Meet the Trustees
Giulio Altomari
My career in financial services took me across private and public organisations in several European countries, where I had the opportunity to partner with professionals from around the globe on complex transformational and risk management challenges. The journey taught me that bringing together diverse perspectives and building common positions helps identify both opportunities and blind spots that none of us would find alone.
I am looking to bring that mindset to PACE with a view to supporting strong financial governance, sound strategic decision-making, and a culture where every challenge is an opportunity to improve.
Ben Cranham
I joined Stanford Primary, a PACE Academy School, as a governor in 2019. I served as Chair from 2021 until 2024 and joined the PACE Trust board in 2023.
I have worked with voluntary organisation in youth services and rehabilitation services over the last fifteen years. I come from a family of educators and am dedicated to supporting improvements in school provision in my local area of south London.
I have had a thirty year career in digital technology and lead operations for Pulsant, a UK digital infrastructure provider.
Jennifer Fielder
As an HR leader, coach, and mentor, I have worked in adult social care since 2015. I hold CIPD Level 7 qualifications and am a Fellow member, with expertise in HR Management, Organisational Development, and Leadership Coaching. I am passionate about empowering people to succeed and creating enjoyable, inclusive workplaces. As HR and Organisational Development Manager, I collaborate with colleagues, vulnerable people, and communities to drive meaningful change.
As a PACE Trustee, I aim to share my expertise to positively impact pupils' lives, believing in high-quality education that nurtures curiosity. Personally, I have two young children, one of whom attends a PACE Academy Trust school.
Zoe Harris MBE
Having been appointed Chief Executive Officer of PACE Academy Trust in September 2021, I feel privileged to lead an organisation that genuinely places children at the heart of all it does. At PACE, our schools work closely in partnership while maintaining their own unique, vibrant, and creative settings. Our schools vary in size, context, and location, which allows us to learn from each other's diversity—making PACE a truly special place to work.
My experience as a headteacher and executive leader spans a wide range of schools across Croydon, Surrey, and Sutton, including roles within other Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). This breadth of experience has provided me with valuable insights into the incredible achievements of schools, as well as the challenges faced in different settings. Being awarded an MBE at the start of 2025 for services to education was an incredible surprise and a huge honour. I extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated colleagues I have worked with along the way, as this achievement would not have been possible without them.
I am deeply passionate about inclusion, the UNICEF rights of the child, and ensuring that our staff and pupils appreciate the value of diversity and understand the importance of equality. As CEO of PACE, I am committed to ensuring that every child receives an excellent educational experience, empowering them to reach their full potential as learners now and equipping them to flourish as adults in the future.
Micon Metcalfe
I am an experienced School Business Professional and Multi-Academy Trust executive leader. I have worked in finance and operations in a range of schools and academy trusts and am currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust. Prior to this I was Chief Operating Officer for Inspiration Trust. I was a member of the DfE Expert Group which authored the Standard for Teachers’ Professional Development and contributed to the new specification for the National Professional Qualifications. I am also a member of the Children’s Commissioner’s Audit and Risk Committee.
I hold the Advanced Professional Qualification in School Financial and Operational Leadership and am also a DfE accredited School Resource Management Adviser.
Rina Mirchandani
I have long been passionate about education and was delighted to join the Board at PACE. I am a Managing Director in Treasury at Deutsche Bank, with responsibility for Funds Transfer Pricing and Sustainability, and have worked in financial services across the US and the UK. Through my career, I have seen first-hand the value of continual learning at every stage of life.
I believe that our school years lay the foundations not just for knowledge, but for how we think, adapt, and grow. In my experience leading teams and change, I have seen how critical it is to keep learning, challenging assumptions, and developing new skills throughout our careers.
I bring both a professional and personal commitment to education. Having grown up with close exposure to the running of a school, and now as a parent, I have seen the impact that high-quality education can have on individual opportunity and long-term outcomes. I hold an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from NYU Stern.
Dapo Obatusin
Dipa Patel
I was born in India and came to the UK on my first birthday in the 70s. I grew up and went to school in the Crystal Palace area and moved to Coulsdon in 2012.
I’m a Civil Engineer by profession and work for an international professional services firm who provide technical, professional and construction services.
My husband and I have two young daughters at a trust school and I have a passion for education hence have been a governor (parent governor, vice-chair and now chair) for some time now.
In my spare time I love to play netball, I play for a local team in a local league.
Additional roles: Joint Chair at Keston Primary School.
Business/Profession: Civil Engineer and Operational & Business Management.
Ann Pratt
I bring over 30 years of experience in education to my role as Trustee. I have taught across all phases, from Early Years through to Sixth Form, which has given me a deep and broad understanding of the educational journey and the diverse needs of learners at every stage.
Since moving into leadership in 2005, I have led schools in a range of contexts, including those facing significant challenge and serving highly deprived communities. My work has been driven by a strong moral purpose and a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to thrive.
I have also served as an Ofsted Inspector since 2012, which has given me valuable insight into school improvement, standards, and effective practice at both strategic and operational levels. I hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and most recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).
Currently, I lead a large primary school that includes an autistic SEND base. I am particularly passionate about inclusion, diversity, and designing curricula that are ambitious, responsive, and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. I believe that strong collaboration between schools, families, and communities is fundamental to creating successful learning environments.
As a Trustee, I am committed to providing thoughtful, informed governance that supports both excellence and equity across the Trust.
Clare Wingrave
I have three adult children one of whom is teaching at a PACE school.
Anthony Worthington
I am an accountant by profession and a member of CIMA. I also gained a Masters in Business Administration from Manchester Business School. I’ve held positions in a range of sectors from banking, digital media and telecommunications and have lived in Switzerland and Spain. I am currently involved with the major UK mobile operators to create fraud prevention solutions as well as ways to support the recent Online Safety Act and protect children online.
I have family who were involved in education and it’s always been a passion. As a trustee I aim to share my skills to help give the children of the academy the best educational experience possible.
