I am passionate about teaching and learning and providing opportunities for all learners and all that we do is to benefit the future for our young learners.  I joined Orchard Community Trust in September 2024 as the Chief Executive Officer.  A qualified teacher and an experienced senior leader taking up my my first headship back in 2011.  A Headteacher/Principal for 7 years and Executive Principal for a further 3.

More recently having been employed within a large MAT as Deputy CEO of 22 school covering 4 local authorities. Prior to that as Chief Operations Officer.

Along with school improvement experience I have overseen the business functions of a large MAT as Deputy CEO and COO including finance, governance, human resources, health and safety, ICT and contracts and procurement.

I enjoy supporting staff development and allowing for continual growth. I have mentored senior leaders, Headteachers and Principals through qualifications including the NPQH and NPQEL. 

I have also sat on numerous Local Governing committees as a school governor and delivered training in this area.​​​

I joined Orchard Community Trust as Trust Business Manager in 2021, within 12 months progressing to Chief Finance Officer.

Joining Orchard was my first opportunity to work in the Education Sector following a career in the private sector where I gained the knowledge and experience in Business Operations and Financial Management.

I am passionate about ensuring that our resources are utilised efficiently by giving the children of Stoke-on-Trent a quality education in a nurturing environment to enable them to become talented and respectful adults.
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With 23 years in education, including 17 years in senior leadership and 8 years as a headteacher, I bring a deep commitment to improving teaching and learning.

Previously head of one of the founding schools, I joined the central team as Strategic School Improvement Lead in November 2024 to focus on driving positive, lasting change across our schools. As a qualified coach and chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Primary Heads' Network, I’m dedicated to supporting educators and advancing school improvement.

I also serve as a school governor in Stoke-on-Trent and as a Director for a Multi-Academy Trust in Wolverhampton, drawing on a strong record of leadership and a passion for continuous growth.

I began this role in February 2022, as the Strategic Lead for SEND. I am able to oversee SEND across the Trust and work alongside the SEND teams in each school to conduct reviews, support individual pupils, families and develop practices across the Trust that are evidence based, robust and effective.

I have 18 years of teaching experience, mostly in the Early Years.  I led assessment across the school, meaning that I have a good understanding of data and how we can use this to improve outcomes for our pupils. 

Most recently I was the Deputy Head Teacher at Forest Park Primary School for 6 years, with responsibilities including SENCO, Safeguarding Lead and Pupil Premium Lead.  

Having completed the National Qualification for SEN (NASENCO), and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) I bring up to date and relevant training to my role.

In addition to this role, I am the Inclusion Lead at Forest Park Primary School.  This role means that I am kept up to date with current practices and policies and am able to support our schools in the most effective way.  I am also a Governor at 2 of our Trust schools, developing my understanding of the role of governance and the leadership of a special school.

I started my journey with Orchard Community Trust at Forest Park Primary school. In September 2019 I joined the central team. Over the past 25 years I have gained extensive educational office experience, ranging from Admin Assistant to Personal Assistant to Director of Employer Engagement. 

My hobbies are spending time with my family, holidays, walking and reading.

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I began working as Site Manager in 2015 at one the MAT schools prior to the formation of Orchard Community Trust.

Previous to this, my journey of working in school site management began in 2013 where I worked as a Site Supervisor across 2 schools. I have had a varied experience in different sectors ranging from commerce, the construction industry and manufacturing industry both on the shopfloor and as a Team Leader in the warehousing department. 

It was important for me to remain in the education sector where I can use the skills and experience that I have gained over the years in both schools and industry to ensure that the children who attend our MAT schools can learn in a safe and warm environment and that Staff, Parents, Contractors and visitors who work and use the buildings are safe. 

My hobbies include spending time with my family, walking, holidays and supporting Port Vale!

I joined Orchard Community Trust in July 2021 after six years as the Governor Support Manager at Stoke on Trent Local Authority, and also as a School Governor myself for 24 years.  I hold a Post-graduate degree in Business Management and qualifications in both Clerking (NGA) and Academy Governance (through the Corporate Governance Institute), I also have a qualification with the International Compliance Association. 

I was previously DfE designated National Leader of Governance, where I supported schools through External Reviews of Governance across the West Midlands    My role is to support and develop the Trust in Governance, Risk and Compliance. 

In my spare time I enjoy walking in the Peak District and spending quality time with family. 

I joined Orchard Community Trust in January 2023 as Clerk to the Local Governing Boards.  Previously I worked in Higher Education for 27 years as a Department Manager.  I have also taught in further and higher education. 

I ‘semi-retired’ in September 2021 and following a break applied for this role, as I wanted to continue to work in education, but in a more flexible, part-time role.

My interests include caravanning, walking my dog Dougal and meeting up with friends.