Central Team (ID 1115)

• Sam Cosgrove
  Director of Education Partner
  Sam Cosgrove

  Sam Cosgrove is a highly experienced Director of Education and Ofsted Inspector, specialising in driving school improvement and enhancing educational outcomes for children and young people. With a career spanning multiple leadership roles, Sam's journey began as a teaching assistant supporting pupils with special needs, eventually rising to the position of Executive Head and CEO of a small multi-academy trust.

  In 2018, Sam successfully merged her trust with the Birmingham Diocesan Multi Academy Trust (BDMAT), where she played a key role as part of the Executive Team responsible for school improvement. At the time of the merger, many of the schools within the trust were considered vulnerable. Under Sam's leadership, substantial progress was achieved, and by the time she departed in 2024, 17 schools had been graded as ‘Good' and one as ‘Outstanding' by Ofsted.

  Currently, Sam leverages her extensive experience as a freelance consultant, working as a Director of Education and School Improvement Advisor. Her proven track record in strategic educational leadership and school turnaround initiatives positions her as a trusted expert in the sector.

• Andrew Storer
  Chief Finance Officer
  Andrew Storer

  Andy joined the Uttoxeter Learning Trust as the Business and Operations Manager for Thomas Alleyne's High School in 2017 and in 2018 alongside this role became the part time CFO for the Trust. As the role continued to develop in 2023 Andy took his current role as the full time Chief Finance Officer for the Uttoxeter Learning Trust

  Andy is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and having worked for 8 years in a local Chartered Accountants Practice began his career in education working as a Management Accountant at the University of Derby in 1993 and since then has worked in and supported schools in the Derby, Derbyshire and East Staffordshire area as a School Business Manager.

  Andy brings a professional and sound financial approach to his role and continues to develop his understanding of the education system and is part of the DFE West Midlands Learning Set focusing on Financial Health.

• Kerry Rochester
  CEO and Educational Leader
  Kerry Rochester

  Kerry, with an impressive 30-year career in education, now serves as CEO ofInnovate2Educate Partnership. Her journey through various crucial areas of educational management and development has culminated in this executive leadership role.
  
  Key highlights of Kerry's career include:
  - 17 years as a headteacher and executive headteacher
  - Successfully led two schools out of special measures and provided critical support to a third
  - Former Director of Education, overseeing 15 schools
  - Implemented a nationally recognised curriculum
  - Over 15 years of experience as an Ofsted lead inspector
  - Completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
  - Recipient of two national awards for leadership and curriculum development
  
  Kerry's expertise spans school improvement, curriculum innovation, and quality assurance. Her leadership has consistently demonstrated an ability to turn around struggling schools and implement innovative educational approaches.
  
  As CEO, Kerry now channels her extensive experience and unwavering dedication into shaping educational policy and practice on a larger scale. She leverages her comprehensive understanding of the education sector - from classroom teaching to executive leadership - to drive meaningful change and innovation across her organisation.
  
  At the core of Kerry's professional journey is a profound passion for education. She remains deeply committed to providing the best possible education for children, with the ultimate goal of empowering them to become capable, well-rounded adults of the future.

• Emily Calvert
  School Improvement Partner
  Emily Calvert

  With a rich and diverse background that spans from stage management in many countries to leadership in education, Emily brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to her role in the Trust. After transitioning from the arts to education, she served as a teacher and later a headteacher, where her passion for innovative learning led to co-authoring an award-winning curriculum based on Sustainability that was award winning at the National MAT Awards. She has also been honored as a finalist for Headteacher of the Year in Worcestershire on two occasions.

  Art and Design Technology are at the heart of her approach, driving her to develop projects like 'The Boxcar Rally,' which empowers children to engage deeply with STEM subjects, whilst learning the importance of working in partnership and developing creativity. Beyond her professional life, she is a parent of three and a part-time portrait painter, continually inspired by the power of creativity in all its forms.

• Carl Gliddon
  School Improvement Partner
  Carl Gliddon

  Carl is working with schools in the trust to further develop their support for pupils with additional needs. He has over 20 years senior leadership experience in schools, the last ten as a Headteacher. His experience covers Ks2, Ks3, Ks4 and Ks5. During his time in senior leadership he has managed post 16 provision, pastoral support and attendance, safeguarding, PSHE and careers education, inclusion and SEND amongst others, within the school environment. In more recent years Carl has been chair of the district SEND and Inclusion Hub. He has extensive experience and a keen interest in linking education to the world of work. Having worked in the same community for many years Carl is committed to schools working closely together to support the child's/ young persons educational journey.

