Horizon Academy Trust

Central Team

Central Team (ID 1208)

  • Michael Dodd
    CEO

    Michael Dodd

    Michael is the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Academy Trust and was formerly the Executive Head Teacher of Biggin Hill and Cleeve Primary Schools. As an NLE he has provided extensive support to a number of schools, and facilitated both the NPQH and the NPQEL.

  • Andy Rhodes
    Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Teaching and Learning)

    Andy Rhodes

    Andy Rhodes is the School Improvement Lead and Deputy CEO of Horizon Academy Trust. Andy has extensive experience working alongside schools and school leaders to offer advice and support regarding school improvement models and pedagogy. Since 2014 Andy has worked as a National Leader of Education supporting the wider system and has supported many local schools to improve.

  • Sarah Whiteley
    Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Operations)

    Sarah Whiteley

    Sarah is the COO across the Trust managing all of the school estates, health and safety and catering.

  • Teresa Knight
    Trust Safeguarding Lead

    Teresa Knight

    As well as being an experienced school practitioner, Teresa has previously chaired the online safety workstream for the Hull Safeguarding Board and was a lead trainer for the organisation. Teresa now leads Safeguarding audits across the Trust, and works alongside DSLs in each school to provide support and guidance.

    Teresa is passionate about ensuring children are safe online and disseminates key messages to children, parents, teaching staff and other professionals through her effective training sessions. Teresa is CEOP ambassador trained and has gained the 360 degree online safety award for 6 years as well as the 3rd millennium award for use of technology in the 21st century.

  • Matthew Soulby
    Senior ICT Manager

    Matthew Soulby

    Matthew Soulby is the Senior IT Manager for Horizon Academy Trust. Matthew has over 19 years experience working in the education sector with experience in both primary and secondary schools.

    Matthew works closely with the schools to ensure ICT always moves forward providing them with a clear strategic plan covering all aspects of the school’s IT systems, working to improve service delivery this provides schools with a high IT availability enabling them to deliver outstanding teaching and learning across the Trust

  • Stuart Clark
    Leader of Learning

    Stuart Clark

    Stuart Clark works with Horizon Schools and Leaders on a day to day basis to secure and support progress in all schools. He has previous experience as Head of School at Biggin Hill Primary School, helping it to secure "outstanding" during the inspection in 2015.

  • Sophie Scott
    HR Adviser

    Sophie Scott

    Sophie provides HR leadership and support across the Trust. Previously Sophie worked for many years at the Local Authority providing support for schools across the city.

  • Anne Caine
    Governance Professional

    Anne Caine

    Anne is a affiliated member of the Chartered Governance Institute, an active member of NGA Governance Professional network having sat as a panellist at the NGA annual conference and holds a legal practice certification. Anne has supported governance compliance across a range of sectors and has chosen to specialise in primary governance. Anne works with governors, trustees and head teachers to promote best governance practice.

  • Judi Johnson
    Catering Manager

    Judi Johnson

    Judi has extensive experience working in high level catering operations, and uses her skills and experience to manage the kitchens across the Trust.

  • Gemma Meyerhoff
    Catering Support

    Gemma Meyerhoff

    Gemma works with the staff across our school kitchens providing them with the support they need to ensure the delivery of high quality food to our children.

  • Carla Varley
    HR Assistant & Learning Centre Co-ordinator

    Carla Varley

    Carla has extensive experience supporting schools with operational HR queries. Carla is responsible for the Learning Centre, and supports all employees to get the information that they need in relation to their continual professional development.

  • Sarah Gant
    Trust Finance Support Officer

    Sarah Gant

    Sarah supports the CFO with the day to day running of the central finance services across the Trust. Sarah has extensive experience of supporting school business managers with financial queries.

  • Claire Purdue
    Chief Financial Officer

    Claire Purdue

    Claire is an experienced CFO with hands on experience working as a Trust auditor for many years. Claire manages the strategic financial planning for the Trust, and works closely with the CEO, COO and trustees. Claire ensure that the financial management of the Trust supports every school to make effective financial decisions, that promote pupil attainment and an enriched curriculum offer.

