governors' information
As part of the Greater Manchester Academies Trust, the MCPA local governing body reports directly to the GMAT Trust board. Find the GMAT Governor Structure here
The Local Governing Body has one sub-committee (Quality of Education). Additional sub-committees are formed as the need arises. Click here to view the Governors’ Register of Business and Pecuniary Interests and Attendance Records
our governors
For all correspondences to the Chair of MCPA please send to 49 Parkstead Drive, Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5QN
DAVID CARTY
Chair Governor
date of appointment - 03/10/2023
I retired from Manchester City Council in the summer of 2023 after 49 years of service. In the same year I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to join the Governing Body at Manchester Communication Academy Primary as Chair of Governors.
During my time with the City Council I was responsible for the delivery of over 40 new build schools in Manchester including the Manchester Communication Academy which was a new Academy established as part of the Building Schools for the Future Programme. Later in 2013 as the Head of Capital Programmes I worked on the Manchester Communication Academy Primary project including site selection, the design and build process and the negotiations with the Academy Trust, the Head of
Manchester Communication Academy and the building contractor.
I was a foundation governor at St. Peter's RC Primary School in Middleton from 1995 until 2006 and held a variety of link governor roles over this period. I attended numerous meetings with Ofsted inspectors, Rochdale Borough Council, the Roman Catholic Bishop and Diocese officials over this period.
I am a member of the Advisory Board for the Science and Industry Museum in Castlefield, Manchester. I am supporting the ongoing refurbishment and further development of the Liverpool Road historic site. As your Chair of Governors I will work to ensure that all decisions made by the Board support the ongoing work to improve educational outcomes and safeguard the welfare of all staff and pupils at the school. My role involves supporting the culture, values and ethos of Manchester Communication Academy Primary. I encourage different perspectives, viewpoints, and voices to be taken into account
when decisions are made by the Board. I will lead by example to set high expectations of behaviour for all
involved in the governance of your school.
Part of my role is to be the link governor for school health and safety and I am therefore interested in any comments or views on this important area of responsibility. I will work collaboratively with all concerned including trustees, governors, staff, parents and children to continuously improve experiences, outcomes and the facilities.
christina djebah
Safeguarding, prevent & attendance lead governor. Link staff: Lorraine Carlin, DSL
DATE OF APPOINTMENT - 08/11/2022
Hello, I am Christina, and I am local to Moston not too far from MCPA.
This is my 5th year as a School Governor. I first became a Governor when my twin daughters started nursery at MCPA. I have a passion for the people and the community I live in. I love being a part of the Harpurhey and Moston communities and enjoy getting involved in lots of community events.
I wanted to be a Parent Governor because I believe every parent’s voice should be heard no matter what their background, language, and beliefs are or where they are from.
Jo PEacock
Transition, catch up and pupil premium lead governor. Link staff: Alan Mulvany, AHT for upper school.
date of appointment - 03/10/2023
I have been a teacher in this area for over 20 years; the first 10 years in a primary school in North Manchester and then in the secondary sector at MCA, where I have worked since it first opened. I therefore have a very strong commitment to the young people in this area and am passionate about ensuring that they have the best opportunities possible through access to the highest quality of education throughout their school life and beyond. In addition to my teaching role, I also oversee the transition of students from primary school into their first year at secondary school here at MCA. This is a pivotal point in the lives of our students and as curriculum governor at MCPA, I am very much looking forward to helping to shape the learning opportunities for students across the primary phase and on into secondary.
This will be my first experience of governorship and I am very much looking forward to the new challenges it will bring. When I’m not working, I am an avid reader and also enjoy swimming and playing tennis.
SHARON BROWN
staff WELLBEING lead governor
DATE OF APPOINTMENT - 01/09/2022
Sharon joined MCPA in 2016 as a trainee teacher where she gained QTS and PGCE in Primary education. Seven years later and Sharon is currently the Nursery Teacher, as well as the subject lead for RE across the whole school.
Sharon is very much looking forward to joining the Local Governing Body as the Staff Governor. Over the last seven years, Sharon has established positive relationships with pupils, parents and staff which will continue within this role.
