Members

 
 
 

Nigel Holdcroft (Member) read more

Nigel Holdcroft is a solicitor and partner in the firm of Tolhurst Fisher where he heads the Litigation & Matrimonial Department. He lives in Leigh and is married with 2 daughters in their twenties. 

He spent 14 years as a Southend Borough Councillor representing West Leigh - the ward in which the School is located. From 2007 to 2014 he was Leader of the Council during which time the Town won the prestigious "Council of the Year" award, and he played an important role in encouraging practical and financial support from the Council to the School during its redevelopment. 

Nigel has always had an interest in education and was previously Chairman of Governors at a local junior school and at a local infant and nursery school. He is currently President of Southend West Conservative Association.

 

Robin Marcus (Member) read more

Born in Westcliff on Sea, I attended Chalkwell Junior School and Belfairs High School. Belfairs set me up for a successful career as a solicitor practising locally for 25 years. In addition to my work as a lawyer I developed an internet marketing business employing people from the local community and beyond.

I currently work as a Consultant to schools helping them convert to an academy. I have sat on a number of Interim Executive Boards working with schools in need of improvement.

In my free time I support Southend United and volunteer at Tate Modern. I also work with a charity helping people in court who do not have legal representation. I live in Chalkwell and have two grown up sons.

 

Chris Hatton (Member) read more

Chris has been a member of Legra Academy Trust since its launch. He formerly served as a governor at Belfairs Academy and currently serves as a governor for Darlinghurst Academy. 

He is a journalist and newspaper editor, overseeing a portfolio of titles including the Echo, the daily paper for south Essex. He also oversees training of journalists. Chris serves as a trustee of Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, a director of Cory Environmental Trust in Southend and an independent observer at Southend Business Improvement District. 

He takes great pride in the academies which form part of Legra Academy Trust and is committed to ensure every child gets the best start in life.

 

John Harland (Member) read more

John Harland has lived in Southend for over 30 years. He was once a professional actor and trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in Kensington. He worked as an actor throughout the UK and Europe.

Originally, from London, he has now been associated with the Casino Industry for over 40 years. He started working for Genting Casino Westcliff in 1986, where he is Public Relations & Marketing Manager.

John has been teaching drama at La Danse Fantastique (Able Bodied & Special Needs Dance School), since 2013. John is also a Councillor for West Shoebury, having been elected in 2022, as well as being a Trustee of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, Aspirations Charity and St Edmunds Hall. Finally, John is Chairman of the Southend Mayoral Events Committee.