  • Jill Brookes
    Wellbeing Lead

    Jill Brookes

    Jill has many years experience working at Headstart in Hull and with Barnados as the Whole School Approach and Development Lead. Jill works with all of the schools to support pupil and staff wellbeing and resilience.

  • Claire Birkett
    Wellbeing

    Claire Birkett

    Claire supports headteachers to ensure that wellbeing needs are met at our schools.

  • Stuart Leake
    Estates Manager

    Stuart Leake

  

Trust Experts

  • Andy Rhodes
    School Improvement Lead

    Andy Rhodes

    Andy Rhodes is the School Improvement Lead and Deputy CEO of Horizon Academy Trust. Andy has extensive experience working alongside schools and school leaders to offer advice and support regarding school improvement models and pedagogy. Since 2014 Andy has worked as a National Leader of Education supporting the wider system and has supported many local schools to improve.

  • Elena Luscombe
    English (including Phonics)

    Elena Luscombe

    As an experienced SLE, Elena has delivered specialised, school-to-school support and has embraced the opportunity to work alongside schools both within Hull and the East Riding. She has worked closely with the English Hubs and currently delivers the NQT training programme for all schools within the East Riding. Elena takes great pleasure in working with colleagues to develop coherent and consistent pedagogy within her subject.

  • Stuart Clark
    Leader of Learning

    Stuart Clark

    Stuart Clark works with Horizon Schools and Leaders on a day to day basis to secure and support progress in all schools. He has previous experience as Head of School at Biggin Hill Primary School, helping it to secure "outstanding" during the inspection in 2015.

  • Hannah Chamberlain
    SEND

    Hannah Chamberlain

    Hannah Chamberlain is the Special Educational Needs leader across the Trust. She is a trained SEND reviewer and has worked alongside SEND coordinators in this capacity since 2018. Hannah has also worked closely with Autistic children setting up a specialist resource base at Spring Cottage Primary School at the start of 2019/20

    As well as leading the Trust in SEND, Hannah is also the Headteacher at Spring Cottage Primary School, a role she began in 2025 after being the Deputy Headteacher and then Head of School.

  • Emma Newlove
    EYFS

    Emma Newlove

    Emma has over 13 years' experience working within primary education and has been leading EY units across the city for the last 10 years.

    Emma's data literacy and drive for improving outcomes has resulted in upward trends in the MAT schools she has worked in. Emma ensures no pupil is left behind and implements successful interventions where necessary; whilst ensuring more able pupils are challenged further.

    Emma has experience of working with a range of outside agencies and supporting children with additional needs alongside school SENDCos and has close links with the Local Authority Early Years Team.

  • Julie Shortman
    English and Writing

    Julie Shortman

    Julie has been an English lead for over 15 years and has taught in every primary year group giving her a strong knowledge of the primary curriculum.

    She has also been a lead moderator for the local authority for over 10 years, so moderating writing in Years 2 and 6 is a particular area of interest and expertise.

    Julie enjoys working alongside and coaching colleagues to develop teaching and learning.

  • Mike Rankin
    Behaviour

    Mike Rankin

    Mike has been a teacher for over 18 years, with the majority of his career being spent in schools on North Bransholme. He has taught across Key Stage 2 and has led a number of curriculum subjects.

    Developing positive relationships and behaviour in the classroom is something Mike has always been passionate about. He loves nothing more than supporting colleagues with developing and implementing strategies that can be used to enable children to succeed within their classroom environment, in order to reach their full potential.

  • Jill Brookes
    Wellbeing

    Jill Brookes

    Jill has many years experience working at Headstart in Hull and with Barnados as the Whole School Approach and Development Lead. Jill works with all of the schools to support pupil and staff wellbeing and resilience.

