THE CENTRAL SERVICES TEAM
Our Central Services Team provides the staff and senior leaders within our schools with an invaluable range of specialist expertise and high-quality challenge and support.

Adrian Rogers - Chief Executive
Experience
Adrian has been CEO of the Chiltern Learning Trust since July 2015. Prior to that, he was Headteacher for thirteen years at the three times outstanding Robert Bloomfield Academy and Executive Principal in a Multi Academy Trust. Since 2005, Adrian has also been an Executive Head and a National Leader of Education. Adrian also established and led the innovative Central Beds Teaching School that grew to 138 school partners.
Strengths
Strategy development, senior leadership, and school improvement.
Areas of responsibility
Strategic leadership, the growth and development of the Trust and maintaining our high standards.
Amanda Jeffreys - Executive Assistant to CEO
Experience
With 20 years of experience in the education sector, Amanda dedicated her career to enhancing the student services department in a sixth-form setting, successfully managing various teams, including; student recruitment, bursary, reception, and customer service. Additionally, expertise lies in the coordination and planning of events. Amanda now serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO, utilising her extensive experience to support the CEO.
Strengths
Attention to detail, problem-solving and decision-making. Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. Building positive relationships and a strong customer focus.
Areas of responsibility
Providing essential support to the CEO, Headteachers and serving as a point of contact for the seventeen schools within the Trust. Fostering effective internal and external communications, managing the CEO's schedule and facilitating smooth operations.
Rob Parsons - Director of Operations
Experience
Rob was previously the Head of School Organisation, Admissions and Capital Planning for Central Bedfordshire Council. He has worked in this senior capacity at Central Beds since its inception in 2008 and prior to this held a management post in Mid-Bedfordshire Council, looking after buildings, planning and project management. Rob has vast experience in working with schools, in delivering new schools and in the effective delivery of new educational provision. Rob is highly regarded by the schools across the county and region and has worked closely with the DfE, local authorities and other stakeholders. Rob has expertise in the areas of compliance, risk and the strategic growth of schools and trusts.
Strengths
Operational management, strategic planning, project management, strategic liaison with the DfE and local authorities and the opening of new educational provision.
Areas of responsibility
Admissions, facilities management, health and safety, risk management and the strategic growth of our estate and buildings.
Teresa Kelly - Finance Director and Compliance
Experience
Teresa has led and managed the operational, compliance and governance functions in Denbigh High School for the last 15 years and she has been instrumental in taking the school through academy conversion, sponsoring a local primary school and setting up the Chiltern Learning Trust, which included planning and creation of an effective governance structure for the MAT.
Teresa has been the company secretary for the Trust since 2013, ensuring the governing reporting structure is effective and timely to meet statutory legislation.
During this time, the Trust has increased its teaching excellence, student numbers, financial strength, value for money and employee relations.
Teresa also has strong links with local businesses, which gives her an insight into educational business management from a different perspective.
Strengths
Finance, governance, school business management, and operations.
Areas of responsibility
The strategic development and operational implementation of governance, compliance, and finance.
Lorraine Hughes - Director of Education
Experience
Lorraine was previously a Deputy Headteacher for 8 years where she was instrumental in transforming school standards. She has gained significant experience through a range of leadership roles and from teaching for twenty years across different Luton and Hertfordshire schools.
Strengths
Formulating and implementing a strategic vision, school improvement, working in partnership, senior leadership.
Areas of responsibility
Maintaining high standards across the Trust, leading the CTSA including all school-to-school support and leading a team of SLEs.
Jean Leech - Finance Manager
Experience
Jean is a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians and joined Denbigh High School as Finance and HR Manager in June 2008. Since this time Jean has overseen the financial management of Denbigh High School through its various times of change including its soft federation status with Challney High School for Boys, Academisation in November 2010, an introduction of the teaching school in 2011 and becoming a Multi Academy Trust in July 2013.
Jean has extensive experience in management accounts and consolidation of year-end statutory accounts as well as the changes and challenges of recruitment within schools and the requirements to look more creatively at staffing.
Strengths
- Financial management and accounting.
