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.
As Chief Operating Officer I lead operational functions ranging from the management and development of our sites through to HR. I am motivated by the impact that high quality education and care in schools can have on young lives. All aspects of my role are about trying to ensure that all of our pupils and adults thrive in our schools.
I joined PACE Academy Trust in November 2018 following a varied career in the Civil Service working in leadership roles across policing, counter-terrorism and recruitment.
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience working in audit and SME companies. My career has extended across a number of sectors and has included leadership roles in finance and HR. I enjoy using my skills in the local community having been a treasurer of a local pre-school for a number of years and a governor of a local infant school for 8 years.
I joined PACE Academy Trust in 2015, one year after the trust was formed. My role as the Chief Financial Officer is to support the Chief Executive and Headteachers and to provided financial leadership to our schools to ensure that our finances comply with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook. I enjoy the challenges and variety that this role offers and am very proud to be working for PACE Academy Trust.