  • Gareth Troake
    Assessment

    Gareth Troake

    After moving into a mainstream primary setting, Gareth has worked across the city and is currently the Assistant Headteacher at Spring Cottage Primary School.

    With a background in Sports Science, Gareth has a vast amount of experience in data processing and analysis which he has used to create bespoke summative assessment systems across several schools. At present, Gareth is completing assessment work for Horizon Academy Trust, two East Riding schools and is the assessment lead on an eighteen school DfE funded project.

  • Jo Davis
    Maths

    Jo Davis

    Jo is an experienced primary practitioner, having taught across all year groups in the primary phase for twenty-six years, twelve of which have been as Maths Lead at Cavendish Primary School.

    During this time, she has worked closely with the Yorkshire Maths Hub to develop maths and raise the profile of maths in her own school and schools across Hull. As a lead mentor for a range of ITT providers, Jo has supported trainees in their understanding of maths pedagogy using coaching as a key tool to facilitate their development. She is currently working in partnership with the Yorkshire Wolds SCITT. During her years as maths lead, Jo has developed a passion for the teaching of maths, in particular, maths mastery and she is a firm believer in its pedagogies and the benefits of following such a curriculum to improve the learning opportunities for all children.

  • Sara Cooper- Bulless
    Curriculum IT

    Sara Cooper- Bulless

    Sara is an experienced IT lead and enjoys sharing her skills across the trust.

  • Abi Walker
    SEND

    Abi Walker

    Abi has taught across both KS1 and KS2 and had experience working in Abi Dhabi in a leadership role where she empowered her colleagues and parents to recognise the special educational needs of their children. Abi has also had experience of fulfilling the responsibilities of a SENCo and leading and setting up SEND provisions. Abi is passionate about delivering high-quality SEND provision and being an advocate for our SEND pupils. Abi is particularly interested in setting up SEND provisions, developing resources, SEND paperwork and coaching her colleagues to develop their skills and knowledge so that they can become confident SEND practitioners.

  • Danielle Hoult
    SEND

    Danielle Hoult

    Danielle is experienced and dedicated educator with over 15 years of teaching experience across a range of settings. For the past five years, Danielle has served as a SENCO, leading on inclusive practices and supporting students with a variety of special educational needs. She has a strong background in developing and managing nurture provisions, creating supportive environments that foster emotional wellbeing and academic progress. Danielle is passionate about every child reaching their full potential, bringing a child-centred, collaborative approach to everything she does.

Trustees

Trustees (ID 1211)

  • Michelle Kermeen
    Chair of Trustees

    Michelle Kermeen

    Term of Office - 1 May 2017 - 1 May 2025

    Appointed by - Members

    Michelle is currently Assistant Principal at a large secondary school and has been a senior leader for the last 8 years.

    Michelle has extensive experience working as a mentor to NQTs and staff. She has also worked closely with the University of Hull to develop their secondary ITT programme.

  • Peter Greef
    Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

    Peter Greef

    Term of Office - 1 May 2017 - 1 May 2025

    Appointed by - Members

    Peter has been a long standing school Governor (over 28 years) and latterly member of 2 Interim Executive Boards of Primary Schools placed in Special Measures, one of which is now judged Outstanding

    Now retired, Peter spent all of his working life connected with administration, funding and development of post-16 training and education, initially with the Dept. of Employment, then with various agencies of the Manpower Services Commission before taking up a position as Executive Finance Director with Humberside Training & Enterprise Council. Before retiring, he was involved in the appraisal and funding of large scale capital building projects within the Learning & Skills Council.

  • Terry Dunn

    Terry Dunn

    Term of Office - 1 May 2017 - 1 May 2025

    Appointed by - Members

    Terry has spent his career working in the Private sector for several FTSE 100 companies in various capacities in the compensation and benefits arena. He is currently working on an organisational change management programme for Smith and Nephew plc.

    Terry is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals and has a foundation degree in Payroll Management.

