Central Team (ID 1115)

• 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.

• 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.

• Janette Taylor
  Senior Finance Officer
  Janette Taylor

  Janette Taylor is a highly experienced Senior Finance Officer with over 25 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Liz Braithwaite
  Safeguarding Compliance and Operations Consultant Central Team
  Liz Braithwaite

  Liz is a highly experienced senior leader with over 29 years in the education sector, excelling in executive leadership across both maintained and academy primary schools. Her career began in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and she has since held senior leadership roles in Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Leicester City, and Leicestershire. Liz's expertise spans safeguarding and compliance, mental and physical pupil wellbeing, literacy pedagogy, ITT training, and educational consultancy.

  Her background includes consulting for the DfE’s National Literacy Strategy, which honed her school improvement skills. This built upon her experience of being part of the Senior Leadership team of an underperforming school (where Liz was recognised with a DFE award) that was commended as having been transformed in a relatively short period of time. Liz has also spent time teaching abroad in India as part of a charity project to support the education of children in poverty.

  More recently, Liz served in the Executive Team as Head of Safeguarding and Pupil Wellbeing for a successful multi-academy trust covering Leicester City, Leicestershire, and Rutland. She also brings valuable experience from her time as a Headteacher, where she successfully led a maintained school through its conversion to academy status, in addition to a phase change and significant expansion.

  A strong professional, Liz holds qualifications from the University of Derby and the National College for School Leadership. Completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH).

  Liz is passionate about pottery, enjoying both the creativity of throwing and making her own pieces. She loves spending time with her pet dog and her two teenage children, who keep her busy and bring her joy. A keen traveller, Liz enjoys exploring new places and cultures, finding inspiration for her pottery and life along the way.

• Penny Plant
  Central School Business Manager
  Penny Plant

  Penny brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as School Business Manager at the Uttoxeter Learning Trust, a position she assumed in October 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 Uttoxeter Learning Trust towards continued success and financial stability.

Headteachers (ID 1116)

• Andrea Cairns
  Executive Headteacher
  Andrea Cairns

  Andrea Cairns became Headteacher of All Saints CE First School in 2008 after ten years at Dove First School in Rocester as Assistant Headteacher. All Saints became part of the Uttoxeter Learning Trust in January 2017. In November 2021, Andrea became Executive Headteacher of Bramshall Meadows First School, the newest school in the Trust, which opened in September 2022. In January 2024, she also took over at Hutchinson Memorial CE First School in Checkley with the position becoming permanent in September 2024.

• 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.

• Annie Grattage
  Ryecroft CE Middle School Headteacher
  Annie Grattage

  Since April 2022, Annie has been the Headteacher at Ryecroft 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.

• 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.

• Julie Rudge
  Thomas Alleyne's High School Headteacher
  Julie Rudge

  Julie Rudge has been the headteacher of Thomas Alleyne’s High School for over eight years. Prior to this role, she served as deputy headteacher at John Taylor High School, where she played a key role in establishing teaching schools at both institutions. Julie's dedication to professional development extends beyond her schools, having served as a National Leader of Education and as a facilitator for both the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) and NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership) programmes.
  

  Committed to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth in her students, Julie is passionate about serving her community and ensuring that every young person reaches their full potential.
  

  Outside of her professional life, she enjoys staying active through sport, exploring new destinations through travel, and spending quality time with her family.
  

• 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.

  
  

• Lisa Wilbraham-Jones
  Windsor Park CE Middle School Headteacher
  Lisa Wilbraham-Jones

  With over 29 years of experience in education, Lisa Wilbraham-Jonesjoined Windsor Park CE Middle Schoolin 2003, and her journey culminated in her appointment as Headteacher in 2018. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Passionate about holistic development, Lisais dedicated to balancing academic excellence with personal well-being, ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also grow as confident, resilient individuals.

  Her leadership style is collaborative and forward-thinking, encouraging strong partnerships between pupils, staff, and parents to create a unified community striving for the highest standards. By promoting open communication and shared responsibility, she ensures that everyone involved in the school plays an active role in its continued success.

  Outside of her professional life, Lisais an avid skier and cyclist, and she enjoys exploring her creative side through cooking and interior design projects. These hobbies reflect her belief in the importance of balance and creativity, both in her personal life and in the school environment she leads.

  Lisa Wilbraham-JonesNPQH

  Head teacher