Spa Education Trust

Joseph Wood

Chair of Members

Joseph became a Member of the Trust as part of the Spa School Conversion. Joseph had previously been a Governor at Spa School and at an Academy Trust in the London Borough of Bexley. In his professional capacity as a Lead Associate at the Financial Conduct Authority, and prior experience in auditing and investigations, Joseph is well positioned to perform the oversight role that is expected of members.

Bridget Gilchrist

Member

Bridget has been a parent governor for over 15 years at 3 different schools in 2 London local authorities. These include both mainstream and special schools. Bridget has 3 children, 2 of whom have a diagnosis of autism. In 2012 Bridget received her MEd in Special Education (Autism) from Birmingham University. Since 2005 Bridget has worked at a community primary school in Southwark as Assistant Inclusion Manager and Autism lead. She is very proud to be Chair of the newly formed Spa Education Trust and is excited to be able to work alongside the outstanding leadership team at Spa, to make the school a happy experience for young people with autism and to provide support for their families and carers. Bridget was the Chair of Governors at Spa School for several years before the creation of the Trust in 2018.

Rachel Landau

Member

Rachel is a lawyer currently working at the Department for Education. Rachel has significant expertise in educational matters and was a member of the governing body at Spa School for several years before the creation of the Trust.

Lynsey McAlpine

Member

Lynsey joined as Member of the Trust in 2023. She brings a wealth of experience from her professional role as a psychiatrist in the NHS, her work in the higher education sector, and her prior role as a co-opted governor for a maintained school. She has a particular interest in parental mental health and early years mental health, supporting the wellbeing of young people and their families so that they can thrive.

Holly McAlpine

Chair of Trustees

Holly joined the Spa Trust in 2018 as a Co-opted Trustee. Holly is a Head of HR who has a particular interest in diversity and inclusion, particularly in the tech industry. Holly holds a Masters in Human Resource Management and postgraduate qualifications in both Management and Employment Law, and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and the CIPD. Holly is a volunteer facilitator with Diversity Role Models, a charity committed to ending homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying in schools, and is also a volunteer mentor with CIPD Steps Ahead, working with young jobseekers to improve their confidence and employability.

Krys McInnis

Co - Vice Chair

Krys McInnis MBA is an educator with extensive experience in both the public and private sector. Having been a member before the creation of the Trust, Krys has brought with him his previous HR and Legal expertise to the governing board. As an ex-Chair of Governors, as well as various other board positions, Krys brings with him a wealth of experience in governance, compliance and policy which he extends further as the inaugural Chair of Governor for Spa Camberwell.

David May

Co - Vice Chair

David became a Trustee of Spa Education Trust in July 2023. He is an audit manager at a Big 4 firm and specialises in evaluating the systems and controls implemented by investment firms to safeguard and protect their clients’ assets. He is an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. David is deeply committed to using his skills to improve the lives of young people. Having previously served as a volunteer mentor for The Kids Network, he understands the distinct challenges of supporting children with additional needs. David is the Chair of Governors for Spa Bermondsey.