Term of office 09/07/2012 - Present
I currently lead a small team of IT specialists for a large media company. This role requires me to work with people from different disciplines and analyse and balance many different needs. Recent and ongoing massive technical change in the industry, along with company mergers, acquisitions and reorganisations, means I am used to leading and delivering organisational change.
During my time as chair of governors at Thomas Estley the College has been through considerable change, including academy conversion and rapid development of the teaching school and now age-range change and appointment of a new principal, whilst maintaining high quality provision, progress and attainment for the students. I’ve lead the governors through changes to be more engaged, more active and more effective. Governance was highlighted as accurate and effective in a peer review in the autumn term.
I participated in an early cohort of National College Chairs of Governors Leadership Development programme and have since used principles from the programme to lead training and discussion groups for local governors.
I have a passionate belief in inclusive and comprehensive education. The formation and development of the multi-academy trust offers opportunities t improve outcomes for young people, increase the rate and sustainability of those improvements and provide a strong organisation to ensure those improvements are sustained.
Term of office 12/04/2021 - Present
Chris Freeman has worked in Education for over 30 years and has always been passionate about lifelong learning and Community Education. Qualifications include Bachelor of Education (honours) and Master of Arts in Education.
Chris initially taught Physical Education and Biology. She has worked in four different schools and spent two years in Canada line managing seven Out of School Clubs and Nurseries, training Adult Fitness Instructors and as Youth Programme Director.
Positions of responsibility include Head of Girl’s Physical Education, Lead for Expressive Arts and Head of Year 11.
Chris was Vice Principal at Thomas Estley Community College for over 18 years. She was a Governor at Hallbrook Primary School, responsible for Extended Services across the family of schools and South Leicestershire lead for Community Cohesion. She spent a summer teaching in both a school and orphanage in Malawi.
Currently, Chris is trustee of Cadeby Community Trust and an Associate Rotarian.
Term of office 04/07/2020 - Present
Tim was a Headteacher in Nottingham City before becoming Principal of Thomas Estley Community College in 2000. He remained as Principal until his retirement in 2016. During this period the College gained an "Outstanding" Ofsted judgement, became a founder member of the Thomas Estley Learning Alliance (TELA) and became an academy. Tim is a National Leader of Education and has supported a number of schools, primary and secondary, nationally. During recent years this work has included: supporting Primary and Secondary schools in South Yorkshire, developing leadership capabilities in senior and middle leaders and raising standards through lesson observation. He is a CPD provider with particular focus on senior and middle leadership development, Governor training and strategies to improve the quality of teaching and learning. In particular, Tim has facilitated NPQH, NPQSL and NPQML courses, writing and delivering the courses in Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham. For several years Tim led subject leader training for Leicestershire schools. Tim as been a contributor to national conferences and is the author of "The Big Questions Answered: A guide for New School Leaders".
Term of office 01/09/2022 - Present
As a retired teacher I have a total belief in the power of education to enrich and develop people’s lives. The arts and the arena it provides to entertain, generate discussion and promote collaboration is very important to me; all aspects of performance captivate me. I believe in the power of community, and I work with organisations in the arts and communal and social gardening projects. Retirement has given me the opportunity to give some of my time back to things that I feel strongly about. It has also given me time to travel more, garden more, go to the gym and rediscover my passion for reading and writing. I really look forward to working with the school again that I attended as a young person and worked at as an adult.
STUART WRIGHT
Term of office 1 September 2024 - present
Stuart has worked in Training, Organisational Development and Education for over 20 years and loves to be involved in supporting organisations that work with young people with the aim to help bring improve for all.
Qualifications include Master in Education (Leadership & Management) & L7 Executive Coach & Mentor
Stuart has worked across Private, Public and the Third Sector in senior roles and has been a Primary school Governor as well as a Chair of Governors of a secondary school in a MAT. He attends a local church and runs adventure trips around the country. He currently works within NFU Mutual providing training and development leadership within their large IT division.
OLIVIA WOOD
Term of office 26 April 2023 -31 August 2024 (Retired)
I retired as Headteacher of Stonebow Primary School in Loughborough in 2014, after working in Leicestershire schools for 20 years. Following my retirement, I worked for Leicestershire Primary Heads on a freelance basis until September 2020. LPH is made up of primary headteachers across Leicestershire, and offers a range of support and training, for both Headteachers and Aspiring Leaders, in Leicestershire Primary schools.
I became a school Governor at Richmond Primary school in September 2018 and have been Chair since 2021. I was heavily involved in the recruitment of the current Head last year, alongside members of the Richmond Governing Body and CEO of the Trust, following the previous Head’s retirement after 18 years at the school. I really enjoyed getting to know the staff and children better as we put together the recruitment pack, and it gave me a really good insight into the school.