Outside of her teaching role, Sharon enjoys spending time with her family and pets as well as the occasional yoga session!
laura blakeledge
SEND lead governor.
Link staff: Alice Hall, AHT for SEND.
date of appointment - 03/10/2022
I currently work at a specialist support school and have a great passion for working with children with all types of learning difficulties, I have a wide range of experience in ASD, SLD and PMLD. I believe my resources and knowledge can help and support parents, guardians and children in a mainstream setting. My passion is for every child, no matter of their needs or backgrounds, is to receive the same education and to be valued as an individual.
I have been involved with MCPA for over 7 years as my children attends here, but also through completing my placement which ignited my passion and inspired me to go on to work with children with additional needs.
As a Parent Governor and someone who works in SEN Education, I will be able to help and advise on difficult challenges which may arise.
Ehsen Niazi
Behaviour lead governor.
Link staff: Ian Williams, DHT for inclusion
date of appointment - 03/10/2023
I am delighted to serve as a Parent Governor at Manchester Communication Primary Academy, contributing my professional expertise and dedication to fostering an enriching educational environment for all students. I bring a wealth of experience as an Operations Director in the insurance sector, overseeing operations across four sites in two countries.
In my role as Operations Director, I am responsible for orchestrating and optimizing the day-to-day activities of our diverse teams, ensuring seamless coordination across international boundaries. My commitment to efficiency, strategic planning, and effective communication has allowed me to successfully navigate the complexities of the insurance industry while
fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.
My decision to serve as a Parent Governor is driven by a passion for education and a genuine interest in the well-being and development of our students. As a parent of two daughters attending Manchester Communication Primary Academy, I am deeply invested in the success and growth of the school community. This personal connection, combined with
my professional background, positions me well to contribute meaningfully to the school's governance.
I believe in the power of education to shape the future, and my goal as a Parent Governor is to work collaboratively with the school's leadership to ensure that Manchester Communication Primary Academy continues to provide an outstanding learning experience. I am dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making within the governance structure.
I look forward to actively engaging with fellow parents, teachers, and the wider school community to address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. Together, we can create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please feel free to reach out. I am here
to serve as a bridge between the school and the parent community, working towards our common goal of providing the best possible educational experience for our children.
alex reed
Head Teacher
DATE OF APPOINTMENT - 14/12/2020
I have worked with the Greater Manchester Academies Trust since the opening of its original school - Manchester Communication Academy, in 2010, where I taught Modern Foreign Languages for several years. Since 2015, I have had the privilege of being a senior leader at Manchester Communication Primary Academy after moving from MCA, and in 2018, I became the school’s Headteacher. I am incredibly proud of this school and all we have achieved since our inception, and I will continue to work with the pupils, staff, governors and trust to ensure that MCPA is a place where everyone excels.
In my spare time (and often in school) I enjoy music, which includes playing the guitar and piano. I also sometimes enjoy watching my team, York City FC, play football.
alan mulvany
Assistant Headteacher for Upper School
DATE OF APPOINTMENT - 17/10/2024
Alan has dedicated nine years to Greater Manchester Academies Trust, where he completed his teacher training through SCITT in 2015 and advanced to the role of Assistant Headteacher at Manchester Communication Primary Academy. With extensive experience in primary education, Alan understands the critical journey of children from nursery through to high school. He believes that where you come from doesn’t determine your potential; with hard work and equal opportunities, anyone can achieve their dreams. Alan has a strong connection to the local community and has fostered valuable relationships with many local residents through his work at the primary school. He is eager to expand his knowledge of the high school environment and looks forward to collaborating with staff and families to ensure every child can thrive.
Claire brooker
DATE OF APPOINTMENT - 17/07/2023
Claire currently works at Charlestown Community Primary School and is the deputy head overseeing the quality of education. Claire has worked at Charlestown for eight years and is passionate about ensuring all children receive the best possible education and experiences at school. Over the past year, she has really enjoyed working alongside the staff at MCPA and is excited to contribute to the future success of the school as a governor!