Photo to follow
Staff (Teaching)
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 01.09.25-01.09.29
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: tbc
Bio to follow
Polly Nicholl
Photo to follow
Staff (Non-Teaching)
Appointed by: GB
Term Dates: 01.09.25-01.09.29
Attendance 2025-26: /3
Registered Interests: tbc
Bio to follow
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors you can do so either via the school office or by contacting the Clerk to the Board, Michelle Hyde: michelle.hyde@reachsouth.org
To find out more about Reach South Academy financial statements click on the following link- https://www.reachsouth.org/financial-statements
To find out more about Reach South Academy Trust governance, click on the following link:
