Forwards Centre Local Governing Body

Rhian Driver

Interim Chair of Governors

Term of Office: 16.07.2024 - 15.07.2028

Rhian has been the Head of School at Red Lane Primary School since 2016 when the school co-founded BASE Academy Trust. Rhian has an unshakeable belief and determination that all children have access to a high-quality education. Her passions are curriculum development, EYFS and inclusion. Rhian has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship, the National Award for Special Needs Coordination and also holds a Post-Graduate certificate in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia). She is a Visiting Fellow for Ambition Institute and facilitates on the NPQSL.

Chair.ForwardsCentre@boltonimpacttrust.org.uk

Nicola Berry

Headteacher

Ex Officio

Nikki joined The Forwards Centre in 2016 as a class teacher, having previously worked in both mainstream and specialist education settings. She has a strong belief that every child deserves to feel understood, valued and capable, and is passionate about helping young people grow from their strengths rather than be defined by their struggles. Nikki became Headteacher of The Forwards Centre in January 2026, having completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2024. She is driven by a commitment to ensuring that children and young people receive the support they need to succeed, believing that too many are excluded or disadvantaged simply because their needs are misunderstood. Her passion lies in creating environments where every child can thrive, build confidence, and recognise their own potential. Nikki believes that every child is worthy, capable and inherently good, and that it is our responsibility as educators to discover what works for them. Her purpose is to build children up from their strengths so that they can believe in themselves, achieve success and flourish both in school and beyond.

Khujista Bhatti

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 18.04.2026 - 17.04.2030

With over 16 years of teaching experience, Khujista is currently lead practitioner in teaching and learning at Smithills School. She has extensive experience teaching across KS3 and KS4, including supporting pupils with SEND and those facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children, she has a particular interest in trauma-informed practice, inclusive education, and flexible learning pathways. She brings strong expertise in strategic school improvement, staff development, safeguarding and wellbeing, and is committed to supporting positive outcomes for pupils and families.

Elizabeth Burns

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 27.01.2026 - 26.01.2030

Elizabeth has a long-standing professional background in social care, education, and adult learning. She holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Administration, a Diploma in Applied Social Science, qualifications in Social Work and Education. Her career includes roles as a Social Worker, Youth Worker, and Lecturer, supporting young people and adults with additional needs. She has held senior leadership positions including Head of Department in Health and Social Care, Vice Principal and Principal of an Adult Residential College, and Head of Adult Learning in Blackpool. She has also worked nationally as an External Verifier and as a Consultant for Scope, delivering staff training. Alongside her professional work, she has a strong commitment to voluntary and community roles.

Susan Morris

Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 15.05.2026 - 14.05.2030

Susan is the CEO at Dukefield Foodservice and brings an extensive range of knowledge and expertise to the company, with over 26 years’ experience in the education catering sector. She has previously been a foundation governor at St Edwards RC primary school in Darwen and then a foundation governor at St Bedes high school Blackburn where she later became the Vice Chair. In total she was a school governor for over 13 years.

Alexandria Edgar

Parent Governor

Term of Office: 20.04.2026 - 19.04.2028

Alexandria is a governor representing the parents of the school. She currently an unregistered barrister working towards completing her vocational training, with a strong understanding of advocacy, accountability and decision-making. Passionate about supporting those who cannot advocate for themselves, she is committed to ensuring all children have equal access to education. As a single working parent of two, she brings resilience, insight into the challenges families face, and a strong voice for pupils and families. She is dedicated to promoting fairness, inclusion, high standards and effective strategic decision making within the school.

Helen Hosick

Parent Governor

Term of Office: 17.10.2025 - 16.10.2027

Helen is a governor representing the parents of the school. As a parent of a child who attends the Forwards Centre she has experienced first-hand the positive support it provides. With personal experience of SEND, Helen understands the importance of ensuring every child feels included, supported and valued. Passionate about wellbeing and family engagement, she is committed to helping the Forwards Centre continue to provide the best possible outcomes for children and ensuring that families feel listened to and supported.