Our Team

Dan Thomas

Chief Executive

As Chief Executive, I work across the trust to help make sure we meet our ambitious goals. As well as setting forward-looking direction, and assisting The Learning Partnership's experienced and knowledgeable trustees, my role includes ensuring that schools are supported very well, including in relation to their leadership.

David Twambley

Deputy CEO (Operations)

As Deputy CEO (Operations) I work closely with the CEO and the Deputy CEO (Education) developing the overall strategy for the trust whilst embedding our values and objectives. I also lead the Central Services team with combined responsibility for finance, people and estates & marketing.

Kate Baddeley

Deputy CEO (Education)

As the Deputy CEO (Education) I work closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO (Operations) developing the overall strategy for the trust whilst embedding our values and objectives. I am also responsible for the overall provision of the Quality of Education across the trust, leading the Education Team, ensuring we deliver the very best education we can to transform the lives of young people.

Kate Baddeley

Deputy CEO (Education)

I work closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO (Operations) developing the overall strategy for the trust whilst embedding our values and objectives.

As the Deputy CEO (Education) I work closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO (Operations) developing the overall strategy for the trust whilst embedding our values and objectives. I am also responsible for the overall provision of the Quality of Education across the trust, leading the Education Team, ensuring we deliver the very best education we can to transform the lives of young people.

Lise Houldsworth

Director of Primary Education

I am responsible for driving primary school improvement, to deliver high standards and positively impact the lives of our students and communities.

As Director of Primary, I am responsible for driving primary school improvement. I work strategically with the Deputy CEO (Education), the school improvement team and our primary school leaders to deliver high standards and positively impact on the lives of our students and the communities we serve.

Emma Hooley

Director of Educational Initiatives

I work closely with Education Directors to implement our educational initiatives, driving continuous school improvement across the trust.

As Director of Educational Initiatives, I work closely with the Deputy CEO (Education) and the Directors of Secondary and Primary to implement our educational initiatives, driving continuous school improvement across the trust. I manage a team of educational specialists, who work directly with our schools, providing advice and guidance on improvement. In addition, I provide capacity to individual schools at senior leadership level.

Jo Young

Leadership Coach & Mentor (Primary)

I support the Director of Primary Education, and offer one-to-one executive coaching for leaders in our schools as required.

As a Leadership Coach & Mentor, I offer one-to-one executive coaching for leaders in our schools as required, as well as facilitating group sessions and workshops. I also support the Director of Primary Education, signposting support to primary headteachers when needed.

David Twambley

Deputy CEO (Operations)

As Deputy CEO (Operations) I work closely with the CEO and the Deputy CEO (Education) developing the overall strategy for the trust whilst embedding our values and objectives. I also lead the Central Services team with combined responsibility for finance, people and estates & marketing.

Dr Allan Howells

Director of Quality

I am the strategic lead for governance across the Trust and its schools. The team supports the recruitment, induction and training of trustees and governors. Schools receive a dedicated clerk to support the organising and administration of their local board meetings. My remit also includes GDPR and data protection, and I act as the Trust’s Data Protection Officer.

James Routs

Director of Estates and Marketing

My role is split into two key areas; firstly in terms of Estates, I support schools with capital infrastructure and large site development projects, together with the overall site management which also includes health, safety and compliance. Secondly, in terms of marketing I support the trust and our schools with their overall marketing strategy and planning, including events, communications, website and online presence.

Ian Simpson

Director of Finance

The Finance Team partner with all schools in the Trust and support and advise on all financial matters including budgets, procurement, and capital projects. We provide monthly management information to a range of stakeholders and ensure the Trust is compliant with all regulatory reporting requirements.