- Staffing and HR planning and management.
Areas of responsibility
- Year-end procedures.
- Compiling statutory accounts.
- Lead induction/training and support for finance staff.
- Management and administration of the monthly CLT financial management systems for each school.
- Analysing monthly finance reports.
- VAT - reconciling control accounts.
- Standardising practices across the Trust to ensure efficiency and clarity of reporting.
- Budget setting and monitoring.
Emma Gough - ICT Contract and Operations Project Manager
Experience
Emma is an experienced team manager specialising in service delivery, contract and project management; with a strong emphasis on customer service.
Working in education for over 11 years Emma has been responsible for facilities, operations, ICT and procurement at both school and Trust level. In industry Emma worked as an Executive Assistant at Board level supporting complex project delivery.
Strengths
Systems, processes, structural reforms and organisation.
Areas of responsibility
Managing our ICT contract and supporting our Director of Operations.
Gemma Funge - Governance & Central Team Admin Manager
Experience
Gemma has over 20 years retail and FMCG marketing experience, most recently as a Print Campaign Manager; with a strong focus on project management and delivery.
Strengths
Areas of responsibility
Julian Axford - Director of School Improvement
Experience
Julian has been teaching for 34 years, and most recently was Principal of the successful Robert Bloomfield Academy, and BEST Teaching School. He has helped deliver a number of its leadership courses over the last few years and has carried out support work with schools focusing on curriculum and assessment.
Strengths
Leadership in a variety of roles, curriculum and assessment expertise, school improvement strategies.
Areas of responsibility
Maintaining high standards across the Trust, supporting schools with improvement planning, leading a team of SLEs and supporting the work of CTG.
Sufian Sadiq - Director of Teaching School
Experience
Sufian is a talented teacher with extensive management experience within the further education sector. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors and holds various roles with awarding bodies, specialising in quality assurance, examination and assessment. He is experienced in curriculum planning and design, standards and training.
Strengths
Quality assurance, staff development, project management, leadership.
Areas of responsibility
Teaching School, Continuous Professional and Leadership Development, School-to-School Support and SLEs.
Lydia Braisher - Admissions Manager
Experience
Lydia has over 15 years of experience working in the education support sector and was Admissions Manager at Central Bedfordshire Council prior to joining the Chiltern Learning Trust. In this role, she managed a team of staff and the admission allocations for over 130 academies and schools in Central Bedfordshire and was responsible for consulting on and determining the admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and providing advice to academies and own admission authority schools on all admission related matters. In addition, Lydia was the lead person in preparing and presenting school admissions appeals for the community and voluntary controlled schools and those academies and schools who bought back the service.
Strengths
Operational and strategic management of the admissions and appeals process and policy.
Areas of responsibility
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To formulate, develop and review the Trust's policies and practices on admissions.
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Managing the evaluation of statistical information and comparative data to enable analysis of key trends on an academy or area basis to inform admission policies.
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Researching, preparing and presenting the case for Academies in the Trust at admission appeals.
Steven Tingey – Estates Manager
Experience
Steve has 18 years of experience working within schools and leisure services in the public sector. He has performed the role of clerk of works delivering a range of capital programmes from minor refurbishments to major capital schemes including new schools. Among the various partners, he has worked are the Football Foundation and Sport England who have been key in delivering community schemes and enhancing Sport provision. He has worked with a range of local and national construction and facilities management companies and has an in depth knowledge of procurement processes. Steve also has experience in delivering a number of Civil Engineering schemes and has been responsible for various facilities management contracts.
Strengths
Steve has a well established track record of working closely with Schools and their leadership teams and he has an in depth appreciation of the challenges facing schools and school environments. He is very effective at delivering efficiencies and driving improvements in performance of contracts and learning environments.
Areas of Responsibility
Steve supports and assists school Facility Managers across the Trust and advises on Health and Safety and statutory compliance. He gives specific advice on building development and maintenance programmes within the Trust schools and contract manages Trust wide Cleaning and Catering contracts.
