Central Team (ID 1198)

• Catherine Lane
  Chief Executive Officer
  Catherine Lane

  Catherine has served as Headteacher of two schools in the Trust, Keys Meadow and Houndsfield. She was appointed as Deputy Headteacher at Keys Meadow before it opened in September 2003 and played a key role in establishing the school prior to being appointed Headteacher, initially in a job share and then in a full time capacity.

  The school was commended by Nick Gibb, Schools Minister, as one of the 100 most improved schools in the country. She was appointed Headteacher of Houndsfield Primary School in the Summer term 2019. She took a lead role in school improvement and Academy conversion.

  Prior to working at Keys Meadow Catherine worked at Equinox Converged Solutions, the network provider for London Grid for Learning, as their Education Relationship Manager for two years. This provided valuable business experience. She also has experience of teaching and leadership in Hertfordshire and Barnet. She was appointed CEO of the Trust in the Autumn term 2022.

• Alison Martin
  Headteacher for School Improvement
  Alison Martin

  Alison has significant experience of school improvement and working with schools in challenging circumstances. She has worked for two local authorities supporting different schools and also in the capacity of Literacy Advisor. She joined Worcesters Primary School in 2011 as Deputy Head Teacher when the school was in a category of ‘Notice to Improve’. Worcesters was graded as ‘Outstanding’ two years later.

  Subsequently, Alison was then seconded by the Local Authority to be Head of a School which had received three ‘Requires Improvement’ judgements from Ofsted. Under Alison’s leadership the school moved to ‘Good’. Alison became Head Teacher for School Improvement at Attigo Academy Trust when it was established in 2018. Alison also carries out Ofsted Inspections.

• Lorraine Terris
  Head of Early Years
  Lorraine Terris

  Lorraine's experience in working with children in their Early Years started over 25 years ago. Starting her career in education as a Nursery Nurse, she went on to gain a first-class BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies subsequently gaining Qualified Teacher Status. Lorraine became a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Alma Primary School in 2014 leading the Early Years team into two consecutive 'outstanding' EYFS Ofsted judgements.

  In her current role as Head of Early Years for Attigo Academy Trust, Lorraine supports the Early Years Teams in all of the Trust schools. In addition, she has recently worked as a Department for Education Early Years Expert as part of the Early Years Covid Recovery Programme supporting Schools and Nurseries across Greater London and is also currently working as a Local Authority Early Years Advisor across 24 schools in the London Borough of Enfield.

• Luke De La Salle
  Head of Music
  Luke De La Salle

  Luke's background is in musical performance having gained a first-class BA (hons) in Jazz, where he still uses his skills to perform regularly as a drummer. Having also completed a PGCE in Primary Education, Luke spent many years as a classroom teacher before becoming Head of Music for Attigo Academy Trust in 2019. Within this role, Luke leverages his expertise and experience in primary, early years and instrumental education, along with insights gained from his MA studies in Music Psychology (distinction), to support non-specialist teachers in delivering engaging music lessons. Luke's role now includes a mix of teaching whole class music, developing teacher confidence through team-teaching sessions, leading singing assemblies, co-ordinating clubs, instrumental lessons, trips, external insets and putting on whole trust events.

• Aimee Jones
  Associate Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion
  Aimee Jones

  With a Masters in Education Leadership and Management, Aimee has held a variety of Senior Leadership Positions, including Vice Principal at one of the first ever Free School Academies, supporting the team to reach ‘Outstanding’ within 16 months of opening.

  Aimee has an extensive background working with children from vulnerable groups. As Head of Inclusion, she supported her previous school to become an Inclusion Centre of Excellence within just one year, in addition to achieving an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ judgement in Summer 2024.

  On seeing the impact a fully embedded inclusive curriculum can have across a school, Aimee recently trained as an IQM Assessor to help support other schools on their journey to inclusive practice.

  In her current role as Associate Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion), Aimee leads on promoting Inclusive Practice across the Trust Schools, supporting provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

• Wendy Ochs
  Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer
  Wendy Ochs

  Wendy is a school business professional who has gained almost 25 years working in the Education Sector within the London Borough of Enfield. She has undertaken many roles throughout her career from Office Manager, to Safeguarding Lead and Pastoral Support Advisor through to School Business Manager gaining a wealth of experience in finance and leadership.

