Governors Who’s Who

Mrs Glynis Alexander

Chair of Governors

Bio coming soon

Mr Peter Hilditch

Vice Chair to Governors

I have been delighted to be able to join the Governing Body at Cantell this year. My elder daughter (of two daughters) has also recently joined.

Deciding on schools for your children is a huge responsibility and whilst visiting Cantell to look at prospective schools, I was immediately impressed by all the staff and students. Since being appointed as Governor I have continued to be impressed by the huge amount of work and dedication that goes into make the school what it is.

I am keen to do whatever I can to try and contribute to the continued success of Cantell. I have been a solicitor for almost 20 years and have lived and worked in Southampton for the last 17 years. Whilst I am sure there will be challenges ahead, I am confident that the school is well placed to deal with those and I look forward to being part of Cantell’s future.

Mr Harry Kutty

Headteacher

My core principle: every student has the right to an outstanding educational experience, resulting in the very best outcomes possible. I am privileged to be involved in education, working alongside inspirational colleagues, where together we shape the life chances of future generations.

I am a passionate advocate of teaching and know, first hand, the impact great teachers can have on a student`s journey through life. I also understand the need to support, nurture and develop teachers, empowering and upskilling them to be the best that they can be.

I am equally passionate about sport and my family … but certainly not in that order! I have played cricket most of my life, representing Lincolnshire at Colts level and played in some wonderful leagues including the renowned Bradford League. My wife was a Gymnast, representing Great Britain at Sports Acrobatics, when she was younger. Our two daughters have, sadly for me, followed in their mother`s footsteps, initially going into gymnastics and now heavily involved in diving.

Mr Matt Bunday

LA Governor

Matt Bunday is a City Councillor representing the ward of Swaythling. He attended Cantell as a student and went into live events and theatre upon graduating university in London. He now splits his time between teaching in Higher Education and being a City Councillor. He is a big believer in young people and in the power of education, spending 4 years on the regional board of the national charity ‘Young Enterprise’, and chairing the board for two of those years. He believes strongly in high quality and well-funded career paths for students so that every child has the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

Mr John Draper

Foundation Governor

Bio coming soon

Mr Julian Bryant

Staff Governor

It has been my privilege to teach at Cantell for 20 years. I am the Head of Religious Education and the elected staff governor. I am also the school representative for the NEU, supporting staff and monitoring health and safety. Prior to teaching, I worked in the Insurance industry as a Chartered Insurance Practitioner and a Chartered Loss Adjuster, specialising in Business Interruption claims.

Emma Bradshaw

Co-opted Governor

For nearly 17 years, I have lived in Southampton and enjoy the vibrant and diverse community. I strongly believe that education is an essential aspect of the community and would love to see all of our local schools thrive. As a parent of school-aged children, my investment in supporting our schools has grown and being able to provide support to the school that my children attend is an absolute privilege.

In my professional life I work in business project management, focusing on project and change management, process development and training across my organisation. I am keen to apply my skills and knowledge as I expand my understanding of the education system and work collaboratively with staff and fellow Governors to support Cantell’s ongoing journey.

Ms Nicola Hunt

Co-opted Governor

It is a real privilege to be part of the Governing Body at Cantell School. With over 20 year’s experience in information provision and customer services and more recently in further and higher education, I am passionate about learning and currently support students at university with their study skills. With a daughter currently studying at Cantell and a son coming through in the next few years I have taken a keen interest in the school’s innovative approach to learning. Cantell’s highly successful Transition Week also ensures that students don’t feel so daunted coming into their new school, and can begin thinking about their aspirations for the future.

Cantell also attracts a diverse community of students – I have been impressed with how hard staff and students work to build and strengthen links within the local community. On all my visits to the school it has been heartening to see how happy students are and how proud they are of their school. I hope to be able to use my skills to positively contribute to the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Cantell, and look forward to working in partnership with the staff and governors to ensure that all students have a happy and secure environment in which to develop and achieve their potential.

Mr Ben Hiett

Parent Governor

I have lived in Southampton for over two decades, studying at the university in my youth. I used to train at Cantell way back in the 90s as the sports facilities were utilised by the university, I have known the school for a long time! I have worked in the surrounding area in a variety of science and engineering roles. Currently, I am a government scientist undertaking research in artificial intelligence assurance and safety. I have relevant prior experience in volunteering roles as I sit on the executive committee of the Highfield Scouts. This experience and skill-set will allow me to bring useful knowledge and also management and leadership skills to the table. As a Parent Governor I will be able to give something back to the school for the excellent education it is providing to its pupils. I have been particularly impressed with the ethos and running of the school when I have visited and my eldest son is enjoying himself and being offered a wide range of educational experiences. The teachers I have met have all been engaged and enthusiastic and I imagine they would be a pleasure to work with.

Mr John Groves

Parent Governor

I am a serving Army officer with over 40 years of experience as a manager in facilities management, HR, security, training, and welfare, with a proven track record in small – medium team management. Currently, I am responsible for the welfare and mental health provision for my unit as well as being the lead officer regarding diversity and inclusion matters. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed the competing demands of a dynamic service life and the needs of my family.

My son is currently in Y8 and enjoying everything that Cantell school offers, even the homework! Outside work, I am a leader with the 1st Itchen (South) Scouting Group. I also enjoy running, albeit slowly. My military service has exposed me to a vast range of life experiences that I feel benefits the role of parent governor and I look forward to adding value and ensuring that every young person succeeds in Cantell school.

All correspondence for members of the Governing Body should be forwarded to the Clerk to Governors at the address shown below:

The Governors
c/o Miss Michelle Burt
Clerk to Governors
Cantell School
Violet Road
Southampton
SO16 3GJ

Alternatively contact the Clerk via e-mail: cantell.clerk@cantell.org.uk