Directors (Trustees)
June Roberts
Chair of the Board of Directors (Term of Office
Worked alongside the Leadership Team of the MAT since its inception. Previously worked with the Executive Headteacher and the Leadership Team at a strategic level for more than 25 years. I hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship and chose to develop my role at St. Bede rather than take up headship myself. Extremely experienced teacher through all primary age ranges. My wealth of experience includes being strategic Director of St. Bede C of E Primary Academy, St. Bede Primary MAT and St. Bede Childcare, taking part in SLE interviews, ‘deep dives’ and other Ofsted-related programmes, data analysis, quality assurance roles and observations. I was the branch secretary for the Bolton Branch of the NAHT before retirement and the Chair of the local cluster group for many years.
Graham Cohen
Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors
Qualified in June 2015 (BA Hons in Primary Education with QTS), with a long career in working in education, particularly within Church of England primary schools and academies. Worked within numerous schools and year groups, gaining essential knowledge of the challenges within the education sector and what is expected of schools, to be able to provide an outstanding education. Additional role as a youth theatre director (for over 25 years), which provides useful skills in terms of planning, presenting and problem-solving. Was an installation manager for seven years; encompassed annual project management of £18m budget, where cost control, project planning and liaising with colleagues were essential to the success of each task. This combination of educational knowledge and business acumen ensures Graham can operate at a strategic level within the MAT Board.
Sarah Bagshaw
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah has almost two decades of strategic leadership experience within the Trust and brings a wealth of experience from the education, business and charitable sectors. She has played a key role in shaping the Trust's vision, growth and development, helping to lead its journey from a single academy to the thriving family of schools it is today. Passionate about creating opportunities for children to flourish, Sarah works alongside headteachers, governors, trustees and staff to ensure every child receives a high-quality education in an environment where they are known, valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential. She is committed to building strong organisations, developing future leaders and creating a culture where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to make a difference. Alongside her leadership of the Trust, Sarah has contributed to education policy and sector development at both local and national level. She has advised the House of Commons on childcare affordability, represented the sector through her work on the NAHT School Business Leader Committee and contributed to Department for Education working groups, including the Academies Technical Advisory Board. Proud to lead a Trust rooted in Christian values, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring that every Quill school is a welcoming, supportive and inspiring place where children, families and staff can thrive.
Tony Whitehead
Director
As a qualified Investment Operations Manager, I have worked in the investment industry for over 25 years. In my current role, I am responsible for the oversight of the outsourced investment accounting provider and provide assurance around valuation uncertainty, in addition to ensuring appropriate investment accounting control and expertise and a box management process, conforming with governance processes, supporting the preparation of materials for various forums, analysis of unit pricing errors and supporting the delivery of unit pricing data controls and oversight. More recently, I have been licenced as a Lay Minister (known as a ‘Reader’) at St. Bede Parish Church, so the Christian Distinctiveness of the Trust is very important to me. As well as leading and teaching at Church, I also lead Collective Worship at St. Bede C of E Primary Academy. During my time as a Governor and Chair of Governors at St. Bede, I have built up a knowledge base of educational priorities, as well as what the MAT deems as priorities for the benefit of its staff and pupils; this has placed me in a good position to help lead the strategic direction of the MAT Board.
Alison Abbott
Director
A legal professional with experience in various legal fields. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1998 specialised in conveyancing, wills and probate and licensing law in practices in Preston and Blackpool. Has been in position at HM Land Registry at a senior level as an Assistant Land Registrar since 2003 with a primary duty to deal with legal matters pertaining to land registration law practice. Also formally responds in detail to complaints against HM Land Registry and oversees disputed applications. In addition supports and coaches staff looking to develop knowledge and understanding.
Philip Orth
Director
Phil spent his working career teaching in two local primary schools. He started at St. Thomas C of E School, Halliwell in 1971 and moved to St. Mary’s Deane in 1983 where he spent the rest of his career until retiring in July 2015. Whilst at St. Mary’s, Phil taught mainly in KS2, and also delivered Science and French in KS1. Posts he held included: Assistant Headteacher, Science co-ordinator, I.T. co-ordinator, P.E. co-ordinator, KS2 co-ordinator and MFL co-ordinator. Phil has served on the governing body at St. Mary’s continuously since 1986, as teacher governor and associate governor, and currently holds the position of Vice-Chair. In July 2018, he was approached to become Chair of Governors at Washacre County Primary School (now Woodland Primary Aademy) and worked alongside a new Headteacher, new staff and a new governing board to transform the school from 'Inadequate' to 'Good', whilst continually trying to improve.
Zeenat Patel
Director
Zeenat has worked for Grant Thornton for eight years and leads audit engagements across a range of sectors, working with clients that are Public Interest Entities, Privately owned and backed by Private Equity. She is an expert in both UK GAAP and IFRS, and works with both stand alone businesses and large groups. Her current portfolio includes clients in sectors such as retail, technology, business services, healthcare, manufacturing and professional services. Zeenat also sits on the firm’s Inclusion Advisory Board, where she works with the Strategic Leadership Team to deliver on one of our key priorities around Diversity and Inclusion. Encouraging all people to be the best they can be with equal opportunities.