Professor Geoff Baker is the CEO of True Learning Partnership, leading the strategic development of the Partnership and working with schools and communities across the North West of England.

Geoff has more than two decades of experience in education and has been a headteacher and executive headteacher of three schools. He has been appointed to several national education roles, including as an Ofsted Inspector, National Leader of Education and, most recently, as a Department for Education RISE Adviser. As a RISE Adviser, Geoff works alongside schools facing significant challenges to strengthen leadership and support sustainable improvement.

Geoff is also an experienced academic. He is Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Greater Manchester and Honorary Visiting Professor of Education at Liverpool Hope University. He has published widely across the fields of History and Education respectively, authoring or editing ten books alongside numerous academic articles and chapters. His most recent books are AI-Powered Pedagogy and Curriculum Design: Practical Insights for Educators (2025), co-edited with Dr Lucy Caton, and Autoethnographic Reflections from the Classroom: Where the Personal Meets the Professional (2026), co-edited with Dr Scott Threlfall and Professor Jerome Carson.

Geoff's work has an international dimension. He has held a range of international fellowships and awards, including a Churchill Fellowship for study in Hong Kong and Finland and funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation to undertake work in Japan. His work has taken him to education systems and institutions across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the United States, and he has been an invited speaker at conferences around the world.

Throughout his career, Geoff has sought to bridge research, policy and practice. His work at True Learning Partnership draws on this experience, with a particular emphasis on developing people, building strong and sustainable schools, and creating the conditions in which children and colleagues can thrive.

As Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Adele is the strategic lead for the Trust’s finance, estates, operations and IT functions. She is responsible for ensuring the Trust’s long-term financial sustainability through strong financial stewardship, while ensuring our schools have the facilities, infrastructure and support they need to provide the very best learning environments for pupils.

Adele is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and has more than 20 years’ experience within the education sector, spanning finance, risk management, compliance and operations. She joined the Trust’s central team as a Senior Finance Business Partner in January 2023, before becoming Chief Finance Officer in December 2023 and Chief Finance and Operations Officer in July 2026.

Prior to joining the central team, Adele was Strategic Business Manager at Glossopdale High School, with responsibility for finance, HR, IT, administration, premises and health and safety. During this time, she led a number of significant projects, including a major restructure of support staff and the move from three school sites to a single, newly built campus.

Adele began her career with a national accountancy practice, training in internal audit and risk management and providing internal scrutiny services to a range of public sector clients. She subsequently moved into education, holding senior roles including Head of Finance and Head of Risk and Compliance within Further Education colleges. Throughout her career, Adele has specialised in establishing strong systems of control, driving continuous improvement and securing system-led efficiencies.

Adele’s connection with Glossopdale stretches back much further: she is a former student of the school, where she studied Business at GCSE and A-Level before completing a degree in Business Studies and subsequently qualifying as an accountant.

Debbie McGloin is the Chief Learning Officer at True Learning Partnership, with responsibility for educational standards, the quality of teaching and pupil outcomes across the Trust's schools.

Debbie is an experienced school and system leader with a strong track record of improving outcomes in challenging schools. She has undertaken two secondary headships, successfully leading both schools from Special Measures to Good Ofsted judgements within three years.

In her role at True Learning Partnership, Debbie works closely with headteachers and leadership teams, combining support and challenge while empowering leaders to take ownership of their schools' improvement journeys. She believes that sustainable school improvement is achieved by developing people, building expertise and strengthening leadership capacity. Her approach is collaborative and evidence-informed, creating opportunities for schools to learn from one another and ensuring that professional development leads to lasting improvements in practice.

Alongside her Trust-wide school improvement responsibilities, Debbie coaches and mentors school leaders and supports the development of current and future leaders across the Trust.

Debbie is passionate about inclusive education and ensuring that every child, regardless of need, background or circumstance, can participate fully, achieve highly and thrive. She believes that inclusive practice should be embedded in teaching, leadership and decision-making, ensuring that every pupil receives the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

Alison Ferneyhough is Director of People and Culture at True Learning Partnership, leading the Trust’s people strategy and central People Team. She was appointed to the role in 2019, having worked in a range of HR roles at Poynton High School since 2012.

