Board of Trustees

Responsible for Admissions, Policies & Governance

I have worked for a major business within Gainsborough for almost 30 years and have overall responsibility for Finance, HR and Governance. As part of a European owned company with operations in over 8 countries, I am also the groups data protection officer. I have a passion for business and when I saw the request for additional support for the Academy, I felt my experience would be of benefit.
During my time working within Gainsborough, I have been part of local business forums and also supported initiatives to help new businesses get up and running.

Outside of work I enjoy sport and have been involved in triathlon and ultra running over the last 10 years. Within Triathlon, I have been a junior and adult coach for Lincoln tri club and have been honoured to serve as chairman over the previous 3 years. I am also a member of the regional committee and Council. I am a strong believer in promoting sport and activity within the community and regularly volunteer at sporting events.

Responsible for Curriculum / Standards, Admissions, Policies, Governance, Environmental Sustainability & Link Governor to Local Governing Bodies

Responsible for Health & Safety / Premises, Admissions, Policies, Governance.

James has been a resident of Gainsborough since 2007 and joined the Local Governing Board for Castle Wood Academy in 2020 whilst his daughter also attended the school. Since May 2022 James became a Trustee and is still an active member of the PTA for Castle Wood Academy.

Being a graduate of BSc (hons) Food Science, he has worked for many years in the Food Industry. Currently a Technical Manager and day to day he has responsibility for food safety, auditing, health and safety and procedure writing.

James brings to the Trustee Board experience in auditing, documentation, procedure writing, improving standards, people development, business systems improvement, fire safety and health and safety. He has an interest in supporting the Trust over the coming years and with his skills can make a positive difference and ensure the future success and development of the Trust for the pupils.

Having two daughters and a wife, James enjoys family life and cooking in his own kitchen or on the BBQ (even in the rain), cycling, watching rugby and travelling.

I became Executive Headteacher/CEO and accounting Officer of the Trust in January 2017. My previous roles have included Literacy Consultant in Barking and Dagenham, where I began my teaching career, and Teaching and Learning Consultant in Lincolnshire. In addition, I was Senior School Improvement Consultant for CfBT (Lincolnshire School Improvement Service) leading the Primary Strategy Improving Schools Programme (ISP) working in schools causing concern and in Ofsted categories.

In 2012 I was STA National Operational Moderator, looking at local authorities Year 6 writing teacher assessment moderation processes and a Local Consultant for Improvement for ISP and Stronger Management Systems. I then took on the role of Head of School in a school in special measures moving it to good in 13 months and to outstanding 2 years later.

I have a wealth of experience in developing CPD to impact on teaching and learning, leadership and stronger management systems. I also have extensive experience of writing and developing materials to support teaching and learning and middle leadership. (Developing Teacher Programme, Middle Leadership programme). I have been an Ofsted inspector and have carried out numerous section 5 inspections in the East Midlands region.

Responsible for SEND, Admissions, Policies & Governance

I am a retired specialist teacher with 40 years teaching experience. I began my teaching career in 1976 having qualified with a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree from Leeds University. Initially I taught in secondary school in Huddersfield and after moving to Lincoln was a class teacher and then a supply teacher in several primary schools. In 1995 my family took part in a year-long exchange programme in New Zealand where I taught in both primary and intermediate schools on a supply basis. On returning, I took up the concurrent part time pasts as a SENDCo at a Lincoln school and teacher with the Learning Support Service. The latter has now become the Specialist Teaching Team where my career progressed to being part of the Senior Leadership Team holding the responsibilities of Team Leader and Induction Manager. Within the Specialist Teaching Team, I also worked in all sectors of education from Early Years to Sixth Form.

I consider myself to have a number of professional and personal skills which I can bring to the role of Trustee of Tall Oaks Academy Trust. Working in Education, I am familiar with current thinking and national guidance. My specialist skills and training lie mainly in the field of Special Educational Needs, with particular respect to the areas of dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. I have also undergone training in safeguarding and domestic abuse. I am committed, loyal and professional with a high regard for confidentiality and a respect for the opinions and perspectives of others. I am level headed, with an even temperament and feel I would be able to advise and challenge sensitively, calmly and respectfully.

Responsible for Safeguarding, Admissions, Policies & Governance

I work as a Senior Lecturer at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln. In my current role, I work with students training on the PGCE Primary programme, in addition to contributing to the School Direct and BA (Hons) in Education programmes.

I have previously worked for the Trust as a Deputy Head of School, establishing an NQT programme of support and establishing and co-ordinating School Direct Teacher Training as part of this role.

Alongside my lecturing role, I am also completing a MA degree in Education, undertaking research around pertinent themes in education, such as mental health and wellbeing.

Aside from my academic work, I am a mum to two beautiful children, and spend much of my spare time with my children and husband. We enjoy holidays and spare days out to the beach in our vintage camper van, which we also like to take to VW shows (when it starts!)

Responsible for Finance / Contracts, Admissions, Policies & Governance

Born in Sheffield, David was educated through the local comprehensive school system going on to further education and graduating from Wadham College, Oxford in Politics Philosophy and Economics in 1983. After graduation he started work for Lloyds Bank in and around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, initially in leadership roles, but subsequently as a Relationship Director supporting SME businesses. He left the Bank in 2016, after 33 years of service, to start a second career as a Non Exec Director / Business Consultant, working on his own account, for a portfolio of local owner managed businesses.

David has a passion to encourage and support both businesses and people to be as good as they can be, and in addition to his paid work commitments, he has held roles both as a Parent Governor in a School and also currently acts as a Director of a not for dividend charity.

Responsible for Safeguarding & Behaviour

My name is Rachel and I am new to governance having started with CWA in early 2023. I have a child who is currently in Y1 at the school. I am a government solicitor with transferable skills appropriate to school governance, to be able to analyze and critique potential attainment gaps and pinpoint opportunities for both school and pupil improvement for example. I have a strong interest in all aspects of safeguarding and that our children should always come first.

I have been given the responsibilities of behaviour, some attendance and safeguarding. I am keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded and all staff are properly supported. My professional skills, combined with my passion for making a difference to the lives of children means I am committed to supporting our school. With this in mind, I am always happy to hear your comments- good or bad, so please do come and talk to me if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Outside of this, I have a husband, two children and horses.