Sam Killick is a retired Headteacher with over twenty‑five years of experience in education, predominantly within Church of England schools. Throughout her career, she has led with a strong moral purpose, championing inclusive practice and high‑quality learning for all pupils.

Sam brings to the Trust a deep and current understanding of educational practice, alongside the ability to think strategically and support long‑term improvement. Her work is grounded in the values of compassion, commitment, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.

Charles Buchanan is an independent management consultant and business mentor, having previously been Chief Executive Officer of London Ashford Airport and CEO of Manston Airport in Kent over five years. Prior to this he spent more than 10 years at London City Airport, ultimately as Strategy and Communications Director. Throughout his career in airport management, he has been responsible for commercial development and infrastructure investment programmes, combined with governmental and public relations.

Charles trained originally as a civil engineer at Oxford University and joined the developing Channel Tunnel Group in 1985. He was part of the team that submitted the successful bid to build and operate Eurotunnel and latterly was responsible for sales and marketing, both in the UK and on the Continent, through the opening in 1994 and the first years of operation, leaving as Group Sales Manager.

As former Managing Director of Morgan Jones, Jonathan has significant experience in leadership, business, and HR.

Jonathan joined EKC Schools Trust as a Trustee in March 2020 serving as Chair of Trustees until he stepped down in July 2022. Jonathan took up the role of being a Member of EKC Schools Trust on 1 August 2022.

Jonathan has been a Governor of East Kent Colleges Group from 2013-2022 and served as Chair of Search and Governance Committee and Chair of Remuneration Committee.

Sem has been actively involved with East Kent Colleges Group since he was a student at EKC Broadstairs College from 2009 – 2014 as student governor and students’ union president. He is business-minded and has a keen interest in start-ups and business in the local area.

Having started out as an NQT in 1989, I took early retirement from teaching in 2021 and am currently working as Attendance Consultant for a trust of schools in Folkestone. During my teaching career, I held a variety of senior roles in large and challenging schools. Early on, I spent over a decade at Harris Academy Bermondsey working as a Head of Year and Raising Standards Leade. I then worked as a senior leader in three large secondary schools and, most recently, was Vice Principal for Inclusion at Folkestone Academy. Growing up in north London, and with the majority of my career in inner London, I relocated to Kent in 2014 and now live in a 15th century farmhouse in the outskirts of Whitstable. To relax I enjoy walking my five dogs, working in the garden and listening to Test Match Special.