Julie Gearey - Operations Manager
Experience
Julie has over 25 years of experience in Education, working in the primary, secondary and tertiary sector. Julie joined Denbigh High School in 2010 as they became an Academy and has been instrumental implementing new systems and working practices to ensure a smooth transition to the Chiltern Learning Trust and a growing MAT.
Strengths
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Financial planning
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Scrutiny
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Compliance
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Procurement
Areas of responsibility
Supporting schools to be efficient and to be supported by services that are procured to provide best value and managed centrally to release teachers and senior leaders to focus on teaching and learning.
James Searle - Deputy Director CTSH
Experience
Deputy Director of the Chiltern Teaching School Hub, prior to this he was a SLE for Computer Science in the Chiltern Learning Trust at Denbigh High School. He has lead department heads and ensured curriculum rigour drawing on his experience as a senior examiner.
Strengths
- Systems
- Processes
- Technology
- Innovation
Areas of responsibility
The day to day running of the Teaching School Hub, communication and liaison with head teachers across our two hubs.
Helen Masters - Director of SEND & Safeguarding
Experience
Helen was a SENCo for 21 years of which 5 of these latter years were spent as Assistant Head Teacher for Inclusion. She has held responsibility for Looked After Children, In Year Fair Access Protocol, Alternative Provisions and mental health and well-being, as well as being Designated Safeguarding Lead.
She has teaching experience in both middle and secondary school with her specialism in music, but has experience of teaching a variety of subjects from Key Stage 2 to 4.
Strengths
- Collaborative cross agency working
- Self organisation
- Working within legislative constraints
Areas of responsibility
Maintaining high standards for inclusion and safeguarding within the Trust, through quality assuring compliance, inclusive teaching and learning and providing strategic leadership in these areas.
Dr Simon Wathen - CTSH & CTG Programme Lead
Experience
Simon has a wide range of experience in both the industry and education sectors. Simon is excellent at data analysis, systems, processes, and also in educational leadership. Somon is a trained Geography teacher and has been a highly successful Assistant Head (data and assessment) in an Outstanding school.
Strengths
- Data
- Assessment
- Spreadsheets
- School leadership
Areas of responsibility
Simon will oversee, monitor & evaluate and plan & deliver our Programmes and NPQ’s for our teaching school hubs.
Nicola Covington - Director of Primary Standards
Experience
Nicola has been in primary education for 29 years, including as a headteacher and senior leader in a number of schools across Herts, Luton and Central Beds. She is a strong believer in the power of outstanding education to transform lives and has provided extensive support for schools focusing on school improvement, curriculum development, maths and assessment.
Strengths
Supporting leadership teams in a variety of roles. Deep primary subject knowledge from supporting early years to ensuring outstanding key stage 2 outcomes.
Areas of responsibility
Maintaining high standards across the primary and middle schools in the Trust. Supporting schools to maximise progress and secure excellent outcomes.
Nadine Cotton - Deputy Director Teaching and Learning
Experience
Nadine was a secondary school Assistant Headteacher and is a leading figure on Teaching and Learning and pedagogy. Nadine is our Deputy Director for Teaching and Learning and works across our Trust, developing practice and supporting leaders.
Strengths
- Teaching and Learning
- Professional development
- Research
Areas of responsibility
- Teaching and learning
- Pupil outcomes
- Curriculum development
- Professional development
Neil Mills - Deputy Director School Improvement
Experience
Neil taught in an outstanding middle school and received several internal promotions and was the Director of Pastoral Care. Neil has a degree in German and is primary trained, with secondary teaching experience. He is our Deputy Director and oversees our pastoral systems, our character development and enrichment across the Trust.
