Meet Michelle Phillips – Project Manager/Co-ordinator at GKA!

We are delighted to introduce Michelle Phillips, one of GKA’s Project Manager/Co‑ordinators, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.  

Michelle has over 20 years’ experience across a broad range of sectors, from private industry to education. Having previously worked within a well‑established multi‑academy trust, she offers strong communications and management skills, with a proven ability to lead teams, meet key deadlines and deliver high‑quality projects from concept through to completion.  

At GKA, Michelle provides oversight and coordination across a wide range of critical activities which often include complex and confidential matters. These include supporting DfE applications and business cases, project planning, meeting coordination, school growth and closures, procurement of contracts, and Trust mergers. Her attention to detail and structured approach ensure that projects progress smoothly and efficiently.  

Michelle also brings extensive experience in safer recruitment practices, supporting GKA projects with the recruitment of new staff. Her work helps ensure that schools are fully prepared to open on time and ready to welcome pupils into safe, well‑organised learning environments.  

In addition, Michelle has significant senior‑level administrative and PA experience within schools, alongside more than 10 years of PA and project support experience across various sectors. Highly organised and known as an excellent planner and negotiator, she is valued for her cheerful, collaborative approach and her ability to build strong working relationships.  

As a parent of two children who have progressed through every stage of education, Michelle is passionate about education and deeply committed to supporting positive opportunities for all young people. We are proud to have her as part of the GKA team and look forward to the impact she continues to make across our projects. 

Michelle is another of the GKA Team who has a pet who likes to join meetings on occasion, her cat Lily often makes an appearance.🐈🐾 

Why do I like working at GKA: 

“I really enjoy working at GKA because it allows me to do work that genuinely matters to me, alongside a team I value hugely and enjoy working with every day. I appreciate the flexibility and trust that comes with the role, as it allows me to manage my workload effectively while continuing to learn and grow. Most of all, it is rewarding to see the positive impact our work can have on children and young people. My cat Lily also seems to think she is part of the team and likes to make the occasional uninvited appearance in Teams meetings.”