  In her current role as the Chief Financial & Operating Officer for Attigo Academy Trust, Wendy is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the Trust including strategic financial planning, developing and maintaining financial regulations and procedures and ensuring effective financial control and good practice.

  She also has responsibility for managing large-scale projects, Human Resources, Estates and other critical corporate functions.

• Anita Mason
  HR Officer
  Anita Mason

  Anita has worked in both primary and further education for many years supporting attendance, finance and managing government funded projects.

  In her current role Anita manages personnel for the Trust, supporting the schools with recruitment and governance and also overseeing the Single Central Records.

• Jenny Righelato
  Finance and Operations Officer
  Jenny Righelato

  Jenny has been working in education for many years in roles that include both working with children and working as part of the daily operational and finance support teams. Her current role is providing support for member schools of the Trust as part of the Central Operations and Finance Department.

• Sharon Dewhirst
  Business Accountant
  Sharon Dewhirst

• Melek Kasim
  Business Accountant
  Melek Kasim

Senior Leaders (ID 1171)

• Helen Thomas
  Headteacher
  Helen Thomas

  Helen joined Alma Primary School as Headteacher in September 2012. At that time the school was categorised as ‘Requires Improvement’. In 2015, under Helen’s leadership the school was graded ‘Good’ with an ‘Outstanding’ for Early Years. The most recent inspection in February 2023, gave the school an overall judgement of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ for Early Years, Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes.

  Prior to working at Alma, Helen worked in a Newham school where as Deputy Head Teacher, she had responsibility for Literacy, Safeguarding, Curriculum Development and CPD, supporting the school in moving from serious weakness to ‘Outstanding’. Helen has extensive experience of working in partnership with a number of schools to improve standards including undertaking School Reviews. She is also a member and the current Chair of the School’s Forum, a statutory advisory body for finance.

• Frances Ward
  Headteacher
  Frances Ward

  Frances is currently Head Teacher at Worcesters Primary School. She has 25 years’ experience of working in schools across Enfield. She has been a Senior Leader for more than 20 years as Head of Early Years and Head of Key Stage 1. She was part of the Senior Leadership team during the last Ofsted inspection and, under her leadership, Early Years was judged to be outstanding.

  Frances specialises in the acquisition of reading skills, she is a trained reading recovery teacher and an accredited trainer of Inference Training, providing support for schools within the Local Authority.

  Frances is an advocate for promoting healthy active lifestyles for children and has obtained the Healthy Schools Gold Award for Worcesters, the first school in Enfield to obtain this. Frances has also supported other local schools in applying for this award.

• Robert Jenkin
  Headteacher
  Robert Jenkin

  Robert joined Houndsfield Primary School on secondment in January 2019 and was appointed as Deputy Head Teacher in September of that year. In September 2022 he became the Head Teacher.
  Prior to that, Robert was a Senior Leader at Worcesters Primary School with responsibility for English,
  during which time he worked with Enfield to implement the MIDAS Reading Programme including
  delivering, training and coaching for staff across the Local Authority.

  Robert has a strong interest in the planning of the curriculum and ensuring it matches the context of the school. He is also a music graduate and has a particular interest in music in the primary curriculum, working to ensure children get access to musical opportunities such as singing at the O2 and visiting classical music concerts in the Barbican.

  Robert has also been a governor at a number of schools in Enfield.

• Richard Hudson
  Headteacher
  Richard Hudson

  Richard is an experienced educational leader with a proven track record of driving excellence. Since joining Merryhills in 2012, he has played an instrumental role in transforming the school into one of the top 500 attaining schools nationally. As Headteacher since 2019, Richard has fostered a culture of high achievement, where every child is inspired to reach their full potential.

  Passionate about lifelong learning, Richard is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the 21st century. With a strong emphasis on values-based education, he has cultivated a nurturing and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected.

  Under Richard's leadership, Merryhills consistently exceeds academic expectations, while delivering a rich and broad curriculum that celebrates diversity and empowers students to be confident, engaged learners.