• Penny Plant
  Central School Business Manager
  Penny Plant

  Penny brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as School Business Manager at Innovate2Educate Partnership, a position she assumed in November 2024. Her appointment follows a successful tenure as Bursar at Picknalls First School, showcasing her progression within the education sector.

  With over two decades of dedicated service in education, Penny has honed her skills in both operational and strategic leadership. Her specialities lie in the critical areas of finance, human resources, and governance, making her an invaluable asset to the Trust's management team.

  Penny's qualifications speak to her commitment to professional excellence:

  - Qualified School Business Manager

  - Accredited Associate Level Practitioner of the Institute of School Business Leadership

  - Advanced Diploma holder from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AATQB)

  - Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians

  - Diploma in Administration Management - Institute of Administration Management (IAM)

  These credentials, combined with her extensive experience, position Penny as a highly competent and forward-thinking leader in school business management. Her expertise is set to play a crucial role in steering the Innovate2Educate Partnership towards continued success and financial stability.

• Janette Taylor
  Senior Finance Officer
  Janette Taylor

  Janette Taylor is a highly experienced Senior Finance Officer with over 23 years in the educational financial sector, in addition to her experience in the banking industry. Her career has been marked by a deep focus on financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning within educational institutions, where she has successfully overseen the financial operations of schools within a multi-academy trust. Janette's expertise in educational finance includes optimising funding allocations, ensuring compliance with educational regulations, and managing both public and private funding sources. Her background in banking, compliments her strong skills in guiding educational organisations through complex financial challenges while fostering growth and development.

• Julie Malbon
  Central Finance Support Officer
  Julie Malbon

  Photo and text to follow.

• Sue Searle
  Central Governance Professional
  Sue Searle

  Sue Searle is a former Solicitor and spent many years working in the legal profession before moving into education around 20 years ago. Since then, Sue has worked as both a School Business Professional and a Governance Professional/Adviser, roles that have given her a real insight into how schools and trusts operate. During this time, the governance landscape has evolved considerably, and Sue considers it a privilege to support and advise the Trust and its schools as they continue to strengthen their strategic leadership. Sue’s focus is on ensuring that governance responsibilities are fulfilled efficiently and effectively, always with the best interests of the children and young people at the core.

• Jane Griffiths
  PA to CEO
  Jane Griffiths

  Pen portrait to follow

• Jade Hadfield
  Strategic IT Lead
  Jade Hadfield

  Text to follow.

• Helen Major
  Attendance and Safeguarding Lead
  Helen Major

  Photo and text to follow.

Headteachers (ID 1116)

• Annie Grattage
  Executive Headteacher - Ryecroft CE Middle School & Windsor Park Middle School
  Annie Grattage

  Since April 2022, Annie has been the Headteacher at Ryecroft CE Middle School. In June 2025, Annie became Executive Headteacher of Ryecroft CE Middle School and Windsor Park CE Middle School. Previously, she was Vice Principal at a primary school with 480 pupils on role. Annie graduated from the University of Warwick in 2002 and began her teaching journey in Spain and Japan. In the UK, she began teaching in Stoke-on-Trent, taking on roles such as English and Maths subject leader, SENCO, and Curriculum Lead. In 2015, she became a Specialist Leader of Education, helping schools across Stoke improve their curriculum and teaching methods. Completing her NPQH in 2022 enhanced her leadership skills even further.

  As a mum of three, she is deeply passionate about education as well as a strong believer in the transformative power of technology in classrooms, making learning more engaging and accessible for all. Annie is currently leading the MAT digital strategy, driving innovation and technology integration across our schools.

• Kay Hanson
  The Richard Clarke First School Headteacher
  Kay Hanson

  Mrs. Hanson is proud to serve as the Headteacher at The Richard Clarke First School in Abbots Bromley. She has been in the teaching profession since 1994 and has held the position of Headteacher since 2014. The school joined the Uttoxeter Learning Trust (ULT) in 2021, and she is delighted to work in such a positive learning environment where everyone truly cares for one another, with high expectations across the board.

