David lives just outside Nottingham and is a father of three children, two at primary and one at secondary school. During a long career in business, David has delivered new school facilities under a variety of programmes and advised on the establishment and governance arrangements of a multi-academy trust. David is an expert in project delivery and contract management, and in delivering value for money schemes in the public sector. David is passionate about education and is an advocate of increasing parental choice in high quality education provision.

Jill leads on governance and oversight for the Trust. Jill lives in Rugby and is currently a Borough Councillor with responsibilities including Chairman of the Planning Committee.

A local and independent member of the Trust Board, Jill was involved in the inception of Knowledge School Trust as one of a group of parents campaigning for Rugby Free Primary School. Her role is to provide rigorous scrutiny of the Trust Board and Local Governing Bodies.

Keith is the Trustee leading on school improvement and SEN.

In over a decade as an educational consultant Keith has worked as: a coach to Fast Track teachers, an external adviser to governors for Headteachers’ performance management; a chief external examiner for a university provider of initial teacher training; a tutor for the Open University on their Masters Education programme; and assessor for teachers applying for Advanced Skills teacher status.

He has advised and supported a number of free schools during their application and pre-opening phases and has also provided strategic advice to nationwide local authorities and children’s services. Keith also wrote significant elements of the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s (NCTL) leadership curriculum, including designing training materials for Chairs of Governors.

David leads on research and data analysis for the Trust and brings extensive Early Years and community liaison expertise. With a degree in applied economics, David has worked in the field of education and Early Years research for over a decade.

David has experience in working with over 20 free schools where he has helped organise community engagement and demand gathering and managed consultation during the pre-opening phase.

I was delighted to be appointed as a trust Governor from the inception of RFSS and am passionate about its success.  I have two children within secondary education in Rugby, so have some appreciation and understand the challenges that both parents and children face as we share the journey to their success.  Prior to joining RFSS, I had eight years’ experience in roles in both the capacity of chair and vice-chair on charity committee’s including a school PTA and 5 years governance experience within Primary School education whereby the school progressed from “good” to “outstanding”.  RFSS provides the challenge of building something for the future and I hope I can make a positive contribution to the success of the school in line with the high level of ambition shared by all its stakeholders. Should you wish to make a complaint or an allegation in respect of Rugby Free Secondary School, please feel free to contact me via School.

I am a parent governor, and have been thrilled to see how well Christine Green and her excellent staff have delivered on her vision for Rugby Free School.  My son is learning well, enjoys most of his lessons, and comes home excited about what has happened in school each day.  

As a barrister with over 15 years’ experience I am able to assist the governing board regarding legal issues, and am not afraid to stand up and fight for the best interests of the school.  I like to give back to the school in this role.

I also serve in a similar capacity on the Board of Trustees for the registered Charity, MissionAssist, as a volunteer.  For over 7 years I have provided them with strategic and legal guidance.   

I am also a black belt and fully qualified martial arts instructor.  I teach at a children’s club for which I have undertaken training courses covering Child Welfare, First Aid, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and I have a current enhanced DBS certificate.  

Jonathan’s background career takes him from Electronics as a Development Engineer, Computer Systems Engineer, Networking Consultant (Banking/Dealing and messaging systems for NATO and the British Army) , Project Manager (national network management systems for BT) and Commercial Manager (national network infrastructure projects) before starting his own computer support business 20 years ago.   He is now proudly employed as a lecturer by Coventry University (TEF UK Universities – Second Place) and works in the Engineering faculty at CU Coventry, designing, writing and teaching the HNC, HND and BSc IT Practitioner and Digital Technologies courses.

Jonathan is a Radio Ham, SCUBA Instructor, member of MENSA and Motorcycle enthusiast and is building his own house extension. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has lately achieved an MA in Leadership and Management from Coventry University.

As well as SCUBA diving, he enjoys outings in his motorhome, riding his classic motorcycles and occasionally flying helicopters (on the rare occasions he can find the time).  He is married with two children (one still at home) and also cohabitates with a mad Cocker Spaniel puppy called Chester.

Having intensely followed the decision making process of choosing a suitable Secondary School for my niece, who is thriving within the Rugby Free Secondary School. I was keen to get involved in a local school for a town where I have always lived.

My unconventional educational background (in this day and age) on a mechanical engineering apprenticeship within the Steam Turbine-Power Generation Industry was the basis of my progression into Project Management currently within the Pharmaceutical Industry. I have extensive health and safety knowledge / qualifications and management for construction activities covering all disciplines from Civil / Structural / Mechanical /Electrical / Building Services which can be utilised throughout the process of the new school build.

I was keen to be part of the Rugby Free Secondary School journey, and be part of the community challenge to be recognised as a key local school providing outstanding educational opportunities with an open minded approach to each students abilities.