The Central Team (ID 1391)

• Ian Wilson
  Chief Executive Officer
  Ian Wilson

  Mr Wilson joined the Trust in April 2023 with a wide range of educational governance and school leadership experience. He supports and enables learners to believe in themselves, to succeed in life and to aspire to be all that they can be. In a teaching career from the classroom through to leading a Church of England High School, this experience of effective leadership underpins his work as Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer.

• Liz Allbutt
  Director of Primary and Governance
  Liz Allbutt

  Mrs Elizabeth Allbutt is the Director of Primary and Governance for our Trust, bringing over 33 years of experience in primary education. Throughout her career, she has taught across all Key Stage 2 year groups and spent 14 years as Headteacher of All Saints' CofE First School, one of our valued Trust schools. Elizabeth holds the NPQH and has a deep understanding of both primary education and educational technology. She is passionate about inspiring children to love learning and helping them become the best versions of themselves, regardless of their background or school setting.

• Kim Bailey
  Chief Financial and Operational Officer
  Kim Bailey

  Mrs Bailey is AAT qualified and is the Chief Finance and Operations Officer of the Trust; working closely with the CEO in developing the successful strategic and operational direction of the Trust. She has been employed by the Trust since its formation as a School Business Manager supporting two of the high schools and has considerable experience in the public sector, including working for the police force and a large land based college.

• Julie Olver
  Trust HR and Contracts Manager
  Julie Olver

  Trust HR and Contracts Manager

  With over 10 years of experience in administrative and HR roles, Mrs Olver plays a key role in managing HR operations and contracts across the trust. Previously serving as the Office Manager at Leek First School, she brings extensive expertise in school administration and personnel management.

  Holding an AAT Level 2 certification and a Schools Administration Certificate, Mrs Olver ensures efficient HR processes and compliance within the trust. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing and walking.

• Ellie Thorpe
  Trust Accountant
  Ellie Thorpe

  Miss Thorpe is the Trust Accountant. She has a professional background having worked in audit within an accountancy practice, and joined the Trust in 2022. She finished her professional accountancy qualifications in 2022 when she became ACA qualified, following completion of her AAT in 2019. She works closely with our School Support Managers and supports the CFOO to ensure sound financial management across the Trust.

• Ben Butterworth
  Trust Assistant Finance Officer
  Ben Butterworth

  Mr Butterworth joined the Central Trust team in 2022 as Finance Assistant. He has a degree in Mathematics completed in 2014. Prior to joining the central team, he worked in one of the Trust's first schools for 8 years.

• Tim Bonsall
  Trust IT Manager
  Tim Bonsall

  Mr Bonsall is the Trust's IT Manager. He joined the Trust in September 2024, bringing over 26 years of experience in the education sector. Previously, he served as ICT Manager at Westwood College for several years. His expertise spans Microsoft technologies, cyber security, cloud computing, networking, and the design and management of IT infrastructure. He is committed to delivering secure, reliable, and efficient IT systems that support the Trust's operational and educational objectives.

Executive Headteachers (ID 1432)

• Sue Atkinson
  Executive Headteacher of Leek High School and Westwood College
  Sue Atkinson

  Miss Sue Atkinson is the Executive Headteacher of both high schools within our Trust. With 28 years of experience in education across a variety of schools and settings, Sue brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role. Formerly Headteacher at John Taylor Free School, she is passionate about creating outstanding learning environments where young people can thrive. Sue is equally committed to nurturing teachers and leaders who share her vision for excellence in education.

• Caroline Quinn
  Executive Headteacher of Beresford Memorial CE First School and Leek First School
  Caroline Quinn

  Mrs Caroline Quinn is the Executive Headteacher of Beresford Memorial CE First School and Leek First School, two of our Trust’s valued first schools. With over a decade of headship experience in Leek, Caroline became Executive Head in 2025, having led Beresford Memorial since 2016. She is a passionate advocate for the three-tier school system and works closely with fellow First, Middle, and High schools across our Academy Trust to ensure a truly collaborative approach to education. Caroline is deeply committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to high-quality learning experiences that help them flourish.