Strengths
- Pastoral systems
- Residential visits
- Change management
Areas of responsibility
- Primary school liaison
- Character development
- Pastoral support
- Out of classroom provision
Flora Burt - School Improvement Lead - Middle/Secondary
Experience
Flora has taught at an outstanding middle school for several years, holding the role of Senior Assistant Principal, taking the lead on curriculum, teacher training and CPD. Prior to this, Flora held the position of Head of Department for a number of years. In addition to this, Flora was the subject course lead for the PGCE Secondary history lead and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Strengths
- Curriculum
- Teaching and Learning
- Professional development and research
Areas of responsibility
- Teaching and Learning
- School Improvement
- Professional development
Kerry Ward - School Improvement Lead - Primary
Experience
Kerry has worked within the education sector for over ten years, most recently as Interim Head of School. She is a qualified SENCo and has led on pupil premium, EAL and LAC; improving the outcomes for all disadvantaged learners. She has a wealth of experience supporting the teaching and learning across key stage 2 and Early Career Teachers. She is also an SLE for PSHE and RSE.
Strengths
- SEND
- Key Stage 2 teaching and learning
- Curriculum design
- Early Career Teacher development
Areas of responsibility
- Primary School Improvement
- SEND
Angela Tattersall - Data Manager
Experience
Angela has worked for the Chiltern Learning Trust since 2019. Previously, she was a Teacher of Mathematics in an outstanding middle school and had a management role as Senior Teacher. She has a degree in Mathematics and also has previous work experience of administration, data entry and bookkeeping.
Strengths
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
- Using spreadsheets
- Analysing data
Areas of responsibility
Angela works with the Director of Education, The Central Team and other school leaders across the Trust to develop systems which: provide data, to bring about school improvement; support the schools operationally; and ensure compliance. Her responsibilities include:
- Local Governing Body reports
- Academic performance target setting for schools
- School data analysis
- GDPR
Emma Darcy - Director of Technology for Learning
Experience
Emma spent ten years as Manager of elearning@luton, Luton's City Learning Centre where she worked with staff and pupils from every infant, junior, a primary and secondary school in Luton, using cutting-edge technology to improve engagement and outcomes. She is an Apple Distinguished Educator and was shortlisted for a NAACE Impact Award.
Strengths
The use of new technologies to improve pupil engagement and outcomes and the development and management of associated learning programmes.
Areas of responsibility
Supporting teachers with their use of technology across the curriculum to enhance learning and raise attainment.
The development and delivery of Technology for Learning strategies to maximize the use of existing hardware and software and help schools plan for the future.
The delivery of technology-based enhancement and enrichment activities for pupils such as the Digital Leader and Apps for Good programmes.
Anna Rogers - CTG Manager
Experience
Anna has worked in education for 18 years. She has been involved in leadership since 2005, working to transform standards in the schools she has worked in. Her last role was a Headteacher of a larger lower school. Anna is passionate about development and training needs and especially enjoys working with people to support them becoming the best they can be.
Strengths
Leadership in a range of areas, teaching and learning, development and improvement, people management.
Areas of responsibility
Leading and managing the primary ITT provision for CTG to include recruitment and selection, training and assessment as well as the management and quality assurance of our training programme.
Caroline Hatcher - Finance Officer
Experience
Caroline previously has 14 years of experience working in retail within HR, Finance and Customer Service management. She joined Denbigh High School as a Finance Officer in November 2015 and took on work assisting other schools in the Trust, becoming a member of the Central finance team in 2017.
Strengths
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Organised and hard-working
- Ability to implement and adhere to procedures that work in line with the Trust Finance Manual
- Strong understanding of systems and processes
Area of responsibility
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Provide a bursary service to Putteridge High School, Chiltern Training Group and Chiltern Teaching School Alliance
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Support other schools in the Trust with processing of orders and payments when required
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Train all new starters to the Central Finance team to use our chosen finance packages and support with implementing required processes
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Support Finance Officers in new Trust schools to learn and embed Trust systems and processes
Tom Bellwood - Behaviour Hub Lead
Experience
Prior to his current role, Tom was a SLE for Behaviour & Attendance. He has held previous roles of Assistant Headteacher, Department Head & Head of Year/House. He is also currently a Behaviour School Partnership Lead for The Department of Education.
Strengths
- Culture & Ethos
- Systems
- Processes
- Staff Training
- School Improvement
Areas of responsibility
The day to day running of the Behaviour Hubs, school to school support and coaching of CEOs and Headteachers in MAT/School improvement.