As part of the founding team that established True Learning Partnership, Alison has played an important role in the Trust’s development and growth. She has led the people aspects of several academy conversions, most recently supporting Simmondley Primary School as it joined the Partnership in August 2026.

Alison provides strategic and operational leadership across a workforce of more than 450 teaching and support colleagues. She oversees the Trust’s people agenda, including workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, payroll, pensions and organisational development, working closely with Headteachers and senior leaders across the Partnership.

An Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Alison holds a postgraduate qualification in HR Practice, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and an Honours Degree in Politics and International Relations. She is also an accredited Safer Recruitment trainer and workplace mediator.

Alison is committed to creating positive, inclusive and sustainable working cultures in which colleagues feel valued and supported. Through her work with schools and leaders, she helps develop strong teams and ensure that the Partnership continues to attract, develop and retain excellent people.

Marcus Heath is the Director of ICT and Network Operations at True Learning Partnership, leading the development and continuous improvement of technology and digital services across the Partnership.

Marcus has more than 20 years of experience studying and working in IT, with extensive expertise in networking, telephony and computer systems, alongside a strong understanding of how technology can support effective teaching and learning. Before taking on his Trust-wide role, Marcus was Network Manager at Poynton High School. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Information Technology, alongside qualifications in leadership and management.

Marcus is committed to providing secure, reliable and sustainable digital services that meet the evolving needs of schools, colleagues and pupils. He works closely with leaders and IT colleagues across the Partnership to strengthen infrastructure, develop effective systems and ensure that technology supports both educational and organisational improvement.

Craig Lomas is Deputy Director of Education at True Learning Partnership, with strategic responsibility for SEND, inclusion and professional development. He also serves as the Trust SENCO, supporting the development of high-quality and inclusive provision across the Partnership.

Craig brings more than 19 years of experience in education, spanning secondary teaching, school leadership, teacher education and professional development. He holds a Master’s degree in Education, is a qualified SENCO and has published widely in the areas of leadership, SEND and professional learning.

Within True Learning Partnership, Craig works closely with Headteachers, school leaders and SENCOs to strengthen SEND provision and develop inclusive practice, ensuring that all pupils are able to participate fully in school life and achieve their potential. He also leads the Trust’s professional development strategy, promoting collaboration and the sharing of effective practice across schools.

Craig is currently undertaking doctoral research focused on professional development in education. He is passionate about developing inclusive schools and creating high-quality professional learning that strengthens practice, develops colleagues and ultimately improves outcomes for children and young people.

Tina Carruthers is Finance Business Partner for the primary schools within True Learning Partnership and brings more than 20 years of experience in school finance.

Tina joined the Trust’s central team from one of its two founding schools in 2018, becoming Financial Controller. In this role, she supported school finance teams and worked closely with the CFOO on statutory financial returns, budgeting and financial reporting.

As Finance Business Partner, Tina works closely with headteachers and colleagues across the Trust’s primary schools, providing financial information, advice and reporting to support effective financial management. She acts as an important link between schools and the central Trust team, helping leaders make informed decisions about budgets and resources in the best interests of their pupils.

Before moving into education, Tina worked as a Software Engineer within the defence sector, including internationally in Germany and France. She holds a degree in Computer Science and the Certificate of School Business Management (CSBM).

Beth Powell is a Central Finance Officer at True Learning Partnership and brings more than 20 years of experience in education finance and the wider public sector.

Before joining the Trust in June 2023, Beth worked at Stockport College of Further and Higher Education and Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. She holds an AAT qualification and has extensive experience across financial operations, reporting and financial management.

Since joining True Learning Partnership, Beth has played an important role in the development and strengthening of the Trust’s central finance function as the organisation has grown. She works closely with schools and colleagues across the Trust, providing financial support, reporting and guidance and helping to ensure that robust and effective financial processes are in place.

Beth is committed to providing a responsive and supportive finance service that enables schools and leaders to manage their resources effectively and maintain a clear focus on delivering the best possible education for children and young people.

Becky Pennington is People and Culture Officer at True Learning Partnership, supporting colleagues and leaders across the Trust and contributing to the development of a positive and effective workplace culture.

