Executive Team

  • Charlie Kennard MBE

    CEO

    Charlie Kennard is CEO of Day One Trust. He founded ELAM in 2014 and served as its first Principal, before going on to become the founding Principal of London Screen Academy in 2019.

    Charlie has spent over a decade building innovative schools that put creative education at the centre. As CEO, he’s focused on learning from ELAM and LSA’s success to widen their impact and reach more young people.

  • Yansé Cooper

    Principal of ELAM

    Yansé Cooper is Principal of East London Arts & Music (ELAM). Since joining in 2022, she has helped shape the school’s culture, strengthen teaching and learning, and refine its strategic direction.

    With a background in education leadership and a deep commitment to equity, Yansé brings clarity, ambition and energy to her role. She is passionate about creative education as a force for change and believes in its power to unlock potential.

  • Sam Summerson

    Principal of LSA

    Sam Summerson is Principal of London Screen Academy. He was part of the founding team and has played a key role in shaping its culture, curriculum and approach from the start.

    Sam began his career in the creative industries before moving into teaching and curriculum design. He brings a deep understanding of both education and industry to his leadership of the school.

  • Nevin Bhandari

    CFO
    Nevin Bhandari is CFO of Day One Trust and has been part of the team since 2022. With a sharp eye for detail and a calm, strategic approach, he leads on finance and operations across the trust.

    Nevin is focused on building the strong foundations that allow ELAM and LSA to thrive, making sure the schools have what they need to deliver world-class creative education. He’s also a passionate Manchester United fan, though we try not to hold that against him.

Trustees

  • Jeremy Palmer

    Chair of Trustees

  • John Casey

    Vice-Chair of Trustees

  • Shelley Gonsalves

    Trustee & Chair of ELAM Governing Board

  • Lisa Bryer OBE

    Trustee and LSA Governor and Founder

  • Will Kennard MBE

    Trustee and ELAM Founder and Governor

  • Rebecca Cramer

    Trustee

  • Tim Bevan CBE

    Trustee and LSA Governor and Founder

  • Jamie Drummond-Smith

    Trustee and Chair of Finance Audit and Ops Committee

  • Alex Beard

    Trustee and Chair of Teaching and Standards Committee