  Mrs. Hanson is committed to making the school and Trust the best it can be, providing a fully inclusive education that is both engaging and fun for every child. The school strives for high standards in academic achievement as well as in the arts, technology, sports, and fostering positive learning behaviors, confidence, and good manners. While the Trust is forward-thinking, it still maintains a strong sense of community.

  Originally from Essex, Mrs. Hanson now calls Ashbourne home, where she has lived for over 30 years. One of her main hobbies is dancing, and she dedicates at least three hours a week to it, including Zumba and ballroom/Latin styles. She also runs regular dance clubs at school. A lover of the theatre, Mrs. Hanson especially enjoys musicals and has seen numerous West End productions, including Les Misérables five times. Her passion for film extends to musicals, and she is also a huge fan of Star Wars and James Bond.

  In terms of sports, she enjoys watching snooker and Formula 1. Additionally, Mrs. Hanson is a keen birdwatcher and an active member of the RSPB, spending much of her free time walking through nature reserves with her binoculars in hand.

  
  

• Lou Heywood
  Thomas Alleyne's High School Headteacher
  Lou Heywood

  Lou Heywood joined Thomas Alleyne's High School in 2022 as Deputy Headteacher and undertook the role of Headteacher in 2025.

  She studied Biology at Leeds University, where she also completed her PGCE. During this time, Lou was awarded the June Wenban Prize for Innovation in Teaching. In 2003, she began teaching Biology in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where she progressed through a range of leadership roles before taking up her first senior leadership position in 2013, later becoming Vice Principal. Lou has over 12 years of senior leadership experience.

  Lou is passionate about pastoral leadership but also has extensive experience across all areas of senior leadership. She has worked within a multi-academy trust, leading whole-school improvement across a number of secondary schools and teams. As both a member of the local community and a former student of Thomas Alleyne's, Lou is particularly passionate about ensuring the school delivers the best possible provision for its community and supports young people to develop the skills needed for healthy, happy, and successful lives.

  Outside of her professional life, Lou enjoys spending time in Cornwall with her family and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through keeping active.

• Anne Tapp
  Picknalls First School Headteacher
  Anne Tapp

  Anne is now in her 12th year as Headteacher in Uttoxeter. She often tells people that being a headteacher is the best job in the world, and she truly believes it. For her, there is no greater feeling than watching a child take the next steps in their learning journey, knowing they are proud of their progress—and so are she and her team.

  Education has been a lifelong passion for Anne, and from a young age, she knew teaching was her calling. Her journey began at just 14 when she started teaching keyboard lessons. Music has always played a significant role in her life, and at 17, she was fortunate to be trained as a Yamaha Music School teacher, marking the start of her formal teaching career. From those early days in music education to leading this wonderful school, Anne's path through education has been diverse and rewarding. Each role has shaped her, enabling her to understand different perspectives, connect with students in new ways, and continue growing as an educator.

  What has kept Anne inspired over the years is the sense of community and partnership in Uttoxeter. The dedication of the staff, the enthusiasm of the children, and the support from parents all contribute to making the school a truly special place. Together, they have created an environment where every child can thrive, not just academically but emotionally and socially as well.

  Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for Anne, but the constant is the joy of watching children grow into confident, capable young people, ready to take on the world. Whether they are mastering a tricky maths problem, expressing themselves through music and the arts, or simply learning to be kind and supportive friends, these moments are what make the job so rewarding for her.

  Looking ahead, Anne remains as committed as ever to fostering a love for learning in every child who walks through the school's doors. She will continue to draw on her passion for education, music, and personal development to ensure they nurture not just well-rounded students but well-rounded individuals.

• James Twynham
  Oldfields Hall Middle School Headteacher
  James Twynham

  James Twynham joined Oldfields Hall Middle School as Headteacher in September 2024. He read Environmental Science at Liverpool University and, after completing his teacher training at Nottingham University, he began teaching Biology in Stoke-on-Trent. In 2003 he moved to a large secondary school in Staffordshire where he developed his leadership craft moving from Head of Biology to Deputy Headship. James has 16 years of senior leadership experience. His education passions include science teaching, whole school teaching & learning, curriculum development and staff leadership development. James has facilitated on a number of professional development programmes and is currently a Visiting Fellow for Ambition Institute on the NPQH programme delivered on behalf of the Staffordshire Research School.