Our Team

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Central Team

John Winter

Trustee & Chief Executive Officer
John has been CEO of Weydon Multi Academy Trust (WMAT) since its conception, seven years ago; previously he was the Headteacher of Weydon School for 11 years.

Louise Buckley

Chief Operating Officer
Louise is COO at WMAT, leading the Trust’s operational strategy and driving excellence across finance, HR, estates, IT, and compliance.

Mark Sharman

Executive Director of Academy Improvement
Mark is an experienced education leader, with over 20 years experience in driving school improvement and supporting teachers and leaders across the Trust.

Kirsty Kemp

Finance Director
Kirsty joined WMAT in 2020 and is a Fellow of ACCA. With extensive experience in finance and leadership, she plays a key role in ensuring the Trust’s financial health and strategic planning.

Mehal Shah

Director of Specialist School Improvement
Mehal has over 20 year of experience in SEND, including 17 years in leadership roles. She has served as Deputy Headteacher & Headteacher at a SEND school support children with complex needs.

Steve Hollands

Director of Technology
Steve joined the WMAT in September 2024, previously he held the role of Director of Technology at Barfield Prep School, with responsibility of all aspects of IT provision.

Amy Diprose

i2i SCITT Director
With over 20 years of experience in education, Amy feels privileged to be at the forefront of teacher training with i2i Teaching Partnership.

Liz Wylie

i2i SCITT Director
Liz feels very fortunate to have worked in education for over 30 years. She began her career as a secondary music teacher and has since worked in a variety of schools across the UK.

Peter Barraud

Director of Safeguarding
Peter has worked in schools since 2006 and has spent the the majority of his career working at St Peter’s Catholic School and Woolmer Hill School.

Cat Beardsmore-rust

SEND Lead (Mainstream)
Cat was appointed in September 2025 as the Trust Lead for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across mainstream schools within WMAT.

Louise Druce

Primary Education Consultant
Louise is a primary education expert and consultant working with WMAT. She has extensive experience in school leadership.

Jo Mannings

Data Lead
Jo joined WMAT in Sept 2025 as Data Lead. With 20 years’ experience in school data management, including founding InfinityFly Ltd, she helps schools make the most of their digital systems.

Debbie Coad

Subject Lead - English
Having originally trained as a Journalist, Debbie has been a teacher for nearly 30 years, most of which she has spent working for schools which are part of the WMAT.

Pierre Bolis

Subject Lead - MFL
Pierre is a dedicated education professional with a strong track record in language teaching and leadership.

Hilary Elliott

Subject Lead - Science
Hilary works across WMAT as Director for Science, bringing together the best of everything we do to ensure our students have the very best experience during their science journey with us.

Elaine Felton

Governance Professional
Elaine's previous experience in customer service provided her with a range of skills that she has been able to adopt when working for the Trust.

Kathy Lockett

Executive Assistant/Communication
Kathy has over 25 years’ experience as a Personal Assistant, beginning her career in the horticulture sector before transitioning into education in 2016.

Liz Crosby

Trust Admissions Officer
Liz began her career in the finance industry. In 2010, she changed direction, moving into education and bringing her skills and experience to support schools.

Trustees

John Winter

Trustee & Chief Executive Officer
John has been CEO of Weydon Multi Academy Trust (WMAT) since its conception, seven years ago; previously he was the Headteacher of Weydon School for 11 years.

Julie Fisher

Trustee - Vice Chair
Julie is an experienced strategic leader with over 25 years’ service across the public and private sectors.

Peter Brinsden

Member & Trustee
Peter is an experienced leader and governor, bringing decades of executive and board-level expertise to support strong school governance.

Chris Hyland

Trustee
Chris has been a Trustee since the formation of WMAT, bringing extensive experience in governance, financial management, and charitable oversight.

Mike Pickering

Trustee
Mike is a WMAT Trustee and Chair of Rodborough School, bringing extensive leadership experience and expertise in governance, strategy, and organisational performance.

Kate Licence

Trustee
Kate has worked in both primary and secondary education for 29 years and is currently an Executive Headteacher for a number of primary schools in the Xavier Catholic Education Trust.

Ralph Johnson

Chair of Trustees
Ralph is Chair of Trustees at WMAT, with over twenty years of experience in financial management and school governance.

Robert Hill

Trustee - Safeguarding Lead
Rob is Partner of BPE Search, an Executive Search Practice, and an also sits on the Group Board of Directors of the wider recruitment group.

Members

Peter Brinsden

Member & Trustee
Peter is an experienced leader and governor, bringing decades of executive and board-level expertise to support strong school governance.

Christopher Kirk

Member
Christopher is Director of CJK Associates, providing consultancy to schools and education organisations.

Swati Wills

Member
Swati is Company Secretary and Director of Changing World Solutions Ltd, a management and engineering consultancy. She has worked with universities and businesses of all sizes.

Mark Rosling

Member
Mark is an experienced leader and advisor, former Chair of Governors at The Ridgeway Community School, and Director of Longridge Consulting Ltd with expertise in strategic oversight.

David Gill

Member
David holds a Master’s degree in Sports Sociology and Sports Management and enjoyed a professional career in sport and leisure management, primarily within local government.