A CIPD Level 3 qualified HR professional, Becky brings more than 10 years of experience from a range of organisations, including globally recognised brands such as Adidas and On the Beach. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in supporting people, improving workplace processes and creating positive employee experiences.

In her role across the Trust, Becky is focused on ensuring that colleagues feel valued, engaged and well supported. She works to streamline processes, improve efficiency and develop practical, people-focused approaches that make everyday working life easier and more effective for colleagues across the Trust.

Paula Somerville is People and Culture Officer at True Learning Partnership, supporting colleagues and leaders across the Trust with a wide range of people and HR matters.

Paula brings extensive practical experience from HR and wellbeing roles within the private sector and is continuing to develop her professional expertise through her CIPD studies. She works closely with colleagues across schools and the central team, providing responsive and supportive guidance throughout their employment journey.

Alongside her People and Culture role, Paula is a Mental Health First Aider and has a particular interest in promoting positive mental health and workplace wellbeing. She is passionate about helping to create supportive and inclusive working environments in which colleagues feel valued, respected and able to thrive.

Marc Holt is Financial Controller at True Learning Partnership, bringing more than 20 years of accounting experience across both commercial and public sector organisations.

Before joining True Learning Partnership, Marc developed experience working within multi-academy trusts, giving him a strong understanding of the financial requirements and challenges of the education sector. He has been part of the Trust’s central finance team since 2025.

As Financial Controller, Marc supports the effective management of the Trust’s financial operations, working with financial data and systems to ensure accurate, efficient and robust processes are maintained across the Trust.

Marc is committed to ensuring that strong financial management provides a secure foundation for the Trust’s work, enabling schools and colleagues to focus their resources on providing the best possible education and opportunities for children and young people.

Angela Bryning is People and Culture Adviser at True Learning Partnership, supporting leaders and colleagues across the Trust with a wide range of people matters.

Angela brings more than 30 years of professional HR experience across both the private and public sectors, including over a decade working with leaders in education. She has extensive experience of coaching, supporting and advising managers at all levels, providing practical guidance on HR policy, best practice and a broad range of employment matters.

Angela holds a BA (Hons) degree and an MSc in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

In her role across the Trust, Angela works closely with leaders to provide timely, pragmatic and supportive advice. She is committed to helping create positive working environments in which colleagues are well supported and schools can focus on providing the best possible education for children and young people.

Helena Worrall is Cluster Finance Manager at True Learning Partnership, supporting schools across the Trust with budgeting, financial planning, procurement, compliance and day-to-day financial management.

Helena brings more than 10 years of experience in education, including five years as a School Business Manager. This experience gives her a strong understanding of the operational and financial pressures facing schools and the importance of using resources effectively to support pupils and colleagues.

Helena holds a Law degree from Sheffield Hallam University and is currently studying towards the ACCA Level 7 Professional Qualification. She is passionate about building strong relationships, solving problems collaboratively and identifying practical ways to strengthen financial processes.

Working closely with school and Trust leaders, Helena supports effective financial planning and decision making and helps schools maintain long-term financial sustainability. She is committed to ensuring that resources are used effectively to provide the best possible opportunities and outcomes for children and young people.

Kate Iball is a Finance Assistant at True Learning Partnership, supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the Trust and its schools.

Kate brings more than 25 years of experience in finance and has a particular interest in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. In her role, she supports transactional processing, financial administration and compliance, helping to ensure that the Trust’s financial processes operate smoothly and effectively.

Kate enjoys being part of the True Learning Partnership team and takes pride in providing a reliable and supportive service to colleagues across the Trust. Through her work, she helps ensure that schools can manage their resources effectively and maintain their focus on providing the best possible education for children and young people.

Adam Pavitt is Trust Marketing Officer at True Learning Partnership, working with schools across the Trust to strengthen communications, enhance recruitment and develop a consistent and professional approach to marketing and brand identity.

Adam brings more than 20 years of experience in education, combining expertise in digital technology with a strong creative background. Having begun his career working across performing arts and IT, he progressed through a range of senior IT roles in primary and secondary education before moving into marketing and digital communications.

Since joining True Learning Partnership, Adam has led the development of the Trust’s visual identity and supported schools in strengthening their marketing and communications. His work includes website development, digital content, social media, photography and video production, recruitment campaigns and the promotion of Trust and school events.

