Adam Sturt is a senior leader within a large College Group, with extensive senior leadership experience across further education, specialising in pedagogy, curriculum development and quality improvement. He has held a range of strategic leadership roles, including Group Vice Principal for Curriculum & Quality where he has led significant organisational improvement and innovation, people development, alongside a track record of delivering high-quality learner outcomes and driving sustainable cultures of excellence. His professional background is underpinned by a Master’s degree in Education (Leadership and Management), Qualified Teacher Status, and fellowships with both the Institute of Leadership and the Society for Education & Training, plus Adam sits on a number of national panels and reference groups. 

He has significant governance experience, currently serving as Chair of Governors at Stanchester Academy and a Vice Chair within a different multi academy trust secondary school, contributing to strategic oversight, accountability, and school improvement.

Adam is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and supporting inclusive, high-quality education within his local community. His interest in governance is driven by a commitment to collaboration, challenge, and ensuring that all learners can succeed.

Tammy Cooney runs her own business offering business advice, tax and payroll assistance. She is a tax agent and works closely with HMRC.

Tammy has over 20 years of experience in finance and business, from Law Firms to Schools and has recently completed her Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons) with the Open Univeristy. This was an Open Degree with emphasis on Business management and finance matters.

Tammy brings expertise in finance, governance, and compliance. She is the parent of a current student at Stanchester and is delighted to be able to ensure that the culture of Stanchester is maintained to a high standard and takes her responsibility of supporting staff and students at Stanchester very seriously and is a visible presence at the School.

Tammy is the Safeguarding link governor.

Jenna Burrow is Head of Geography at Stanchester Academy and joined the school in 2018. She has worked in the education sector for over 18 years, with experience from both public and private schools. Prior to this, Jenna worked within finance and the leisure industry.

Jenna grew up in the local area and has a strong desire to ensure that the local young people are given the best possible opportunities in life.

Within her role as Head of Geography, Jenna has sought to offer opportunities for students to experience the wider world, leading on successful trips to Iceland for example, as well as increasing the chance for students to build a greater knowledge of the local environment.

Jenna’s desire to ensure that young people are given the best opportunities led her to apply to be staff governor as she wanted to be involved with the wider decision-making process at Stanchester.

Sophia Dickson joined the governing body in 2025, she is a qualified teacher and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), having worked in education since 2007, progressing through a range of roles including teaching, Curriculum Coordination and SEND leadership.

She brings strong expertise in SEND, teaching and inclusive education, alongside experience in multi-agency working, deaf education, advocating and being the Designated Teacher for Children Looked After, staff development and supporting positive learner outcomes. Her work focuses on ensuring all young people, including those facing barriers, can succeed and progress. Sophia is passionate about supporting schools to provide inclusive, high-quality education for every child. Through her role, she has strong links to the local community and has a clear understanding of education pathways in a variety of types of settings and educational phases, from main stream to special educational settings and EYFS through to Post 16. She became a governor, as an individual with neurodiversities herself, to contribute her professional knowledge and advocate for inclusive practice, with a particular interest in SEND, Inclusion, and ensuring all pupils are supported to achieve their potential. The area of Yeovil and the local area to Stanchester is particularly important to Sophia and she is proud to work at a respected local college and also support the school and local community in the capacity of SEND Governor.

Clare Hammond-Sayer is the Director of People and Compliance at Yeovil College, where she leads on people strategy, compliance, organisational development and workforce planning.

Clare has over 35 years of professional experience gained across recruitment, construction, human resources and employment law, working in the UK, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates. After beginning her career in recruitment, Clare progressed into international HR consultancy and senior leadership roles, supporting major infrastructure and construction projects before returning to the UK to specialise in UK employment law. Since relocating to Somerset in 2015, she has worked closely with businesses across the Southwest, helping them develop effective people practices and strong organisational cultures.

Clare brings expertise in HR, governance, compliance, employment law, risk management, equality, diversity and inclusion. She is passionate about education and lifelong learning and became a governor in 2025 to support strong leadership, staff wellbeing and positive outcomes for all learners.

George Round is the Head of Engineering and Automotive at Yeovil College, where he leads a successful department delivering education and training across engineering, manufacturing, automotive and apprenticeship provision. He is responsible for curriculum development, employer engagement, quality improvement and strategic growth with the engineering sector.

George has over 10 years of experience in engineering education and skills development having started as a composite engineering apprentice at Yeovil College and then progressing through teaching and assessing roles to eventually take over management of the department. This journey through education has given George a key insight into the needs of employers and how that directly impacts the learner experience and quality of educational programmes.

George brings expertise in technical education, apprenticeships, workforce development, leadership and employer engagement. He is passionate about creating opportunities for learners, supporting industry growth and ensuring education remains closely aligned to the needs of employers and the wider economy.