In all of the roles I have played in education over the past 30 years, I have always argued passionately for a curriculum that is exciting and innovative, and accessible to all. For me, a successful school can be measured through the positive engagement and enjoyment of all its pupils, including those who present extra challenges, for whatever reason. This means creating a culture where pupils, staff and governors can develop and grow.
In my spare time I love to travel, both within the UK and further afield. I enjoy reading, the theatre, playing the piano and singing.
Term of office 24/09/2016 - 27/08/2028
As Managing Director of Ace Cleaning Company, for over 30 years I am responsible for the employment of over 200 staff. During this time, I have developed skills that range from Business Development, Health & Safety, Human Resources and Finance. In addition, I have also developed a property management and development concern along with associated skills.
I joined the Governing Body of Cosby Primary School in 2002 as a Parent Governor, becoming Chair of Governors in 2007. Being re-elected on several occasions I became a co-opted Governor in 2014. During my time as a Governor I have been involved in all areas of Governance. Been responsible for a number of subject areas as well as specific roles such as Safeguarding Governor, Health and Safety and Chair of Finance.
Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership team I have been instrumental in taking Cosby Primary School from “special Measures” to the position of strength we currently enjoy, producing some really exciting results.
A prime concern over the years has been developing a proactive and involved Governing Body. Ensuring that Governors take an active role helps to secure their understanding of our schools position and really know what is going on within the school first hand and not just relying on reports and data analysis. The whole of the Governing Body as well as staff at Cosby can take ownership for our successes in all areas. Undertaking regular review of our own governance and carrying out a full SWOT analysis during the current year has helped to develop knowledge and provide useful input to the school development plan.
During the years as a Governor I have accessed numerous training opportunities that have helped me to develop my knowledge base to the benefit of the school. These include a number of courses on Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment, Head Teacher Performance Management, E Safety, several Ofsted courses, British Values and many more.
Other personal qualification includes a Business Studies degree and AAT diploma in accountancy.
Term of office 25/08/2016 - Present
I have spent 27 years in the education sector, from Teacher of French to College Principal, in Leicestershire, Leicester City and Warwickshire, including working for two years in the School Improvement Sector as a school improvement consultant.
Although substantive posts have mainly been within the secondary phase, since 2013 I have also worked within the area of primary school improvement, often through Teaching School related opportunities within Leicestershire and surrounding counties.
I am currently Trust Principal, Head of Teaching School (Thomas Estley Learning Alliance, with over 40 primary and secondary member schools) and Principal of Thomas Estley Community College and Preschool.
Additional current system leadership roles include Teaching Schools representative for the Leicestershire Education and Excellence Partnership, member of the Leicestershire Secondary Heads steering group, lead for TELA National Professional Qualifications delivery (we are a nationally accredited provider) and programme/oversight lead for Leicestershire Leaders, which offers training and support for headteachers in Leicestershire and Leicester City .
I am absolutely passionate about Building Leadership and Character Together while continuing to raise outcomes and improve provision within our Success Academy Trust schools.
Term of office 07/01/2021 - 06/01/2025
Sally has extensive experience in finance and school business management gained over 29 years. She first began working with primaries, high schools and upper schools when Local Management in Schools (LMS) was first introduced.
Prior to August 2020 she fulfilled the roles of Trust Business Manager for Success Academy Trust and Business Manager for Cosby Primary school. During this time, she was able to make a major contribution to the strategic development of Cosby and be part of the forming of Success Academy Trust. She worked closely with the Trust Chief Finance Officer on areas including due diligence, centralisation of services and consolidation of accounts.
Sally is a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) for TELA providing School to School support and is Co-Chair for the TELA Business Mangers/Leaders Network, supporting and working on collaboration with peers. She was also granted Fellowship status with the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL) in 2019 and has gained qualifications in school business management and accounting to level 7.
This knowledge and expertise along with her current role as Director of Finance and Operations at Wigston Academies Trust will, she hopes, allow her to make a valued contribution as Trustee to the life of Success Academy Trust.
Term of office 18/06/2022 - 17/06/2026
Until recently Anne-Marie was the Executive Headteacher of two secondary academy trusts in Leicestershire. She now works as an Educational Leadership Consultant and Performance Coach and enjoys her continuing work developing school leaders in Leicester/Leicestershire, across the UK and the world. She has almost 40 years of experience as a teacher and was in senior leadership and headship roles for the last 20+ years.
As a headteacher Anne-Marie gained a wide range of experience of leading academy trusts and working effectively within many different school and local authority partnerships, as well as with governors, parents and the community. She has developed a strong coaching ethos in her work and seeks to unlock potential and develop effective leaders at all levels.
