Sally Alexander – Headteacher

Sally Alexander was privately educated in Harrogate before studying Music at Durham university, and then opting to practise her skills abroad. She lived in Antigua for ten years, and whilst there was given the opportunity of starting a youth orchestra. With very few resources and little support, this grew from five pupils to thirty with a waiting list, and led to international tours and the formation of a string school. She moved back to the UK five years ago, and has spent that time pursuing her passions of education and music, completing a PGCE in 2011. Her major objective since arriving back was to start an “after school” music school, but following the completion of her PGCE she identified the fact that Birmingham was missing a school that really specialised in music. This idea broadened  into creating a secondary school that specialises in music, and which has a very different ethos and way of teaching, learning and day to day running. And so Kimichi was born…

Sally has spent time in the UK teaching in a maintained school, and assisting with school music projects. She is an active member of Birmingham’s musical community; performing, teaching, leading and encouraging young people to get involved. She is an avid musician, lending her skills to West Midland based groups Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of St. John, Sinfonia of Birmingham, Eroica Camerata, and both the Worcester and Chandos Symphony Orchestras.

Chris Passey, FRSA – Deputy Head

Chris has taught in a number of schools in the region, and has recently joined staff as our Head of Primary. His specialist knowledge is firmly based around the science and language of music, and he frequently uses this to enthuse and inspire the younger children. Chris is Vice-Chair of community organisation, Gig Caritas, a group of like-minded professionals who put on sell-out professional concerts with West End leads to raise money for local charities.

2015 saw the birth of 4Stage Arts Ltd, Chris’s not-for-profit arts organisation tasked chiefly with providing professional training and performance opportunities to the young people that need it most. Through this, he is Principal of Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts (BITA), a part-time theatre school based in the city centre.

Chris now teaches and runs vocal projects around the UK working with Northumberland Touring Theatre Co, Kidderminster Operatic, Futurist Theatre Productions & National Youth Theatre. Chris is co-Musical Director of Birmingham Voices, a professional choir that has toured the UK with Josh Groban, Russell Watson and works regulary with BBC Songs of Praise.

Chris was made a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts in March 2016.

Staff List