We take away the noise so schools can focus on what really matters.

Our central team is structured into three key areas - strategic leadership, education, and operations - working collaboratively to support our schools, staff, and learners.

From developing talent and driving school improvement, to ensuring strong systems and strategic oversight, each part of the team plays a vital role in helping the Trust deliver high-quality education for all.

Our leadership structure is headed up by our Chief Officers on the C-Suite team who each oversee elements of the Department for Education (DfE) Trust Quality Descriptors. 

Logo

  • Lee Barber

  • As CEO of INOVA, Lee drives large-scale improvement with a focus on inclusion, curriculum, and attendance – building on a proven track record of founding and transforming successful schools.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Julia Delaney

  • At INOVA, Julia ensures strong financial and governance foundations. With 30 years’ experience across top firms and charities, she drives strategy, operations, and impact to support every learner’s success.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Scott Burnside

  • Scott drives an inclusive, people-first culture at INOVA. With 30+ years’ experience, he empowers staff through strategic development, clear communication, and system-wide collaboration that unlocks individual and organisational potential.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Martin Finch

  • Martin drives high-quality education for all. A former senior HMI and Headteacher, he brings deep expertise in school improvement, SEND, curriculum and reading fluency.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Andrew Williams

  • Andrew leads inclusive school improvement. With 25+ years in senior education roles, he’s transformed schools through leadership, safeguarding, and curriculum strategies that meet diverse student needs.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Julie-Ann Wilson

  • Julie-Ann champions excellence and innovation. With 23 years’ experience, she leads on educational quality, digital transformation, and data-driven strategies to raise standards and support every learner.
  • View Linkedin

The PINNACLE Team are partners in academic and cultural leadership. They support the C-Suite in driving performance in the Trust Quality Descriptors.

Logo

  • Kat Rhodes

  • Kat leads Tapton School and INOVA’s talent development. With 20 years’ experience, she champions teaching excellence, leadership growth, and staff development to drive sustained impact across education.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Lynn Wood

  • Lynn leads safeguarding with compassion and clarity. With a background in education and corporate leadership, she supports Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and drives collaborative, learner-focussed protection across schools.
  • View Linkedin
Logo
Logo
Logo

The PIONEER Team are partners in operational effectiveness and resourcing. The team supports schools by removing operational barriers so that the educational experience of young people can be brilliant.

Logo

  • Ben Purvis

  • Ben leads strategic, people-focused HR. A Chartered CIPD member, he ensures compliant, high-quality support that empowers staff, promotes well-being, and helps every school community thrive.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Tommie Barker

  • Tommie drives smart, sustainable estate solutions. With 20+ years’ experience, he aligns physical environments with strategic goals to enhance learning, safety, and long-term operational efficiency.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Lewis Askin

  • Lewis leads Trust-wide digital strategy, unifying IT services to enhance teaching and operations. With 18+ years in educational tech, he champions innovation, collaboration and people-first leadership.
  • View Linkedin
Logo
Logo
Logo

  • Joanne Crewe

  • Joanna has led Chaucer School since 2022, guiding its journey out of Special Measures to improved Ofsted judgements in 2025. She drives high standards through a clear commitment to excellent education and opportunity for all.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Kat Rhodes

  • As Headteacher of Tapton School, Kat leads with a focus on excellence, inclusion, and high expectations. Committed to continuous improvement, she works with staff and students to ensure the school remains a vibrant, high-achieving community.
  • View Linkedin
Logo
Logo

  • Nicola Wileman

  • With over 22 years in education, including 7 as Headteacher at Hillsborough, Nicola is dedicated to nurturing ambition and ensuring every child thrives. Outside school, she supports youth sport and community initiatives, reflecting her passion for opportunity beyond the classroom.
  • View Linkedin
Logo

  • Vikki Garratt

  • Vikki has over 25 years of experience in education, including 13 years as a Headteacher. She is committed to inclusive, high-quality learning, leading school-wide improvement in curriculum, ethos, and community engagement.
  • View Linkedin
Logo