Adam is passionate about helping schools communicate their individual character, achievements and ambitions. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust, he supports schools to engage effectively with families and communities, strengthen their reputations and celebrate the successes of their pupils and staff.

Matthew Dean is Headteacher of Poynton High School. Born and raised in Cheshire, he has worked in education across the county since 1995 and brings more than 30 years of experience in teaching and school leadership.

After studying at the Universities of Nottingham and Leeds, Matthew began his career as a History teacher. Since 2003, he has held senior leadership roles focused on school improvement and supporting young people to achieve their full potential.

Matthew joined Poynton High School as Director of Sixth Form in 2006, before becoming Deputy Headteacher in 2014 and Headteacher in January 2021. He is proud to lead a successful and ambitious school community and is passionate about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and personally.

Kate Smith is Headteacher of Glossopdale High School. A graduate of Newcastle University, where she studied English Literature, Kate began her career in publishing and bookselling before qualifying as an English teacher in 2006. She remains passionate about literature and literacy and their capacity to engage, inspire and transform lives.

Kate began her teaching career in South London before joining the Harris Federation, where she progressed from Head of English to Consultant. She subsequently became an Assistant Headteacher on the south coast before returning to the North and joining Glossopdale as Deputy Headteacher.

During her first period at Glossopdale, Kate played a significant role in the school’s development, including its move to a new site and the improvement journey that culminated in a Good Ofsted judgement in 2023. She subsequently broadened her leadership experience through headships in schools in Yorkshire and Northamptonshire before returning to Glossopdale as Headteacher in January 2025.

Kate’s leadership is underpinned by a strong commitment to social justice and a belief in the potential of every young person. She is proud to lead and serve the Glossopdale community and is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in an ambitious, inclusive and supportive school.

Graham Hamilton is Headteacher of Lostock Hall Primary School and brings more than 35 years of experience in primary education and school leadership.

After graduating from Lancaster University with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences in 1984, Graham spent time travelling and teaching in Sudan and Spain before qualifying as a teacher in 1990 with a PGCE from Kingston University. He began his teaching career in schools in the London boroughs of Islington and Camden and subsequently completed an MA in Primary Education at the Institute of Education, University College London.

Graham returned to the North West in 1998, becoming Deputy Headteacher of a primary school in Poynton. Following periods of secondment as an Acting Headteacher, he was appointed Headteacher of Lostock Hall Primary School in 2006.

Alongside his headship, Graham works as an Ofsted Inspector and has previously served as a National Leader of Education, supporting school leaders and governors. He has particular expertise in school improvement, leadership development and primary science and is passionate about ensuring that children benefit from ambitious, high-quality education and opportunities to succeed.

Jake Nicklin is Headteacher of Disley Primary School and Executive Headteacher of Hague Bar Primary School. He has worked in primary education since 2012, having completed a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at Liverpool Hope University.

Jake joined Disley Primary School as a teacher in 2017 before being appointed Headteacher in 2021. He is passionate about creating inclusive, ambitious and nurturing schools where every child feels a genuine sense of belonging. He believes that when children feel valued, supported and connected to their school community, they are best placed to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Committed to professional development and educational leadership, Jake holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), a postgraduate qualification in Senior Leadership and Management, a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship qualification and an MSc in Leadership and Management. He is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO), further strengthening his expertise in inclusive practice.

Across his leadership roles, Jake is committed to ensuring that every child receives the support, opportunities and high-quality education they need to flourish.

Debbie Greaves is the Headteacher of Simmondley Primary School and has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across a diverse range of educational settings.

Throughout her career, Debbie has held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Key Stage 1, Standards Lead, Acting Deputy Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher. She holds a B.Ed (Hons) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

Alongside her school leadership roles, Debbie has worked for the past eight years as an Associate School Improvement Adviser for Derbyshire County Council, supporting schools ranging from nursery settings and small rural primaries to larger primary schools. Her work has included providing strategic school improvement support, undertaking headteacher appraisal and working alongside schools preparing for and undergoing Ofsted inspections.

