I am the CEO of Central England Academy Trust. I originate from the Shetland Isles where I spent all of my childhood. I came to Birmingham in 1984 to study music at the Birmingham Conservatoire and with the exception of living for one year in London to train as a teacher I have made Birmingham my home since. From 1989 until 2008 I worked in a range of mainstream secondary schools in Birmingham and Sandwell heading music departments and performing arts faculties.

In 2008 I changed career direction and moved into the special education sector which I enjoy immensely. I worked in Sandwell as a Deputy Head Teacher in a secondary school for young people with severe and profound learning difficulties before taking up my present post in 2016.

My particular areas of interest and specialism are teaching and learning; behaviour management; school improvement and coaching and mentoring. I am particularly interested in working with the local community and in doing so I strive to make that vital different to those who are connected to our trust.

At a time of constant change in education I look forward to new ventures that will further develop the trust and raise standards for pupils.

I am the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Central England Academy Trust and also deputise for the Chief Executive Officer. I obtained a 1st Class BSc (Hons) and MSc (Merit) in Economics during my time at university before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2009. I am now a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. 

In my career I have worked for a Big Four accountancy firm, a Midlands police force and an investment bank across a number of different roles. I have worked in the education sector since 2012 and enjoy it immensely. I have completed a Diploma in Human Resource Management during my time in education and am now an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development.

My current focus of work includes the planning and delivery of a new secondary school opening for the Trust in Nuneaton in the near future. I am passionate about ensuring high standards of education to improve life chances for all pupils.

I have been employed in the Education Sector for 24 years. Having started as an administrator in varying Local Authority departments I moved into support services and alternative provision before taking up a management position at Etone College and then embarking on a trainee Bursar role at Higham Lane School, a large mainstream secondary. This resulted in me gaining my Certificate in School Business Management.

Prior to my appointment at Oak Wood Schools I had taken my previous school through Academisation, been a pilot school for Warwickshire and was responsible for the day to day running of finance, estates, HR and health and safety. As continuous professional development I am considering undertaking the Level 5 Diploma for School Business Leaders or the new Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) for School Professionals, keeping abreast of the knowledge and skills required to continue to be successful in my role. I am passionate about the day to day operations in school and in providing support services to allow our teachers to concentrate on teaching and learning, it is incredibly important to me to have professional, dedicated, well informed colleagues who feel supported and therefore empowered to carry out their duties to the highest standards.

Since joining Oak Wood in July 2018 I have been accepted quickly into the school’s communities. I feel incredibly lucky to now work strategically having the opportunity for input on the direction of the Trust and to make a difference at such an exciting time for the schools.