• Claudia Dimond
  Headteacher
  Claudia Dimond

  Claudia started her teaching career in London and was a part of that school’s journey from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’. She then joined her next school as the Deputy Headteacher at a time when the Junior School was at risk of being placed into a category. Within 2 years the school was graded as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with ‘Outstanding’ Leadership and Behaviour.

  Claudia has significant experience in the design and development of the curriculum and in raising the standards of teaching and learning across schools.

  She has worked as the lead moderator for both Key Stages 1 and 2 and as a Consultant Support Partner for an Education Partnership; providing training and carrying out school reviews to support school improvement.

  Claudia was appointed as Headteacher of Keys Meadow Primary School in September 2024.

Members (ID 1172)

• Pat Wood (Chair of Trustees)
  Retired Headteacher and National leader of Education
  Pat Wood (Chair of Trustees)

  Pat has over 40 years’ experience in the teaching profession across schools in London. She is currently a Pupil Premium Reviewer and Trainer and an Ambassador and Assessor for the Inclusion Quality Mark.

  Whilst being a National Leader of Education, Pat had a proven record of supporting ‘Requires Improvement’ schools and securing improvement, including Ofsted grades. As a Head Teacher she moved her last school, from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects. Her school was also a Teaching School, National Support School, Flagship School for the Inclusion Quality Mark and a Hub School for the International Values Education Trust’s Quality Mark.

• Linda-May Bingham
  CEO of Britannia Education Trust
  Linda-May Bingham

  Linda-May has worked in education in the East End of London for over 25 years. She is currently the CEO of Britannia Education Trust. Previously to this she was the Headteacher at Britannia Village Primary School in Newham. Under Linda-May’s leadership standards increased dramatically for Britannia and in May 2007 the school was judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (and again in 2013) and has had Key Stage 2 SATs results listed in the top 200 schools nationally.

  Linda-May was a member of the Royal Society’s Vision for Science and Mathematics Education 5-19 project committee and has also been recognised as one of five headteachers who won the London Education Partnership Awards for ‘Creative Journeys’.

• Andrzej Czyrka
  Head of IT
  Andrzej Czyrka

  Andrzej is currently the Head of IT at North Star Community Trust. Over his career he has worked for many primary and secondary schools and has been a member of the School Improvement Service at the London Borough of Enfield. He is a qualified physics teacher with extensive experience in IT support and data analysis. Andrzej has highly developed skills in problem identification and the implementation of effective solutions. Andrzej took on the role of governor in a school in challenging circumstances as he was keen to support the school in building its academic excellence and providing the best possible learning environment for pupils that attend.

• Dalwardin Babu OBE
  Former Police Superintendent
  Dalwardin Babu OBE

  After 30 years’ service in the Metropolitan Police working across the UK’s most diverse communities, Dalwardin was awarded the OBE for services to Police and Communities; the London High Sheriff Award and the London Peace Award for Community Engagements.

  Since leaving the police, Dalwardin has focused his time and energy on the next generation and community empowerment. He is a member of the Parole Board, a Non Executive Director for the NHS and a Community Development Officer for a school in Tottenham, and Designated Safeguarding Lead for Middlesex County Cricket Club. He is also an adviser to the Mayor of London on Equality and Diversity. He is now a regular contributor on BBC Radio 4/5 and BBC/ITV News on a wide range of policing and community issues.

• Jo Fear
  Retired Head of Admissions and Attendance
  Jo Fear

  Jo has recently retired after working for the Local Education Authority for over 40 years. Jo was initially in Schools’ HR before moving within the Department to take on responsibility for the implementation of the 1981 Education Act in relation to children and young people with SEN. She then assumed responsibility for the admission of children to all mainstream and special schools in Enfield and became the Head of Admissions and Attendance.Throughout her career, Jo has been committed to ensuring that children and young people are at the centre of the services offered.

Trustees (ID 1173)

• Pat Wood (Chair of Trustees)
  Retired Headteacher and National leader of Education
  Pat Wood (Chair of Trustees)

  Pat has over 40 years’ experience in the teaching profession across many schools in London. She is currently a Pupil Premium Reviewer and Trainer and an Ambassador and Assessor for the Inclusion Quality Mark.

