Gavin Wheeldon – Chair of Governors
Gavin is Chair of Governors. He is the CEO of Purple AI and has led tech businesses for over 20 years. Gavin is a Chartered Director and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD). Gavin joined the school board as a Governor in 2022 and later took on the role of Chair of the Marketing and Admissions Committee in 2023. He is a father to two daughters who both started their education in the school’s nursery. He is committed to utilising his expertise in technology and marketing to benefit the school community.
Stuart Sayer – Joint Vice-Chair
Stuart is the joint Vice Chair of Governors. He is a Partner and Regional lead for a property and construction consultancy and has been a chartered surveyor for over 25yrs. Stuart Joined the Board in January 2025 , as part of the Property Group. He is the father of three children, the youngest of which has been a student at HGS since 2022. Stuart brings considerable property and construction expertise to the Board and the HGS estates strategy.
Andrew Coyne – Joint Vice-Chair
Andrew, a former Hulme pupil and Head Boy, serves as Chair of the Marketing & Community Engagement Committee and joint Vice Chair of Governors. He grew up in Mossley, and now lives in Saddleworth. After studying law at the University of Leeds, Andrew qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. He gained over a decade of experience in the legal sector before moving out of the court room, and he now specialises in digital working, transformation and the use of legal technology. Andrew’s wife also attended Hulme and they have three young children who rightly monopolise their time. Andrew and his wife’s trust in Hulme is such that their two older children are already pupils here.
John Greenwood
John is Chair of the Facilities, Health & Safety Committee. He is a former pupil and Head Boy of the school. Married with two children, John grew up in Oldham, but has lived in Bramhall for the last 20 years. He has been on the Board since 2017. He has run a local construction company, specialising in the education sector, for the last 25 years. He is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.
Stuart Illingworth
Stuart joined the Board in April 1996 and holds a BSc Hons in Management Sciences from UMIST. Having lived in the USA from 1978 to 1980, Stuart settled in Oldham, where he became Managing Director of a family company specialising in wholesale gift design and importation until 2023. With extensive international trade experience, including over 100 trips to China and the Far East, he brings valuable insights to the Finance and General Purposes Committee. Stuart’s three children attended Hulme from 1990 to 1996.
Ann Richards
Ann, with a background in education and behavioural science, has been a vital part of the Hulme Board since 2009. Currently contributing to Education, Marketing and Steering Committees, Ann’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at Werneth Preparatory School and Oldham Primary School. Her commitment to fostering a family atmosphere at Hulme reflects her dedication to education. Outside of work, Ann enjoys spending time with family and pursuing hobbies like travelling, horse riding, and sewing.
Val Stocker
Val is a solicitor and has worked in the legal sector for over thirty years. Most of that time has been spent with local firm North Ainley solicitors, where she is now a Partner. Val joined the Board of Governors in 2008 and has experience on a number of sub committees. She and husband Jonathan live locally, and both their children were students at the School. Val is active within her local Church, and spare time is spent enjoying the local countryside and the latest addition to the family, grandson Jude.
Jeremy Sutcliffe
Jeremy, a retired primary school deputy head teacher, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chair of Governors at both a local LEA primary school and a special school. With a background in education and previous service as a borough councillor, Jeremy offers invaluable insights into the local community and current primary education issues.
Jack Williams
Jack brings 29 years of experience in independent education, including leadership roles as a head teacher and his current Head of Compliance position at Bolton School. He is also an ISI Reporting Inspector, with expertise in school inspections and regulatory compliance. A former pupil of Hulme, from the class of 1991, he is a valuable member of the school’s Board.