Meet the Directors

• Julie Hunt
  Chair of Directors
  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.

• Nia Thomas
  Vice-Chair of Directors
  Nia Thomas

  I'm Nia and I'm the Director of an early years charity in Southend on Sea. I have a background of supporting children and families in poverty across the NHS, local government, civil service and now the charitable sector in Wales and England. I was also a Trustee of a charity, focused on children in care, on the edge of care and care leavers before moving to Cheltenham.

  I've led the delivery of childcare, play, parenting, family support, early language, health visiting, family information services, integrated children's centres and more. I've also been privileged to shape policy, particularly about co-producing services alongside parents.

  In my spare time, I host a leadership podcast and write a weekly blog about self-awareness in leadership. I recently moved house, to be near to my husband's business and am looking forward to honing my scooter riding skills!

• Balbinder Bhandal
  Director
  Balbinder Bhandal

  I'm Bal, the Trustee Treasurer. With over 30 years of experience, I've served as a financial executive in the manufacturing sector, including the automotive and aerospace industries. More recently, I've been the CFO for a national multi-academy trust.

  My work has always focused on strategic financial leadership, from optimising performance to ensuring fiscal health and compliance. I'm skilled at understanding unique financial challenges and finding effective solutions.
  
  Beyond my professional life, I'm a husband and a proud dad of three. My personal mission is deeply connected to my role as a trustee: I believe that education is the pathway to a successful and healthy life. I'm passionate about removing any barriers that stand in the way of a child's right to reach their fullest potential.

• Claire Price
  Director
  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.

• Daniel Tarver
  Director
  Daniel Tarver

  I'm Dan, and I bring 16 years of experience in law and finance to my role as a Trustee. As the founder of Trioak Capital, I specialise in advising financial startups on business development and capital raising skills. I am now dedicated to ensuring Aspire Foundation remains a sustainable and impactful force for families.
  
  Growing up as a dairy farmer's son in Worcestershire, I saw hard work and resilience up close. Now living in Cheltenham with my wife—a local teacher—and our two sons, I believe every child deserves a strong start, and I am proud to support Aspire's mission to remove barriers for families in our community.

• Lesley Molnar-Pleydell
  Director
  Lesley Molnar-Pleydell

  I started my career in Child Protection as a Social Worker and witnessed first-hand the impact of poverty, deprivation and marginalisation amongst my clients. During this time my passion to bring change to the vulnerable grew and it has informed my career to date.
  
  

  In my current role I work with male and female severe offenders.
  
  

  My previous role was Head of Development for Ofsted Registered care centres for children with complex and additional needs, mainly focussing on Autism.
  
  

  In my spare time I'm a voracious reader, part-time student, enthusiastic cook and a lover of nature. I take long walks with my rescue dog from Romania and when possible, I enjoy travelling.

• Oliver Tuck
  Director
  Oliver Tuck

  Since training to be a teacher I have had the privilege in working in Primary Schools in Gloucester, Newent and now Cheltenham. I have undertaken a variety of Senior Leadership Roles - I was Head of School at Finlay Community School, Executive Deputy Head and Acting Executive Head at the GPP Federation and am now Headteacher at Gardners Lane Primary School.

  Although I have only been at Gardners Lane Primary since September 2024 I have loved every moment. It is a pleasure to work at the heart of our diverse community, and I value the role of school in supporting child development both personally and academically. It is a privilege to work with a dedicated staff team who continually go above and beyond for the children and families at our school. I am driven by the desire to ensure we are an inclusive school and that any child, regardless of need or background, should feel like they belong, they can aspire and achieve.

  I am a proud husband and father to two boys aged 7 and 10. I am kept busy by our never-ending DIY project of a home, our chickens and coaching my son's football team.

• Sara Bennion
  Director
  Sara Bennion

  My name is Sara, and I am currently the Headteacher of a primary school in Tewkesbury. I have been teaching for over 20 years and began my career in Early Years—an area I continue to find both inspiring and deeply rewarding. Supporting young children as they grow and develop has always been a privilege.

  My school sits at the heart of a diverse and vibrant community, where building strong relationships with families is central to our success. I hope to bring this local insight and understanding of our community to my work as a Trustee. I am looking forward to supporting Aspire in continuing to deliver high-quality educational opportunities and in making a positive difference for all children and families it serves.

Meet the Senior Leadership Team (ID 1196)

• Melanie Hill
  Organisation Strategic Lead
  Melanie Hill

• Maud McLoughlin
  Family Support Services Strategic Lead
  Maud McLoughlin

• Sara Derbyshire
  Early Years Strategic Lead
  Sara Derbyshire

  I am an Early Years Teacher and Social Worker with over 20 years' experience of working with children and families. I am passionate about the importance of education as a whole and the impact this can have on future life outcomes but most especially the importance of nurturing children from birth to school age. My husband and I have two grown up children. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, reading and visiting art galleries and museums.