Governance

Head of School

Mr Budd joined Friars Academy as Head of School in September 2024.

Previously he was the Executive Headteacher of The Aspire Federation in Milton Keynes which consists of Slated Row School and The Woodlands School. He has been the Head at Slated Row School since September 2014, and along with his team achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2018, and remained outstanding in 2023. He took up the Headship at The Walnuts School (now The Woodlands School) in April 2018 to support as an interim measure. Following a number of developments and the benefits of joint working with Slated Row he was made substantive when the schools formed the Federation in October 2019. During his ten years in MK he sat on a number of strategic boards and working groups. He also chaired the MK PRU Management Committee for 2 years during this time.

He has his National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and in Headship (NPQH), he has also completed a number of postgraduate studies in Special Educational Needs & Autism with Cambridge, Birmingham and Hertfordshire Universities. He is dedicated to professional development, not only of himself but others too. He has been a member of the strategic board for a teaching school alliance for a number of years, and worked with a number of initial teacher training providers, including as a Partner Head.

Before moving to MK he was a member of a Senior Leadership Team in an all-age special school (4-16) in London between 2006 & 2014. During this time he developed the primary & early years provisions, as well as holding whole school responsibilities for Assessment, English, ICT and health & safety. During this time he taught from Reception to examinations in Key Stage 4.

When working for the Specialist Advisory Service in Hertfordshire he specialised in pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Social Communication Difficulties. Through this role he advised staff and parents and worked with pupils from preschool to secondary schools. He completed training for individuals, whole school staff as well as centralised Local Authority Training.

Other Governor experience includes chairing a PRU Management Committee & advising at Full Governing Body & Committees as a Senior Leader, specifically around data, health & safety & the curriculum.

Chair of Local Governing Body

I am a retired research manager having worked at university, own start up company and in a multinational. I have been involved in a variety of plant-based projects including conservation of crop plants, aging and the modification of plant products using genetic modification.

I have lived in Wellingborough for over 30 years and am the father of two daughters and a son.

I started to be a governor of the shadow special schools body before the creation of Friars and Rowan Gate schools in the town and therefore have been on the governing body from the start of the school. Currently I am vice chair and hold the same position on the Wrenn governing body, where I have served for more than 20 years.

I have been a Borough councilor and have been an advisor at Nene Valley Citizens Advice for the past 10 years, specializing in employment, benefits and relationship problems.

I am particularly interested in safeguarding of students and personnel issues at schools.

Staff Governor

I am the lead science teacher at Friars academy. I taught science in mainstream secondary schools until joining the Friars family 5 years ago. I have lived all over the world as a child, but my home has always been in Northamptonshire. My second love after science is crochet, knitting and embroidery.

Parent Governor

I’m a proud parent of three children who all attend Friars Academy. I wanted to become a Parent Governor to give something back to the school that has done so much for my family. I’m really passionate about supporting the school community and helping every child thrive. In my spare time, I love gaming and baking — especially when I can share the results with family and friends!

Parent Governor

I am a mother of three children, two that are neurotypical and one that is neurodiverse.

I have worked with SEND for over 20 years. In my current job I work for SEND support services, in the Local Authority.

I am very passionate about SEND. I truly believe that every young person and adult deserves the best and to be treated equally.

I live in Wellingborough with my beautiful family, our pet dog and house rabbit.

My hobbies include reading and gardening in my spare time, as well as being actively involved in rugby.