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. 

Lee Barber

  • 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.
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Scott Burnside

  • 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.
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Martin Finch

  • 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.
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Andrew Williams

  • 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.
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Julie-Ann Wilson

  • 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.
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Randa Jelbert

  • Randa Jelbert

  • Get to know Randa - full profile coming soon.
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Helen Ball

  • Helen Ball

  • Get to know Helen - full profile coming soon.
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The PINNACLE Team are partners in academic and cultural leadership. They support the C-Suite in driving performance in the Trust Quality Descriptors.

Kat Rhodes

  • Kat Rhodes

  • Kat leads the Institute of Talent. With 20 years’ experience, she champions teaching excellence, leadership growth, and staff development to drive sustained impact across education.
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Sally Rivers
Tom Hope
Sarah Reece
Dale Barrowclough
Jenna Ramsden
Lucy Pilling
Vikki Garrett
Nicola Wileman
Harkiran Grewal
Joe Varey

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.

Ben Purvis

  • 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.
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Tommie Barker

  • 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.
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Lewis Askin

  • 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.
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Emma Sheedy
Mollie Sansby

  • Mollie Sansby

  • Mollie leads Trust-wide marketing and communications. With 10+ years' experience building brands and engaging diverse audiences, she champions clear messaging, creative storytelling and meaningful connections.
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The Institute of Talent Team  are champions of career growth and professional excellence. The team supports individuals at every stage of their journey, creating opportunities to discover talent, develop skills and share expertise.

Kat Rhodes

  • Kat Rhodes

  • Kat leads the Institute of Talent. With 20 years’ experience, she champions teaching excellence, leadership growth, and staff development to drive sustained impact across education.
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Andrew Farrell

  • Andrew Farrell

  • Get to know Andrew - profile coming soon.
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Ben Ramsden
Fran Faben
Nicola Sexton
Neil Hardy
Anna Hughes
Anna Siddell
Claire Austin
Rhona Biondi
John Watson
Rachael Shotton