Our Executive team
Departments
CEO
Deputy CEO
Executive Support
David O'Toole
CEO
Appointed in 2022, David brings over 30 years’ experience of driving education improvement to the Trust. As a successful Headteacher, Deputy CEO and leader of specialist schools, David has worked in Kent, Staffordshire and Shropshire. David is passionate about developing the whole person through creativity, technology and positive approaches to mental and physical health.
Claire Jones
Deputy CEO
Claire has worked in education for 20 years and has a wealth of leadership and school improvement experience. Prior to her appointment as Deputy CEO in 2022, Claire held leadership roles across Trafford and Shropshire including Headteacher at Coleham Primary School. Claire is passionate about ensuring that our young people are at the centre of everything we do.
Hannah Taylor
Executive and Governance Assistant
Hannah joined the Trust in 2024 to provide executive-level support to the senior team and MAT development team. Hannah is a qualified secondary school teacher with 10 years’ experience teaching in Birmingham. Hannah is also an experienced schools’ education facilitator working for Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery to deliver sessions for schools across Shropshire.
School Improvement
Claire Jones
Deputy CEO
Claire has worked in education for 20 years and has a wealth of leadership and school improvement experience. Prior to her appointment as Deputy CEO in 2022, Claire held leadership roles across Trafford and Shropshire including Headteacher at Coleham Primary School. Claire is passionate about ensuring that our young people are at the centre of everything we do.
Estates
Tim Dodington
Estates Manager
Tim joined the Trust in May 2022 after working as Site Manager at The Priory School since 2017. Tim is a multiskilled tradesman with a wealth of experience in the construction sector, including running his own building company.
Sam Dodington
Building Projects Assistant
Sam began his career at The Priory School as a Site Maintenance Apprentice, gaining valuable insights into the inner workings of schools. Currently, Sam is expanding his knowledge and skills as part of the Estates Team, contributing to the efficient management and maintenance of school facilities.
Finance
Duncan Jones
Chief Financial Officer
Duncan is a chartered accountant (CIMA) who is passionate about providing the best opportunities for the young people in the Trust. Duncan joined the Trust in 2013 when it was a Single Academy Trust (SAT) and has lead on the strategic growth.
Rob Jones
Finance Manager
Rob is a part-qualified chartered accountant (CIMA) who joined the Trust in 2024 after 17 years in local government finance. Rob manages the day-to-day finance procedures. He is passionate about value for money in order to maximise funding available to schools and young people in the Trust.
Tina Bowler
Finance Assistant
Tina has over 40 years’ experience working in finance in schools and previously for Severn Trent Water. Tina joined The Priory School in 2000 and has been part of the MAT team since it became a Single Academy Trust (SAT). Tina is responsible for invoice processing for all schools in the Trust.
Governance
Vicky Brain
Governance
Human Resources
Laura Taylor
Director of HR
Laura is CIPD qualified and has previously worked for Shropshire Council, the NHS and in the global energy and financial sectors. Laura joined the Trust in 2018 bringing a wealth of both public sector and commercial experience to her role. Laura develops and leads the People Strategy and has a passion for unlocking people’s potential through professional development.
Jodie Evans
HR Manager
Jodie joined the Trust in September 2021 and brings 20 years’ experience of human resources in education and global construction to her role. Jodie has adapted her knowledge and experience of commercial HR to education and the public sector. Jodie is CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development) qualified.
Kirsty Pote
HR Officer
Kirsty has over 18 years’ experience of HR in public and private sectors from local authorities to private agencies. With extensive experience in primary and secondary settings, Kirsty previously worked at William Brookes School as School Business Manager before joining the Trust’s HR team in 2023. Kirsty is currently undertaking a Level 7 CIPD qualification.
Inclusion
Sadie Howson
Director of Inclusion
Sadie is a qualified NASENCO and has worked in several schools including Coleham Primary School. Sadie specialises in SEND, where she champions equity for all, ensuring every child has a voice that is heard. Prior to working in education, Sadie worked in global business leadership roles to expand markets and provide strategic support.
IT
Tim Goodman
Director of IT
Tim has over 20 years’ experience in the primary, secondary and further education sectors and contributes to national conversations about IT strategy in education. Tim joined the Trust in 2013 and is passionate about creating solutions to provide our staff and students with the tools they need to progress in a fast-paced digital world.
Tim Alexander
IT Manager
Tim has worked within Trust schools for over 12 years starting as IT Technician at The Priory School in 2013. A computer science graduate, Tim joined the Trust IT team in 2021. Tim is passionate about solving problems and implementing new technologies to provide our staff and students with the best IT experience possible.
Marketing and Communications
Charlotte Dangerfield
Communications & Marketing Manager
Charlotte is a CIM-qualified marketing and communications professional with over 17 years’ experience in higher education marketing and student recruitment. Charlotte joined the Trust in September 2024 and is responsible for leading and delivering our marketing and communications strategy. This includes PR, internal communications and working collaboratively to promote our schools.
Doug Williams
Digital Marketing
Doug has over 15 years’ experience in providing websites, promotional photography, graphics and videography for the primary school sector. Doug joined the Trust team in 2023 providing digital marketing expertise. Doug has also worked as the IT Technician at Coleham Primary School since 2019.
Our expert partners
Carole Warner
Governance Professional
Carole offers governance professional support, advice and guidance with over 15 years' experience in governance and volunteer management in various sectors. Carole previously held the position of Chair of Governors at her local primary school.
Dr Daniel Cumber
Educational Psychologist
Daniel is a Consultant Educational, Child and Community Psychologist who supports the wellbeing and development of children and young people. Dan offers consultation, supervision, organisational development, training, and direct work with children. Dan’s services cater to schools and families, with a focus on ethical, evidence-based practices and promoting inclusion and social justice.