Debbie is also committed to developing leaders across the wider education system. She facilitates National Professional Qualifications, including the NPQH, NPQSL and NPQSENCO, for Best Practice Network and is currently completing the ILM Level 7 qualification in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. She is passionate about developing people, strengthening leadership and using her experience to support schools and their communities to thrive.

Abby Moss is Head of School at Hague Bar Primary School, where she also teaches the mixed-age Year 5 and 6 class. She is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive school where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.

Abby qualified as a primary school teacher in 2020, completing a degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and specialising in Mathematics. Before joining True Learning Partnership, she taught in Years 5 and 6, developing particular experience in supporting pupils as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.

Abby joined True Learning Partnership in 2022 and has since taught across the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2, giving her a broad understanding of children’s educational journeys and development.

Abby is particularly passionate about the opportunities offered by small-school education and the strong relationships that can be built with children, families and the wider community. As Head of School, she is committed to ensuring that every child is known, encouraged and supported to flourish, while developing a strong sense of belonging and pride within the Hague Bar community.

Elizabeth Dockry is Head of School at Lostock Hall Primary School and brings more than 30 years of experience in primary education. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and ambitious learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

Elizabeth holds a BA (Hons) in Art and Design with Qualified Teacher Status and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO), further developing her expertise in inclusive education and SEND provision.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has been a strong advocate for inclusion and believes that schools are at their best when they recognise the individual needs and potential of every child. As Head of School, she is committed to ensuring that pupils benefit from high-quality teaching, appropriate support and opportunities to thrive academically, socially and personally.

Beyond education, Elizabeth has volunteered with Sale FC Rugby Club for more than 14 years and has served as Chair of its Mini and Junior Section and as a member of the Executive Committee. Her work within the club reflects the same commitment to inclusion, opportunity, teamwork and the development of young people that underpins her leadership in school.

Andy Bennett is the Director of Poynton Sixth Form, with responsibility for leading Key Stage 5 provision and supporting students to achieve the outcomes and experiences that enable them to progress to ambitious next steps.

Andy studied Applied Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University before completing the Graduate Teacher Programme as a Sociology and Religious Studies specialist. He has held a range of leadership roles across different key stages, including Director of Learning for Key Stage 4 and responsibility for Pupil Premium progress. His experience also includes working as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children.

Andy has a particular passion for equity and inclusion, and for ensuring that every young person has the opportunity and support they need to succeed. Reflecting this commitment, he is currently working towards the NPQ SENCO qualification, further developing his expertise in supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Alongside his work in school, Andy has worked with HarperCollins as an author of A Level and GCSE Sociology textbooks. He is passionate about working alongside young people to help them achieve strong outcomes, develop their aspirations and access ambitious opportunities beyond school.

Caroline Jesson is Trust Improvement Lead for Data Analytics (Secondary) at True Learning Partnership, leading the development of effective approaches to data analysis and reporting across the Trust’s secondary schools.

Alongside her Trust-wide role, Caroline is Deputy Headteacher at Glossopdale High School, with responsibility for inclusion, curriculum and outcomes. She previously served as Assistant Headteacher and Head of School at New Mills School, having initially joined the school on secondment from Cheadle Hulme High School as Head of Science as part of a school-to-school support programme.

Caroline holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Management and Industry from the University of York and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in curriculum leadership, inclusion, assessment and school improvement, alongside a particular interest in using data effectively to improve outcomes while reducing unnecessary workload for teachers.

As Trust Improvement Lead, Caroline works closely with school and Trust leaders to develop consistent and intelligent approaches to data collection, analysis and reporting. She is passionate about ensuring that data provides meaningful insights, supports evidence-informed decision making and enables leaders and teachers to identify priorities, evaluate impact and improve outcomes for young people.

Eddie Latch is Trust Improvement Lead for Data Analytics (Primary) at True Learning Partnership, leading the development of effective approaches to data analysis and reporting across the Trust’s primary schools.

