Sam became the Chief Executive Officer of our Trust in September 2021. Sam was previously the Headteacher of one of the secondary schools in our Trust, and she is also a Trustee of the Jo Cox Foundation and two other local charities. 

Sam has a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and began her teaching career as a science teacher in Oldham in 1999. Sam has worked in challenging schools in Oldham, Kirklees and Bradford. During her teaching career she has also worked for the National Strategies to develop science teaching across primary, secondary and special schools, and was a School Improvement Partner in Bradford supporting schools across all phases with key aspects of leadership development and school improvement. 

Sam is passionate about the power of a great education to improve the life chances of all young people, regardless of their backgrounds or starting points, and to provide them with the very best start in life.

Allison joined the Trust team as the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer, her role is to manage and oversee the financial operations of the Trust, ensuring value for money and offering sound financial management, which supports the strategy and development plans of the Trust, as well as improving financial literacy across the Trust.   

Allison joined the Trust with a background in finance, education and project management. She started her career as a management accountant and then Finance Director in industry working for blue chip businesses, before changing career and qualifying as a teacher, teaching business studies at GCSE and A Level. Allison also has consultancy roles, combining her knowledge of finance and education. Allison is passionate about the role strong communities can play in supporting education and how this can improve the life chances of young people.

Karen joined the team as our Chief Operating Officer, having worked previously as Operations Director for a successful through school. 

Prior to that role, Karen spent 18 years working in a financial services organisation with a large property portfolio with responsibility for property & facilities, H&S, strategic planning and procurement. She is passionate about working in Education and making a difference. Karen is ambitious for what all young people can achieve, regardless of their background or starting point and she is proactive in seeking opportunities to ensure all young people receive a first-class education. Karen also understands implicitly the value a great education can have on a young person’s life.

Karen has significant experience in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders including governors and outside agencies, her skillset and experience means she has the perfect blend of academic and business experience making her bilingual in the needs of schools and Trusts.

Karen is also a Trust Director and Deputy Chair of a Catholic Multi Academy Trust, serving schools across Kirklees and Calderdale. ​​​​​​

Laura moved into the education sector in 2018 and joined the Trust’s Executive Team in 2019. As the Trust’s Director of Compliance and Governance, Laura is responsible for the strategic oversight of policy management, data protection, website management as well as promoting good governance practises across the Trust.   

Prior to this role, Laura spent 7 years working at two professional football clubs with stints in the Football League and Premier League. During her tenure at both clubs, her areas of focus were governance, HR, data management as well as overseeing the administration function - this background was the basis for her move into the education sector. Laura is passionate about the role education plays in improving the life chances of all young people, regardless of their background or starting point.