Global Academy Global Academy

Governing Body

Global Academy’s Governing Body consists of dedicated and experienced governors from the creative broadcast and media industry – who bring a wealth of expertise and experience to support and challenge the school. They’re committed to working in close partnership with the Principal, staff, parents and students in developing a successful school that prepares students for a career in the creative media industry.

Their main duties are to:

    • Set and review the school’s budget and development plans
    • Set the strategic direction, policies and objectives of Global Academy
    • Monitor and review the curriculum, behaviour, and safeguarding outcomes for the students;
    • Be a critical friend to challenge and support the Principal

To contact the Governing Body – please contact Kirsty Leith, Chair via chair@globalacademy.com

Governance

Below are the key documents and information relating to the governance of Global Academy.

Articles of Association

Funding Agreement

Members and Trustees

Governor Meeting Attendance 2022 – 2023

Governor Declaration of Interests (Feb 2024)

How the Governing Body works

Kirsty Leith

Chair of Govenors
Member of the Finance and Property Committee and Full Board
Director of Public Affairs, Global

Kirsty is a senior policy and public affairs advisor with twenty-five years’ experience across government, voluntary and private sectors. Prior to joining Global in 2014, she spent ten years at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, working on a range of policy areas. Her personal highlights include working on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, appointing the Poet Laureate and leading on Darren Henley’s reviews of Music and Cultural Education with the Department for Education.

Kirsty is also a board member of Coppafeel! the breast cancer awareness charity.

To contact Kirsty Leith – please email chair@globalacademy.com 

Zey Suka-Bill

Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee
Dean of Screen, London College of Communication

Zey Suka-Bill is the Dean of Screen at London College of Communication, with responsibility for leading undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Film, Television, Animation, Games Design and Sound Arts. In addition to her role as Dean of Screen, Zey is the College lead for wellbeing of staff and students, be responsible for Health and Safety, and jointly Chair the Health and Safety Committee alongside the Director of College Administration.

After gaining a BA in Photographic Arts and Criminology from Westminster University, Zey worked as a medical illustrator within the public sector before becoming a full-time educator.

Zey is a qualified teacher with over 25 years’ experience of teaching, leadership and management in both Further and Higher Education, and has taught and developed visual art modules across a variety of degree disciplines in several London based Higher Education institutions. She holds a Masters in Research (MREs) from the University of London and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Julie Coombes

Link Governor for Recruitment and Marketing
Director of Internal and External Relations, London College of Communication, UAL

Julie Coombes is the Director of Internal and External Relations for UAL’s London College of Communication (LCC), a pioneering global leader in creative communications education. Since 2013, Julie has provided strategic leadership and direction for the College on a wide internal and external relations remit aimed at engaging core audiences, raising the profile of the College, and enhancing reputation.

Her team develop and deliver a diverse range of programmes, initiatives and activities including marketing for student recruitment, internal and external communications, media relations, brand management, events and exhibitions, digital content, and graduate support and engagement.

Julie has over 20 years experience of in marketing and communications across the Higher Education, charity and public sectors.

Jaskamal Sidhu

Member of the Teaching and Learning Committee
Executive Principal at Guru Nanak Sikh Multi Academy Trust

Having worked in the education sector for over 16 years, I am keen to share my experience, knowledge and skill as a valuable member of GB at Global Academy.

I have worked in various roles, from teaching to senior management, and have always strived to impact students’ lives positively. In addition, I served as a governor for six years, giving me a broader perspective on educational matters and policies. As educators, we serve to prepare our children to meet future challenges professionally, socially and personally.

I am glad to contribute to the collective effort to ensure that GA continues to provide high-quality education and a safe learning environment.

Linsey Myford

Parent Govenor

I am a parent passionate about Young People and their rights in Education, Further Education and employment. I have first-hand experience with challenges young people with disabilities face in a school environment.

I currently work for a charity who provide mentoring and employment opportunities to care experienced young people. Analysing data collected about young people in or leaving the care system.

I am a licensed National Autistic Society “EarlyBird” trainer, supporting families of children newly diagnosed with Autism and other differences.

Rebecca Tyers

Rebecca Tyers
Governing Body and Teaching and Learning Committee
Chief Media Officer, Department for Education

In her day job, Rebecca manages the strategy and delivery of media communications for the schools portfolio for the Department for Education. Rebecca’s team provide essential information to the public on the Government’s education policies through high profile campaigns across UK media including broadcast, print, digital and consumer outlets.

Before moving to the civil service, Rebecca was a journalist for ITV News and has almost 20 years experience working across communications, media, broadcast journalism, advertising and politics.

As well as a good opportunity for her to apply her expertise, Global Academy is a unique school that Rebecca wished had been available to her when she was younger which drives her interest in her role as Governor.

Angela Sharma

Angela Sharma
Parent Governor
Solicitor

I have been a lawyer for over 20 years but I am also a parent who is keen and committed to bringing out the best in young people by maximising the support provided in their educational setting. That support is not only through quality of teaching but also in the environment and pastoral care provided. I have direct experience of neurodiversity and dealing with (sometimes acute) mental health conditions, and am familiar with the SEND framework.

I also feel strongly about recognising the needs of all students and harnessing opportunities for social mobility and diversity and inclusion to provide a learning setting that is truly aspirational. I am also enthusiastic about trying to develop a parental community so we can work together to further strengthen the framework of the school.

Desaray Ellis

Teaching and Learning; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Senior Partnerships Manager, Global Media Group

I am a previous teacher with a passion for education. It is important that people are provided with opportunities to learn and grow as well encouraging platforms for innovative ideas and creative thinking.

Being part of the media industry is exciting and everyday brings a new challenge. I want to ensure that the academy is supported but also challenged to bring the best education possible for all students.

Darren Singer

Darren Singer
Chair of FAP / Appointed Governor
CFO / Inspired Thinking Group

I have been interested in education for a long time and have served for 12 years as vice-chair and chair of finance for Excellence in Education Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising two primary schools in Brent. I joined the Global Academy in April 2023 and act as chair of FAP.

Professionally I work as CFO of Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) and previously as CFO of Global Media.

Outside of work I have two children aged 21 and 18 and am a keen hiker and cyclist.

James Marshall

James Marshall
Member of the Finance, Audit & Premises Committee and Full Board
Director – Governance, Risk & Compliance Services, KPMG

James is a governance, risk and internal controls specialist and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). James is currently a Director at Big 4 accountancy firm, KPMG, where he supports a number of private sector business, but he also has experience working across a number of industries and sectors, including Further Education (FE), Sixth Form and Higher Education (HE) institutions. James was previously a Trustee of a North London based academy trust, where he was a member of their Finance & Operations Committee, before joining the Global Academy Governing Body.

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