Meet our Governors

Kim Stafford is a retired teacher. She worked at Invicta Grammar School from 1979 – 2015. Starting as a PE Teacher and moving on to teach Psychology, she was a member of the Senior Leadership Team and her responsibilities at Invicta included Safeguarding, Admissions, SEN and organising major events.

On her retirement she continued to work on part time basis for the trust as Director of Primary Education. She worked with and supported the Headteachers of the new VIAT primary schools until September 2017.

In February 2018 she joined the Holborough Lakes Local School Board and was appointed Chair in October 2018.

Her main areas of responsibility include Safeguarding, eSafety, Safer Recruitment, GDPR, Sports Premium, EAL, PE.

Kim is mother to one son and two step-daughters, now she is retired she is able to help with her three grandchildren two attend their local primary school in Maidstone and one attends Invicta Grammar School.

Lisa joined the Trust in September 2017 as Headteacher of Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes.

Lisa graduated in 2001 with a BA honours and QTS from Canterbury Christ Church University.  During her career she has worked in a number of primary schools and taken on variety of roles and positions. In 2005 she undertook an MA in Education with a focus on special educational need that led her to take on the role of SENCo in 2006, at a local infant school.

After completing her MA in 2008, she spent time supporting local schools to help them develop systems and processes to support pupils with additional needs. This was a fulfilling role and enabled her to help improve outcomes for both individuals and for the whole school.

Not only is Lisa passionate about her profession but she also has a love of physical activity. Lisa strongly believes that by engaging pupils in physical education this not only helps their physical but mental wellbeing and in turn helps their ability to engage positively in their learning.

With the dedication and commitment of the governing body, the School will continue to strive for excellence; offering every child the best possible education and care.

Mandy has 14 years experience working in legal, policy and governance roles and currently works as an ethics and compliance specialist for a renowned British media company. Mandy provides advice and guidance on ethics and compliance risk management to senior levels of the business, and leads the company in their strategic planning in this area. 

Mandy has a passion for learning and education and believes every child can succeed, and be the best they can be, when given the support they need. Mandy brings direct experience through her current appointment as a co-opted governor for a primary school in Chatham. 

As a parent of two young daughters, she spends most of her time outdoors exploring the countryside. When she manages to find some free time, you will find her in the yoga studio or swimming pool.

Callum is currently Assistant Headteacher at SST Maidstone and teaches Computer Science and Maths. Callum joined the trust in 2013 after completing his PGCE placement at Invicta Grammar School. Since then, Callum has worked at Valley Park School as Key Stage 5 Co-ordinator before moving over to SST Maidstone when it opened in 2020.

Callum is looking forward to working with the school to support young people in reaching their potential.  

 

 

 

 

 

Haja is an associate in risk and financial advisory with over 13 years of experience within the regulatory environment. She has managed to maintain fairness and impartiality in any given circumstance and this supports her role as a Parent Governor. Haja believes in an educational system where every child will succeed and the school upholds this in their ethos. In her free time, Haja loves playing armchair detective, she has a passion for criminal investigation and helping others whenever she can.

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda joined the Trust in January 2020 and became the Deputy Headteacher at VIPS Holborough Lakes in April 2020. She graduated in January 2010 having previously been a lecturer in Further Education at Mid Kent college. Having enjoyed studying, Amanda pursued a Masters in Education which she completed in November 2016. Her favourite module was linked to coaching and supporting staff.  This ignited a passion for coaching and this now forms a major part of her role, supporting experienced and teachers new to the profession. Additionally, Amanda leads writing and oracy within the school.

During her free time, Amanda regularly attends a local Bootcamp and her sporting achievements include running the London Marathon and completing triathlons.

Melinda Adams joins the LSB in 2024 as a former journalist and chartered London teacher with over 20 years of experience in teaching and leading across diverse organisations, schools, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Now a local businesswoman, she runs the social enterprise WeClick CIC, which aims to close the digital divide. Living in Maidstone has deepened her dedication to the town and surrounding villages.

Melinda holds an MA in Leadership, focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and high-quality curriculum. Her commitment to education is further evidenced by her role as a former trustee of Paracarnival CIC, where her passion for SEND and community cohesion shines. She also volunteers as a Digital Champion for KCC and has been actively involved in the community, particularly through the pandemic.

In addition to her professional roles, Melinda tutors privately in English, French, Sociology, Psychology, Media, and Film. With three teenage children attending VIAT secondary schools, she values the strong foundation provided by VIAT primary schools and is eager to contribute to their continued success.

Melinda’s commitment to lifelong education and mental wellbeing, along with her dedication to community cohesion, leads her to organise an all-inclusive parade annually for adults with various needs—an award-winning event for over a decade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sean Smith is a self-assured, perceptive, driven Director with 25+ years’ expertise at C-Suite leveraging in-depth market insights, broad commercial and financial acumen, and a strong appreciation of people and environments in multiple industries to enrich financial and brand value, drive sustainability, scalability, and saleability for private sector clients.

Sean’s career started 30 years ago, working in the financial sector as a FOREX Derivatives Trader and becoming fully qualified within the FSA in The City of London for Investment Banking. Thereafter, Sean was appointed Managing Director of a Kent headquartered based Logistics company, and has worked in this industry since. Moreover, Sean has a passion for strategic thinking and vision, and has helped to steer other company success utilising his broad expertise serving on their respective Executive or Non Executive Boards. 

Sean has many passions in business and life but people are the number one. Sean is looking forward to helping the school support the young people of today reaching their true potential of tomorrow.

Sean has 2 children who both attend VIAT schools, and is passionate about spending time outdoors with his family and living life to the fullest.