Our steering group

JOHN EDMONDSVice Chair
John Edmonds is a Trade Unionist, environmentalist and writer about equality for women. He was the former General Secretary of the GMB union and served as TUC President in 1998.

MELISSA BENNVice Chair
Melissa Benn is a journalist and writer. In 2012 she won the Fred and Anne Jarvis Award, presented by the National Union of Teachers for her campaigning and work for the cause of comprehensive education.

ALEXA COLLINSTreasurer
Alexa Collins is a Buckinghamshire parent, Secretary of Beaconsfield CLP and Chair of Bucks Labour Forum.
Our steering committee

DEREK BERRY
Derek Berry worked in the aviation industry and is now retired. He lives in Buckinghamshire and feels there is ample evidence that selection fails to provide the equality of opportunity and resources which are available to children in the neighbouring comprehensive schools.

DAVID CHAYTOR
David Chaytor has experience as a Senior Manager of a large College of Arts and Technology. He is a former Labour Member of Parliament and a founder member of Comprehensive Future.

PIPPA DORAN
Pippa Doran has worked within a selective authority as a teacher, manager and senior education officer. As a disabled woman she brings a unique perspective to our organisation.

JOHN FOWLER
John Fowler has 30 years’ experience in local government in management, performance and policy roles for seven local authorities in London and the south east. He was deputy head of education, culture and tourism at the Local Government Association from 1997 to 2002.

ALAN GURBUTT
Alan Gurbutt is a parent to two daughters and mental health nurse based in selective Lincolnshire. He has a particular interest in the wellbeing and mental health implications of the 11-plus.

RICHARD HARRIS
Richard Harris is a retired Adult Education Principal and senior manager in a Further Education College. He has served as a Councillor on Southampton City Council. He is a primary school governor and a member of the local Schools Forum, as well as representing CASE and the Reclaiming Education campaign group.

NICK KENNARD
Nick Kennard is a resident of Sevenoaks and has been a vocal opponent to the controversial Weald of Kent ‘annexe’ grammar school in local news. He works in IT for an Energy Services and Facilities Management company.

ALAN PARKER
Alan Parker’s career in voluntary and statutory agencies culminated as Director of Education at the London Borough of Ealing. Since then he has been a consultant and held roles such as a Schools Adjudicator. He is a qualified executive coach and served as the Society of Education Officers’ President in 2002, he is a trustee of several education charities.

JO SMITH
Jo is a comprehensively educated mother of two, and she is passionately opposed to selection and unfair admissions in our schools. Her background is in HR and employment law.