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Our People

 

Geoff Wainwright – Chair of Trustees. c/o 120 Heyworth Street, Liverpool, L1 5SQ

Nigel Ward – CEO and Accounting Officer

Paul Smith - Chief Education Officer and Deputy CEO

Phil Lloyd – Executive Principal, North Liverpool Academy
Emily Vernon – Principal, North Liverpool Academy
Jill Davies – Principal, The Studio and Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
Sara Robinson – Headteacher, Four Oaks Primary School

Louise Hughes – Director of Finance
Tom Dean – Director of Facilities
Moira Hennessy – Director of HR
James Brown – Director of IT

Cristiana Costa - Head of Marketing
Sarah Stephenson – Clerk to the Local Governing Bodies

 

The Northern Schools Trust (NST) has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by its strategic talent acquisition and dedication to educational excellence. At the heart of this expansion is the NST’s commitment to attracting top-tier educational professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the organisation.

Paul Smith – Joined Chief Education Officer and Deputy CEO

Paul is a seasoned education leader with a proven track record of success. He brings a wealth of experience to Northern Schools Trust, having served as Regional Schools Commissioner, CEO of two Multi-Academy Trusts, a Government advisor, and a National Leader of Education.

Paul holds a BSc (Hons) and Qualified Teacher Status from Liverpool JMU. He is deeply committed to enhancing educational outcomes across Liverpool and the surrounding region.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys engaging in various activities, including reading, sports, and outdoor pursuits.

Mark Robinson – Joined as NST Head of Humanities

Previously Head of History/Humanities at various independent schools including Ruthin School and King’s School in Macclesfield.

Teacher training graduate from Oxford University with History specialism.

Keen runner and a life-long Manchester City FC supporter.

Clare Lanceley - Joined as Director of School Improvement - Mathematics

Previously working as Head of Maths at The King’s School Chester.

First degree in Maths from University of Liverpool Teacher training graduate from Chester University with Maths specialism.

A committed Christian and heavily involved in local church and youth ministry. 

 

Andy Dalton-Bunker - Joined as Vice Principal (Trust school)

Extensive experience of teaching and leading in secondary education, particularly in Maths.

Maths degree and Teacher training graduate from the University of Bradford, and Postgraduate qualification from the University of Bolton.

A keen sports fan, enjoys watching Bolton Wanderers FC and Salford Red Devils rugby league and Lancashire county cricket.

Kathryn Howard – Joined as Trust Lead - SEND

Head of Learning Support and Director of Teaching & Learning at Merchant Taylors Girls School.

Accounting and Finance degree from Uni of Central Lancashire and PGCE Maths from Edge Hill University

Enjoys sports and keeping active.

Sophie Tracey - Joined as Leader of KS3 (with Mathematics teaching)

Previously Assistant Head of Maths at Bellerive FCJ Catholic College.

A First Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Manchester and PGCE from Manchester University and a Maths and Psychology degree from Uni of Liverpool.

Enjoys keeping healthy through netball, running and cooking – always on the hunt for exciting recipe books.

 

Sara Graham – Joined as Head of Social Sciences (Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School)

Previously Teacher in charge of Psychology, Sociology and Criminology at Bellerive FCJ Catholic College.

A Degree in Applied Social Sciences.

PGCE from Canterbury Christchurch University College, with Geography specialism.

Former Headteacher of Caxton College International School in Valencia.

Loves the outdoors and is a keen painter and crafter.