Members of the High Point Local Academy Council (LAC)
Headteacher: Kelly-Leigh Kulyk
Kelly decided to embark on a career in education at a young age, when she observed the challenges her younger brother had within the education sector due to a diagnosis of autism and other learning needs. She wanted to make a difference, support pupils with SEND and ensure she provided them with the best schooling experience to equip them for the future. With this in mind, she wanted to make a difference and share her passion, commitment, enthusiasm, and the importance of this role for young people, with others.
Kelly feels very lucky to have been given the opportunity to set up and open High Point Academy for Forward Education Trust. She is proud of what she and her team have achieved so far on their mission to provide an outstanding educational experience for pupils with a diagnosis of autism at their school. She is excited to see where the next chapter of our journey will lead them.
Interim Chair- Carl Longmore
Carl is a qualified teacher with experience across primary SEND and secondary phases. Carl now works on the Initial Teacher Education programmes at the University of Wolverhampton, supporting and developing trainee teachers in line with Ofsted and core content framework statutory requirements.
Carl’s main focus throughout his career has been in relation to SEND and he has published research around teaching and learning of pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) as well as delivering CPD to schools and specialist staff across a range of multi-sensory areas to support pupils with varying needs.
Carl has previous experience of school governance, which, aligned to his teaching background, has led to his belief/philosophy that the role requires governors to be critical friends that ask questions and critique school strategies and decisions, with pupils’ aspiration, experience and progress at the heart of it.
Susan Clewley
Susan Clewley is a parent of two SEND teenagers, one who attends High Point Academy, and one in mainstream. Susan’s experiences of advocating for her children’s educational needs, rights and opportunities will closely resemble that of all the parents at High Point Academy. Susan is looking forward to joining the school in a role where these experiences can be heard, and ensure High Point provides their pupils with the best Secondary education experience.
Susan has a passion to ensure each individual child is given the best opportunity to reach their potential. After a career in banking, she is currently retraining in child education, with the intention of working within a SEND environment. Susan will bring a parent’s view to the LAC, to challenge and support the experienced body of professionals already on the Council.
Sian Reading
Sian is an experienced teacher having worked in Birmingham schools for over 20 years. She also brings experience in special educational needs having been a SENCO for a number of years before becoming a Local Authority advisory teacher for SEND. Sian is keen to bring this expertise to contribute to the school and the support it provides for pupils.
Chris Owen
Chris has recently taken semi-retirement after nearly 34 years working as a Teaching Assistant, Teacher and Senior Manager in several special schools in the Birmingham area. He now delivers training to staff in schools and care settings across the country on behalf of Team Teach in developing positive strategies to support them and their young people with behaviour management.
Chris now looks forward to joining High Point Academy LAC and being able to use his experiences and expertise in whatever way he can, to give something back.