Laura Townsend - HR Manager
Experience
Laura has worked within the HR sector since 2007 and has a post graduate diploma in Human Resources Management. She has spent over 10 working within the education sector (previously working within a local authority) providing HR support and advice to Headteachers; Governors as well as Multi Academy Trusts on a wide range of complex HR matters. She has extensive knowledge and experience in employee relations particularly sickness absence management and also staff wellbeing.
Strengths
- Fairness
- Process-driven
- Communication skills
- Organisation
- HR generalist
Areas of responsibility
- Provide HR support for Headteachers during complex HR school issues
- Lisaise with Headteachers, and the cental team over complex HR issues
- Support Headteachers in employment procedures facilitating performance management, and sickness absence
Rachael Rochester - HR Officer
Experience
Rachael has spent most of her working years carrying out various administration roles coming to the Trust from a local nursery school.
Strengths
Administration and organisation skills.
Areas of responsibility
HR administration.
Cheryl Abbiss - ECF & AB Lead
Experience
Cheryl is our lead on Early Careers Framework and Appropriate Body. Prior to this, Cheryl, was a SLE for Pupil Premium and she also teaches at Denbigh High School.
Strengths
A national expert on the ECF and Pupil Premium
Areas of responsibility
The ECF, delivering on Appropriate Body and liaising with schools within our two hubs.
Clare McGivern - CTSH Delivery Lead
Experience
Prior to joining us, Clare held a variety of roles in a four times outstanding secondary school. Clare was a Deputy Head, lead on the set-up of one of the first 50 teaching schools and also has run an excellent SCITT. Clare, works across our Teaching School Hub and our initial teacher training (CTG) as Delivery Lead.
Strengths
- Initial teacher training
- School to school support
- Curriculum development
- School leadership
Areas of responsibility
CTG strategy and Quality Assurance. Delivery lead in Bedford and MK for our Teaching School Hub.
Catherine Giles - Administration Assistant
Experience
Catherine joined the Chiltern Learning Trust in September 2019. Previously she worked in a finance and admin role for Total UK Ltd for 14 years.
Strengths
Administration, organisation skills, diary management and clerical.
Areas of responsibility
Admin support to the Director of Operations, Director of Education and the PA to the CEO.
Liane Blades - Senior Finance Officer
Experience
Liane trained and worked in Dentistry for 30 years, of which the last 10 years were as an Accounts assistant for a large dental group. Liane joined the Chiltern Learning Trust in June this year as Senior Finance Officer to the Chiltern Teaching School Hub.
Strengths
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Financial management
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Organisation skills
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Good attention to detail
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Works well in a team
Areas of responsibility
- Financial management of the Chiltern Teaching School Hub
- Provide a bursary service to the Chiltern Training Group
- Record keeping and compliance of core grant
Emma Grisaffi - Finance Officer
Experience
Emma has over 20 years of experience in finance, working mainly in the private sector. She joined the Central Team as a Finance Officer in 2019.
Strengths
- Organised
- Hard-working
- Financial management
- Accounting
Areas of responsibility
- Inter-company accounts
- The financial management of the Chiltern Learning Trust.
Holly Gladwell - Marketing and Communications Officer
Experience
Holly joined us in September 2021 following her previous role as a Social Media and Marketing Executive at MyNewTerm. She also has achieved a degree in Journalism after studying for 3 years at Brunel University.
Strengths
- Knowledge of Social Media and other platforms of communication.
- Planning and delivering marketing campaigns.
Areas of responsibility
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Responsible for planning, developing and executing marketing communication campaigns across digital platforms and print media.
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Tracking and reporting on the effectiveness of campaigns (including marketing spend) to optimise current and future marketing activities
Jodie Mackerness - Design & Marketing Assistant
Experience
Jodie graduated from Falmouth University in 2019 in Fashion Design. Since then she has had roles in both social media and design which included working for Tala, a sustainable women's activewear brand.
Strengths
- Digital Art & Communications
- Organisation
- Attention to detail
Areas of responsibility
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Digital and Print Marketing materials for Chiltern Learning Trust
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Supporting schools and the Marketing & Communications Officer with design publications and marketing support