Our People

Leadership, Integrity & Accountability

Aspire Foundation board of Directors sets direction, approves key organisational decisions, budgets, business plans and new business opportunities.

Meet the Directors

Charles Welsh

I am a Founder Member of the Charity and have been in school leadership roles since 1982, firstly, as lead teacher in a nursery in the East End of Glasgow before moving to Head an Infant School in the Canary Islands. On returning to the United Kingdom I have been the Head of Schools and Children’s Centres in Gloucestershire and have worked in a part time capacity as a School Advisor.

I firmly believe in the strength of partnerships and have been the Chair of the former Local Strategic Partnership in Cheltenham and am currently Chair of the Communities Partnership. I am a champion of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ campaign and work as a Corporate Parent for children in care.

In my spare time I like to stroll around the golf course

Claire Price

I have spent all of my working life in the field of education. For 20 years I was deputy head of a large village Junior school. Following, retirement from full time teaching I spent the last ten years of my teaching career as a LA Education Officer responsible for advising parents who chose to educate their children at home.

I continue to maintain my passion and interest in education as a school governor. I am Vice-Chair of governors of Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation of schools and one of the founding Directors of the company. I firmly believe that children are our most valuable asset and deserve the best care, education and opportunities that we are able to provide.

Other activities include being a member of Cheltenham Cancer Research UK which involves organising and partaking in fundraising activities; being a trustee of a small local Housing Association which provides affordable housing for retired people and assisting at a local toddler’s group. I am also a Welfare (safeguarding) officer for a local village cricket team.

In my spare time I like to spend time with family and friends, enjoy walking, gardening, cooking (a Mary Berry addict) and relaxing with a good TV programme or book.

Cordell Ray BSc (hons), MBE

My background is in community development and I am Chief Executive Officer of the Charity, Caring for Communities & People (CCP). The charity’s vision is to prevent the causes and reduce the effects of homelessness, family breakdown and exclusion.

Driven by a desire to create positive social impact, I firmly believe we can all add value by doing something extra, every day, to create a fairer and richer society for all. Embracing the assets, talents and potential of all people is crucial in achieving equality and diversity.

In addition to my full-time role at CCP, I am Chair of Governors of Gardners Lane and Oakwood Federation of schools and Chair of Trustees of the Gloucestershire VCS Alliance, an independent charitable organisation working to strengthen the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in Gloucestershire. It aims to collect and represent the views of the VCS to create a stronger and more proactive sector capable of influencing policy and decision making.

When not doing that, I enjoy a busy family life.

Julie Hunt

I have spent more than 30 years in education, firstly as a primary school teacher and then Headteacher of 2 Infant schools.

Since leaving Headship, I have taught at the University of Gloucestershire on the Early Years and Initial Teacher Training degree courses, I currently work part-time with trainee teachers on ‘teaching practice’ in schools in order to provide advice and support.

I am passionate about training the next generation of practitioners and teachers so that all children receive the very best care and education to support their holistic development. I am a Governor of Gardners Lane and Oakwood Primary Schools and take responsibility as Chair of the SEND committee.

In my spare time I enjoy swimming, cooking for friends and family, reading and travelling.

Meet the Senior Leadership Team

The Aspire Foundation Senior Leadership Team works together to make sure we deliver on our organisational priorities and promises.

Executive Head

Tony Larner

Operational Headteacher

Joan Morrison

Acting Operational Head

Rosie Hill

Acting Operational Head

Emily Hayet-Patino

Business Manager

Jonathan Davies

Children's Services Manager

Alena Campbell

Children's Services Manager

Maud McLoughlin

Early Years Manager

Roz Nelson

Visit us

Gardners Lane Children and Family Centre, Gardners Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 9JW