  Whilst being a National Leader of Education, Pat had a proven record of supporting Requires Improvement schools and securing improvement, including Ofsted grades. As a Headteacher she moved her last school, from good to outstanding in all aspects. Her school was also a Teaching School, National Support School, Flagship School for the Inclusion Quality Mark and a Hub School for the International Values Education Trust’s Quality Mark.

• Deborah Dykins
  Retired Deputy Headteacher
  Deborah Dykins

  Deborah has lived in Enfield for 45 years working as a teacher, SENCO and a Subject Lead in many schools across Enfield and Haringey and a Deputy Head Teacher in an Enfield four form entry school.

  She has also held various positions as a School Governor for over 20 years. Deborah became a Local Authority Governor in 2012 at Alma Primary School becoming Chair of Governors in 2013. She successfully led the Governing Body through the school’s 2015 Ofsted which resulted in a ‘Good’ overall judgement.

  Having retired a few years ago, Deborah is kept busy by her four children, in addition to various volunteering posts and generally leading a full, active life. Deborah remains a Governor in various schools in Enfield and she is also a Quality Care Checker for Enfield Council, visiting residential homes and care settings, speaking to staff and residents in order to observe provision and improve services.

• Laura Reynolds
  Qualified Solicitor
  Laura Reynolds

  Laura was initially a Co-opted Governor at Worcesters Primary School and was the Literacy Link and Health and Safety Governor. She is also a parent of two children at the school. Laura was an active Governor who made regular visits to the school and who participated fully in governor meetings.

  Laura brings legal skills to the Board of Trustees as she is a qualified solicitor, specialising in financial services regulatory law. During her career Laura has worked at an international city firm (Herbert Smith Freehills LLP) from August 2005 to June 2015 spent time seconded to the group legal department of Lloyds Banking Group.

• Paul Blosse
  Head of London Operations for Investec
  Paul Blosse

  Paul is currently Head of London Operations for Investec. Previously he was an Executive Director for the Bank of Tokyo. He has over 30 years’ experience in the world of finance taking responsibility for Derivative, Treasury Services, Liquidity Management, Euro Clearing, Finance Accounts and Human Resources. He brings a wealth of experience in financial matters and is also an active member of the parish council where he lives.

• Anne Del Greco
  Retired Headteacher
  Anne Del Greco

  Anne has lived in Enfield for many years and her children attended local schools. She has a background in nursing and teaching and she was a primary teacher for over 20 years. Anne taught in two schools and at the time she retired she was the Head Teacher at Oakthorpe Primary School and Head of a Teaching School. Under Anne’s leadership, Oakthorpe became highly regarded as a Flagship School for Inclusion and for its Initial Teacher Training provision; and in 2015 the school was in the top 1% of schools nationally for progress.

  She continues to be involved in education through her role as a Pupil Premium Champion for London and Pupil Premium Reviewer. She also works with the Enfield School Improvement Service and is a school governor.

• Charles Taylor
  Partner- Aldbury International
  Charles Taylor

  Charles is currently a partner at an operational resilience consultants and is a highly accomplished board level senior business leader with vast experience working within financial markets across businesses of all sizes. He has secure knowledge of trading, trading technology and market structure through his years of experience with companies such as Redbourn Partners LLP and Commerzbank. His understanding of operational resilience and risk management is a great support to the board.

• Jesal Mistry
  Head of DC Investment - Legal and General
  Jesal Mistry

  Jesal has a strong financial background and is responsible forthe investment strategy and proposition for a number of corporate pension arrangements. His role means regularly engaging with a number of key stakeholders both internally and externally. In previous roles, Jesal has had experience of working with professional trustee bodies and understands their operation and responsibility. He has been vice chair of an Enfield school governing body for 3 years and has supported the schools leadership and management team. His experience shows an understanding of education and finance and is an asset to the board.

• Jenny Crossland
  Director - MRM Comms Consultancy
  Jenny Crossland

  • Jenny is director at comms consultancy MRM, which specialises in the financial services sector. Prior to joining MRM in 2007, she spent 10 years in the comms departments of some of the UK’s leading charities and brings to the board almost 30 years’ comms experience covering media relations, strategic counsel, crisis management and broader marketing comms. At MRM, she provides pro-bono external comms support for financial education charity RedSTART, as well as managing the consultancy’s annual education, internship and experience programme for sixth-form students.