Anne-Marie’s work is values driven, she believes in ethical leadership and striving to create a culture of honest self-evaluation, continuous improvement and excellence in education which has the power to transform children’s lives.
Term of office 22/08/2023 - 21/08/2027
Passionate about building a sustainable future. As an experienced building services engineer, I am at the forefront of low carbon energy solutions in buildings. Supporting the government through policy advice and legislation, I work closely with the new building safety regulator to enhance safety standards.
Education and training are close to my heart. I have led projects for the development of apprenticeships in England and Wales, ensuring a skilled workforce for years to come. With a focus on developing occupational standards, I strive to create opportunities for growth and excellence.
As a former governor at Thomas Estley Community College, I am dedicated to supporting trust in providing young people with exceptional opportunities in a supportive environment.
Term of office 13/11/2023 - 12/11/27
Philip has had an extensive career in the construction & property development environment. He joined L&Q Housing Trust in October 2018 and holds the position of Head of Project Management and Development.
Philip has been involved in construction and development for over 40 years. A significant portion was in South Africa, with major property developers in the retail, Industrial, commercial office, leisure and residential sectors, whilst managing large teams of direct and indirect reports. His experience includes managing schemes from inception to completion as well as the involvement in management of the properties and entities once completed.
Having qualified as a Quantity Surveyor, and progressing into Project Management some 25 years ago, Philip has unique depth of knowledge in the financial, contractual and risk management sectors, whilst also having the ability to identify areas of value and opportunity.
Term of office 01/01/2024 - 31/12/27
Samuel has worked in the Insurance Industry for over 20 years. ACII qualified, he started his career as an Underwriter before moving into Loss Prevention & Risk Management. Having worked for the same large rural based insurance company for most of his career, Samuel later moved into the IT department as a Relationship Manager before being promoted into the role of Head of IT Demand Planning. In this role Samuel leads a number of teams focussed on strategic workforce planning, resourcing, portfolio management and financial management, as well as overseeing early career programmes.
Outside of his professional experience, Samuel was Chair of Governors at Cosby Primary School for 8 years and has a wealth of experience in Primary School governance.
Term of office 03/07/2024 - 02/07/28
I have worked in primary schools since 1983 as a teacher, a senior leader and a Headteacher. I haver worked in a wide range of schools including areas of high deprivation and very diverse ethnic backgrounds. My final Headship was at The Pastures primary in Narborough where we were judged as outstanding in 2011 and following this I became first a Local Leader and then a National Leader of Education. I was committed to outreach and support for children in all schools and in this capacity joined TELA, worked closely with Leicester University in Initial Teacher Training, and represented schools on a number of boards and organisations including the Leicester Maths Hub. After retirement in 2019 I set up a consultancy business and in this capacity worked as a School Improvement Partner for Leicester City and Leicestershire. In 2022 I became a coach for Best Practice working as a Leadership Performance Coach on their NPQ programmes. I now live in Wales and enjoy walking, cycling and gardening here.
Term of office 02/10/2024 - 01/10/28
Heather has worked in a senior leadership role within HR for 25 years, CIPD qualified and a member of the REC. Her career spans all aspects of recruitment and latterly HR leadership, with the last 10 years spent defining strategies and leading people to deliver for customers of large Financial Services businesses. Heather’s role in HR has incorporated both organisational and market elements to ensure the business is able to compete in a complex and volatile employment market. Heather started her career in hospitality, which is where her passion for people and development began, from this Heather has built and developed high performing teams who work closely with business leaders to support the achievement of financial targets and strategic objectives. Heather believes that education is an enabler, but also that we need to invest our children’s future to prepare them for their careers ahead with a focus on character, diversity and leadership. As an HR professional, Heather’s desire to become a board trustee in education stems from a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. Heather is passionate about advocating for resources that support not only academic achievement but also the social and emotional well-being of students, ultimately preparing them to thrive in the workplace.
Term of office 18/06/2022 - 18/01/2024 (Retired)
I am a commercially focused and pragmatic HR Director, currently leading the people agenda within a large Private Equity backed Clinical Homecare organisation. I have worked in Senior HR roles over the course of the last 15 years and have successfully delivered cultural changes and sustainable improvement to key performance indicators including finances, within several organisations across a variety of sectors including Engineering, Manufacturing and Security. My passion lies in the delivery of challenging, large-scale organisational change and improvement strategies.
I firmly believe in the development of others and have a track record in supporting learning and development programmes and initiatives within the organisations I have worked in, with a focus on driving a learning and improvement culture at an individual and organisational level.
I think it is important to ensure that our children are to set up to succeed post their time in education and that they are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to adapt quickly to the world of work, ultimately becoming our leaders of the future in every field.