Trustee
I have recently retired from the position of CEO of a small Multi Academy Trust. It has been a privilege to work for 40 years in schools serving a range of communities. I started my career as a mathematics Teacher working in Sussex. I then moved to the North West working in a range of different secondary schools in Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen. My focus has been on school improvement which included working for the Local Authority as a school improvement consultant. As the Headteacher of a mainstream secondary school I brought together two very different schools into one new school in a new building. I led and established the school and its improvement journey to grow and establish a very successful school which became oversubscribed. I was Executive Leader of a special school for students in key for stage 3 and key stage 4. I improved provision, standards and increased the age range to include key stage 1 up to the age of 19. I established and grew a Multi Academy Trust working very closely with Governors and Trustees. This included opening a free school in a neighbouring Authority. My career has been driven by my passion to improve academic and life outcomes for all students regardless of their starting points or needs. I have spent my career improving schools and standards particularly in disadvantaged and diverse communities where I encouraged students to believe, to aspire and dream. I absolutely loved being a teacher and a leader, both roles helping to make a positive difference to the lives of young people regardless of their starting points, needs or background.
I want to give back to schools and offer my support to the leaders who work tirelessly to improve their schools to provide the best possible provision for all children. I really valued the support I had from my trustees and Governors. My lived experience of being a teacher and leader means I fully understand the demands and emotional investment of those roles and I would ensure the well-being of all the staff is also a priority.
I have also been a Governor of a primary school and chaired a range of committees and strategic groups at a local level which included; Local Authority School Improvement Board and Schools Forum.
I currently work part time as a Lead Associate for Star Appropriate Body helping to quality assure the induction for early career teachers.
