Members of The Heights Academy Community Council are:
Everton Burke- Chair (Trust Appointed)
Everton has worked in the FE sector for some 40 years, undertaking a variety of roles. He began as an apprentice chef, then lecturer, middle manager, senior leader and governor of a general further education college.
He has worked at national level advising the Department for Education (DfE) in matters of hospitality and catering qualifications. He has also worked internationally through a European Union (EU) funded project with partners from 5 countries.
Everton set up and ran a successful language school in partnership with a local education authority. He is an education consultant and mentors middle and senior leadership staff in the FE sector in colleges, private training providers and local authorities.
Clare Jennings (Trust Appointed)
Clare is an experienced teacher and SENCO currently working in a primary school in Birmingham. She is passionate about supporting pupils with special educational needs and is committed to sharing her expertise to help all children thrive. Clare is looking forward to contributing to the success of The Heights Academy by offering her knowledge and support to staff, pupils, and the wider school community.
Katie Kavanagh (Parent Representative)
Katie is a devoted mother to two daughters, one of whom has been diagnosed with autism and attends the Heights Academy. With 19 years of experience as a registered professional within the NHS, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and practical expertise that she hopes will enhance the school community.
Through both her professional background and personal journey as a parent, Katie has developed a strong passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In recent years, she has actively expanded her understanding by attending courses and events to further support children and families navigating additional needs.
Katie believes that the combination of her professional experience, lived experience, and ongoing commitment to learning equips her well for the role of parent/carer representative. She is eager to contribute positively to the school’s continued success and to help foster an inclusive, supportive environment where all children can thrive.
Charlotte Garvey – (Parent Representative)
Charlotte Garvey is a parent of three children with autism/ADHD, one of whom attends The Heights Academy. Through her own experience as a parent, Charlotte has seen first-hand the incredibly positive impact The Heights has had on her child’s life. She feels very grateful for the support, understanding and opportunities the school provides and is keen to give something back by becoming a member of the schools Academy Community Council.
Charlotte runs multiple businesses, which has given her strong organisational, communication and people skills, as well as experience managing a wide range of responsibilities and challenges on a daily basis. Alongside her professional experience, her personal experience as a parent of children with additional needs has given her a genuine understanding of the importance of good leadership, support and communication for children and their families.
Charlotte is proud to bring both her professional skills and personal perspective to a governance role at The Heights. She is keen to contribute positively, support the school’s continued development and use her experience to help make a difference to the children, families and wider school community.