Alongside his Trust-wide role, Eddie is an experienced Mathematics teacher and school leader who has worked at Poynton High School for more than 20 years. After graduating from the University of Leeds with an Honours Degree in Mathematics and a postgraduate qualification in Mathematics Education, he began his teaching career in West Yorkshire before joining Poynton. During his time at the school, Eddie has held a range of leadership responsibilities, including pastoral and transition leadership, Post-16 Mathematics and the coordination and development of data systems. He has also completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

Following a year of research into how data could be used more effectively across True Learning Partnership, Eddie now leads the development of data analytics across the Trust’s primary schools. He works with colleagues to develop consistent, accessible and timely approaches that give school leaders and teachers a clear understanding of pupils’ performance and wider school experience.

Eddie is passionate about ensuring that data is used purposefully to identify patterns, celebrate success and highlight where additional support or intervention may be needed. His work supports evidence-informed decision making and helps schools use data intelligently to improve outcomes for every child.

Helen James is Trust Improvement Lead for Professional Learning at True Learning Partnership, supporting the development of high-quality professional learning and teaching practice across the Trust.

Alongside her Trust-wide role, Helen is an experienced Assistant Headteacher at Glossopdale High School, with responsibility for teaching and learning, curriculum development and professional development. She leads whole-school professional learning, including Initial Teacher Training, Early Career Teacher development, instructional coaching and evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.

A Science teacher and experienced inclusion leader, Helen is passionate about ensuring that evidence-informed practice underpins both classroom teaching and professional development. She is committed to high-quality teaching that meets the needs of all learners and gives every young person the opportunity to succeed.

As Trust Improvement Lead, Helen works collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust to strengthen professional learning, develop expert teachers and build a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. She is committed to ensuring that colleagues at every stage of their careers have access to high-quality development that enhances classroom practice and improves outcomes for young people.

Jack Wallace is Trust Improvement Lead for AI in Education at True Learning Partnership, leading the strategic development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Trust’s schools.

Alongside his Trust-wide role, Jack is a Teacher of French and Spanish at Poynton High School. He holds an Honours Degree in Modern Foreign Languages from the University of Sheffield and a PGCE in Languages from Manchester Metropolitan University. Before beginning his teaching career at Poynton, Jack lived in Spain, where he taught English in a secondary school. He is currently completing the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Coordinators (NPQSENCO).

As Trust Improvement Lead, Jack leads the development of Trust-wide approaches to the safe, ethical and effective use of AI. His work includes developing guidance for schools, leading professional learning and exploring innovative ways in which AI can enhance teaching and learning, support inclusion and reduce unnecessary workload for colleagues.

Jack is passionate about ensuring that emerging technology is used responsibly and purposefully. He works collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust to explore how AI can support excellent teaching, strengthen professional practice and ultimately improve outcomes for children and young people.

Catherine Holyland is Trust Safeguarding Lead for True Learning Partnership and Deputy Headteacher at Poynton High School. She brings extensive experience in safeguarding, pastoral leadership, behaviour and supporting young people to achieve positive outcomes.

Originally from Harrogate, Catherine holds an Honours Degree in Environmental Science, a PGCE in Geography and Special Educational Needs from the University of Leeds, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). She began her teaching career in Cheshire West before joining Poynton High School, where she has developed significant experience in senior and pastoral leadership. Catherine has also facilitated the National Professional Qualification in Behaviour and Culture (NPQBC) for both primary and secondary colleagues.

Alongside her Trust-wide role, Catherine leads safeguarding, behaviour and student progress at Poynton High School. As Trust Safeguarding Lead, she supports schools with complex safeguarding matters, provides guidance to Designated Safeguarding Leads and leads the Trust’s DSL network. She also coordinates safeguarding peer reviews and oversees the annual review and implementation of safeguarding policies across the Trust.

Catherine is committed to ensuring consistently high standards of safeguarding across all Trust schools, promoting a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and where children and young people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

Greg Knowles is Estates Projects Manager at True Learning Partnership, supporting the development and effective management of the Trust’s estate.

An experienced estates and facilities professional, Greg brings expertise in estate improvement, statutory compliance, maintenance planning and the delivery of capital projects. He works closely with schools, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are planned and delivered effectively and that the Trust’s buildings remain safe, compliant and well maintained.

As part of the Trust’s central estates team, Greg supports both strategic development and day-to-day operational priorities across the Trust. He is committed to creating safe, sustainable and high-quality learning environments that enable schools to focus on providing the best possible education for children and young people.