The Galaxy Trust

Darren Stephens
Communications Manager

I have been working in educational IT for nearly two decades. In my role as Communications Manager, I am responsible for helping to inform parents, carers, the local community and the wider public about the Galaxy Trust, each academy within the Trust and, of course, to celebrate the work and achievements of the pupils. I produce the newsletters for each school and keep the websites and our social media platforms up to date. I enjoy running a club that's lets children explore their creativity in Minecraft.

 

Desserri Thomas

Finance Officer

I attended Temple Hill school myself as a child as well as my children coming here . I was originally a parent volunteer before working in different roles within the school.  I now work as a Finance Officer and enjoy the variety of this position.

 

 

 

Mikala Jeffery

Finance Manager

I have recently joined the Galaxy Trust and am excited to be part of the team. I am passionate about the work that I do and doing it well has always been important to me. In order to be as effective as I can, I have taken qualifications that have enabled me to have a deeper understanding of financial management. I have completed a 3 year accounts course and have achieved the Certificate in School Business Management. I have over 20 years finance experience which includes working for the Local Authority supporting primary and secondary schools around the County.

 

Sue Kirby

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Headteacher

As a recent addition team I am looking forward to the next phase of my career working within The Galaxy Trust.  Since graduating with a BA Hons in Business Management I have gained experience across both Public and Private sector in a variety of roles, including IT, Management and Business Development.  I feel very privileged to now be working alongside such a dedicated, hardworking team and hope my diligence and skills can help with the continued smooth running of the Trust. 

 

Jennie Purr
Executive Assistant to the Director of Business

I started working at The Galaxy Trust in 2014. I have had different job roles within the Trust, Extended Service Manager, Admin Assistant and my current role as Executive Assistant to the Director of Business. This is a busy and varied role providing support to the Director of Business, which is a challenge I am enjoying. Outside of work I like spending time with my husband and two daughters.

Lucy Wisdom

HR Officer

I have recently been appointed to the position of HR Officer.  I have over 20 years administration experience and for the last 10 years I have worked in an HR Team providing support for two large secondary schools.  I take pride in what I do and will always ensure my work is carried out to a high standard.  I am really looking forward to the new challenges working in the primary sector and meeting new people. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to do this within The Galaxy Trust.

Chris Brown

ICT Network Manager

I began my Educational IT career in 2006 working at one of the largest primary schools in the South East where I spent 6 years developing my skill set. I then moved on to the local authority where I spent the next 4 years building on those foundations and gaining further experience at governmental levels. More recently, the last 3 years have seen me utilise my experience within a special needs school setting which has enabled me to get a full understanding of the tools needed to have the greatest impact and best serve our young people of all learning capacities. I remain as motivated and passionate today as I did 15 years ago to make as big a difference as I can to the children’s education, their school days and their future lives in the big wide world. I am looking forward immensely to the challenge I embark on at The Galaxy Trust as the ICT Network Manager and fully expect it to be as rewarding for me as I hope it will be for the children.

Chris Carroll

Catering Manager

I started my career working as a chef in restaurants and hotels, and I love the buzz of working in a busy kitchen. I found my way into school kitchens completely by accident but serving great food to young people has become my passion. I have worked in the Education catering sector for over 10 years, running kitchens in primary and secondary schools, and as a development chef for an education contract catering company. I’m really proud to be a part of the Galaxy Trust team, I believe food is at the centre of everything we do, and seeing pupils enjoying a great meal together is something I find really rewarding. Outside of work, I love to cook with my family. I have two young daughters who keep me very busy. In my spare time I like getting outdoors, fishing, camping, and playing blues guitar.