    Terry has been the Chair of Governors for a local primary school for fifteen years and previously was a member on the regional board of Young Enterprise.

  • Hester Bridges

    Hester Bridges

    Term of Office - 11 September 2022- 11 September 2026

    Appointed by - Members

    Hester has spent over twenty years working in the third sector and local government, focused on improving wellbeing for individuals, families and communities in Hull.

    More recently, Hester has held senior leadership roles at Hull City Council. In her role as a city Councillor she is involved in improving outcomes for children, including being on the Corporate Parenting Board.

    As a Trustee, Hester will bring a special interest in health and wellbeing, thriving communities, and supporting those who need more support to achieve.

  • Heather Lacey

    Heather Lacey

    Term of Office - 12 September 2024-12 September 2025

    Appointed by - Members

    Heather has a wealth of experience with a career teaching in a variety of schools across several authorities. She has been a Headteacher for over 10 years and is in her second headship. She has a passion for pastoral and nurture provision in school and supports other schools and Headteachers. She influences practice and policy across her LA by being a leading member of a number of influential boards.

  • Jane Garnett

    Jane Garnett

    Term of Office - 1 January 2023 - 1 January 2026

    Appointed by - Members

    Jane has over 23 years of teaching experience in the primary sector, and has served as local governor for 12 years. Jane drives school improvement at an operational and strategic level, and has particular interest in Literacy and health and wellbeing.

  • Stephen Garnett

    Stephen Garnett

    Stephen works in the charitable sector and has extensive financial experience, that he brings to the Trust. Stephen has joined the Trust board to further support the local community.

 

Members

The primary function of the Members is to oversee the proper and effective operation of the Board of Trustees.

The Members meet at least once a year and by invitation of the Board may attend one of the Board of Trustees meetings annually in a non-voting capacity.

Alan Chaffey

Alan Chaffey is a qualified teacher and holds the national qualification for headship and a master's degree in education. Alan has considerable leadership experience, including headship of two primary schools, both of which he led to outstanding. Alan has also worked as a school improvement partner for a local authority. Although now retired from headship, Alan regularly leads school inspections.

 

Wendy Ripley

 

Wendy Ripley became an HMI in January 2006. She is a qualified teacher and has a doctorate in education. Wendy has extensive leadership experience gained in further and higher education, secondary schools and early years. She has lectured on child development and teaching, learning and assessment. Wendy is an experienced lead inspector of children’s centres and primary and secondary schools, and has particular expertise in inspecting schools causing concern. She contributed significantly to the inspection of children’s services and has been on secondment to a local authority as Assistant Director for School Improvement. 

Clare Campbell-Hamilton

 Clare has over 18 years' teaching experience and completed her Primary PGCE at Hull University.  She has worked in a range of Primary settings which include inner-city schools as well as Children Centre's and Nursery schools.  Clare has an EYFS specialism and SLE status which she uses to support other authorities nationally. During her career, she has led three Foundation Stage units to outstanding, two of which are in Horizon Academy Trust. 

Her current role is a senior management position for Delta Academy Trust as a Primary Director of Learning, with a commitment and drive in supporting the transformation of education across the north of England for those children who live in disadvantaged circumstances. 

Richard Marsden

Richard was a career Civil Servant in the Department of Work and Pensions, entering the service as a clerk at age 17, and working his way up to a Senior Executive Officer (Operations Manager) on retirement in 2010.

Richard is a trustee of a Family Trust managing properties in the private rental sector. He is also a trustee of Kirk Ella Parish Relief in Need Charity and treasurer of Kirk Ella Parish’s Mill Lane Cemetery. He has served as a School Governor for the last 7 years.

Michelle Kermeen

After training in Manchester, Michelle started her career at Winifred Holtby School in September 2002 and became Head of English in 2006 before being appointed Assistant Principal in 2011. Michelle's role is focused on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on Literacy and English.

Michelle is also a trustee of Horizon Academy Trust and will provide the link between the members of the trust and the trustees.

 

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