Meet our Team

Vicky Linsley,

CEO 

 

With over 25 years’ experience of inner city education, Vicky brings an ability to assess a school swiftly and to work collegiately with leaders and governors.

She has a wealth of experience, both as a leader and as a consultant, bringing change to schools in some of the most challenging circumstances. Vicky is currently Executive Headteacher at Islington's St Mary Magdalene Academy, and has also worked as a seconded HMI, leading inspections.

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Ian Ship,

Chief Finance Officer

Ian has many years of experience in both public and private sectors, and is currently Director of Finance and Corporate Services at St Mary Magdalene Academy. Ian brings an eagle eye and a strategic approach to the Trust's financial management.

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Shabaz Sayed,

Teaching & Learning

Shabaz is a science teacher with a specialism in chemistry. He has extensive experience in the pastoral and curriculum areas of secondary education. He is currently Assistant Headteacher leading on Teaching & Learning at SMMA, where he facilitates and leads the NPQ for Senior Leadership, training the senior leaders of tomorrow.

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Helen McMahon,

Safeguarding

Helen has 10 years experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, and as Assistant Headteacher.

A warm and approachable member of our Hive community, Helen combines great experience, an astute eye for Safeguarding detail and an excellent memory for the interests and hobbies of the young people she works with. Alongside her Safeguarding responsibility, Helen particularly enjoys working with students on her Cultural Cookery course. 

  

Daniel Goward,

Sixth Form Specialist

As Head of one of London's most oversubscribed and successful Sixth Forms, Daniel has extensive experience of driving advancements in teaching and learning, implementing the 'A Level Mindset' framework, and enriching the co-curriculum to support student growth. His leadership has embedded high aspiration into the Sixth Formers and guided many students to successful Oxbridge and Medicine applications. Daniel has also been directly responsible for raising achievement in a large Science and Technology Faculty.

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Kate Dingle,

Primary & Early Years Leadership (Maths Specialism)

Kate has worked in primary education for over 20 years in a number of diverse settings including Hackney, Walthamstow and the United States.

She is currently Head of Primary, following 6 years as Deputy Head across 2 schools. Kate brings specialist expertise in Maths, and is passionate about supporting children to understand Mathematical concepts by breaking them down into small steps. She holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from UCL.

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Adam Berridge,

Primary (English, Reading and Assessment)

 With 12 years’ teaching experience in city primary schools, Adam is currently a Deputy Head of Primary and Assessment Lead, as well as English Lead. His specialty is Early Years Curriculum, and he is also developing a new Primary Wider Curriculum. In addition, he focuses on honing best practice around early reading and language development.

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Adam Blakey,

SEND

 Adam is a highly qualified SENCo with over 10 years’ experience in city schools. He takes a personal approach to his work, saying ‘I believe talking in person is key: there’s no substitute for really getting to know the children and families.’ A great addition to our team this year, Adam brings specialist knowledge of autism best practice – having recently established an Autism Resource Provision for a Hackney primary school.

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Kim Turner-Wood,

Executive PA

 With more than 14 years’ experience in education administration, Kim personifies grace under pressure. She has a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to share, and is equally adept at organising school events, devising and establishing admin systems, and at keeping a steady hand on the important back-office teams. Kim thrives on tackling challenges and finding efficient solutions to everyday issues.  

Tracey Mays,

Schools Catering

 Catering Manager Tracey is a fully qualified Head Chef. Her background combines commercial experience in city restaurants, together with more than 10 years specialism in schools catering. Tracey brings a wealth of practical knowledge, huge enthusiasm, and an innovative approach to devising menus that work financially as well as nutritionally.  

Camilla Stanton,

Human Resources

 Camilla is our Human Resources expert, and brings over 7 years’ HR experience from across the commercial and public sectors. In addition to her Level 5 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Camilla has a great understanding of best HR practice and a detailed knowledge of employment law.   

Anna Butler,

Marketing & Communications

Anna has over 25 years’ senior level experience in Marketing & Communications across major public sector and commercial organisations. With 10 years of experience in schools, her expertise includes full school rebranding projects, digital communications and web development, public consultation strategies, market research, PR, introduction of uniform, internal / external signage and design.