Senior Leadership Team

New secondary school places Trinity Academy Leeds

Kat Cafferky

Principal

Trinity Academy Leeds is a very special school, a school with high standards, ambition and heart. I am incredibly proud of our fantastic founding cohort of students and staff.

Kat is an experienced Senior and Middle Leader who has consistently made a positive impact in school improvement across a number of roles in her career. Previous to being appointed the Principal of Trinity Academy Leeds, Kat held the position of Senior Vice Principal at Trinity Academy Cathedral, awarded TES Secondary School of the year in 2019. Kat led on both Teaching and Learning and Year 11 Achievement securing consistently strong results over a period of 5 years, achieving a P8 of 0.78 (2019) in her final year in post, resulting in TAC being the highest performing school in the city and in the top 5% of schools in the country and receiving an Outstanding Ofsted judgement. Kat has extensive experience in leading and developing high performing teams and in driving effective and meaningful systems for Professional Development and teaching and learning and pastoral provision. A graduate in English Literature, Kat was also a successful Curriculum Leader of English, leading a high performing team to strong outcomes in addition to working as a Specialist Leader of Education, supporting schools across the country to improve their English curriculum, pedagogy and outcomes.

Kat is a strong advocate for research-led practice and has worked with the National College contributing to several case studies on closing the disadvantage gap and securing successful outcomes in schools serving disadvantaged catchments, as well as delivering lectures, keynotes and training on leadership in a number of settings. Kat holds an MA in Educational Leadership, the NPQH qualification and is currently undertaking her NPQEL through the National Institute of Teaching. Kat was instrumental in the creation of Trinity Academy Leeds, writing the initial bid, securing success at interview, and leading the design process. Kat led the team to an Ofsted Outstanding judgement in all four categories in April 2024. Kat continues to work collaboratively with other leaders across Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, harnessing existing expertise whilst forging a unique and special vision for Trinity Academy Leeds. Kat is relentless in her passionate pursuit to close the progress gap for disadvantaged young people living in the north of the country and holds the same high expectations and ambition for the children in her school as she does for her own daughters.

Mrs Hannah Collins

Vice Principal

At Trinity Academy Leeds, we have created a culture of genuine collaborative learning, where we constantly hone and sharpen our practice to better meet the needs of our fantastic students.

Hannah was appointed as our founding Vice Principal and has worked in schools across West Yorkshire, at both a middle and senior leadership level, developing strong teams and securing excellent outcomes for all students, irrespective of background or starting point. Hannah has held a wide range of responsibilities, leading on literacy, teaching and learning, early careers teachers, professional development, intervention, closing the gap and behaviour for learning. She graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in English Language and Literature and has supported English departments across the region in her role as Specialist Leader of Education. She has extensive experience of developing staff new to the profession and has worked with teacher training providers to quality assure their pathways. She has been invited to speak at Leeds Trinity University to early careers teachers and is a passionate champion of the profession. Hannah completed a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with the University of Warwick and continues to read and study the latest pedagogical research. Hannah was appointed to the role of Vice Principal as she shares Kat’s vision of making success inevitable. She was involved in recruiting the founding staff cohort of Trinity Academy Leeds, where, along with the Principal, she appointed the best and brightest teachers from across the country, professionals committed to honing and crafting their pedagogy to ensure every child succeeds. Hannah is committed to ensuring every lesson of every day is of the highest quality believing that the community she serves deserves the absolute best.

Mr Richard Gouland

Vice Principal

At Trinity Academy Leeds, we empower every student through high level support and unwavering guidance. All students fully participate and benefit from our outstanding school environment. Consequently, we expect all students to demonstrate outstanding conduct and a positive attitude towards all members of the school community. 

Having graduated from Hull University with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Richard returned to Leeds to train as a teacher. Richard joined the Trinity family in Sept 2021 after fulfilling the role of Head of Upper School in his previous post. Richard has worked in the East of Leeds (where his family live) for the last 10 years undertaking a variety of pastoral roles, before joining Trinity Academy Leeds as Assistant Principal, where he has played a key role in securing an Ofsted outstanding judgement in behaviour and attitudes.

In the early stages of his teaching career, Richard secured the role of Lead Teacher for Science, delivering effective professional development. In this time, he worked closely with the Science department to rapidly improve academic outcomes at KS4. On top of this, Richard has a broad range of experience working in pastoral care, often in challenging settings with students that benefit from having clear routines and firm boundaries. Richard has delivered behaviour management CPD in a variety of educational settings to ensure future and existing practitioners can understand effective classroom routines for not just the classroom, but the school as a whole.

As Vice Principal for Pastoral Care, Richard plays a vital role in nurturing the holistic development of our students. With a deep commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment, Richard's experience in education and passion for student welfare enable him to effectively collaborate with staff, parents, and the wider community to create a culture of care and respect. Richard is dedicated to empowering students to thrive both academically and personally, ensuring that every child feels valued, listened to, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Mr Chris Langley

Assistant Vice Principal

At Trinity Academy Leeds, excellence is not only measured by achievement, but by the unwavering care and support we extend to every student. We empower each individual to thrive, believe and become their best self.

Having graduated from York St John University with a degree in Sports Studies and Physical Education , Chris has worked across the country for multiple Academy Trusts as a leader for behaviour and attendance. As a former professional Rugby League player, Chris developed the fundamental behaviours of self-discipline, hard work and team development which he believes are the foundations of success for staff and students in education.

As a Senior Leader, Chris has improved academic outcomes for students in settings where poor behaviour, low attendance and negative community influences have been barriers to learning. With a deep commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments that foster both academic and personal development , Chris believes all students have the capability to succeed regardless of their starting point.

Chris joins Trinity Academy Leeds having previously worked across Trinity MAT for both Trinity Academy Halifax and Trinity Academy Bradford respectively. Whilst at Trinity Academy Bradford , Chris led on behaviour and attendance to improve outcomes for students, leading on the first successful Ofsted inspection for the Academy. Chris plays a vital role in ensuring that all students at Trinity Academy Leeds are empowered to succeed throughout their learning journey and beyond.

Mr Will Trail

Assistant Principal

Each day at Trinity Academy Leeds, we strive for excellence. Our unwavering expectations and routines create an environment where all can succeed.

Since graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, teaching has been at the heart of William’s professional journey for over a decade. During his commendable seven-year tenure with Trinity Multi-Academy Trust, he has observed the transformative power of education and has played an instrumental role in driving it forward. William has recently assumed the role of Associate Assistant Principal at Trinity Academy Leeds after founding its successful science department.

William’s dedication to the field of science, especially his affinity for physics, stands out distinctly. His leadership as the Curriculum Leader of Science exemplified his commitment to diving deep into academic excellence, ensuring that students consistently receive the highest quality of education. During a previous post at another Trinity school, students secured exceptional GCSE science grades year after year.

As he embarks on this new chapter, William brings with him not only his rich teaching experiences but also an expertise in curriculum design, assessment, and school data analysis. He is steadfast in his commitment to keep our academy at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.

Very soon Trinity Academy Leeds will approach a significant milestone. Soon its first cohort of students will embark on their GCSE journey. William’s experience with GCSE options and national result trends has equipped him to lay down a robust foundation, ensuring that every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in their examinations. This inaugural GCSE cohort will represent the embodiment of the academy's values, aspirations, and the bright future that lies ahead for Trinity Academy Leeds.

Mrs Rose Croft

Associate Assistant Principal

At Trinity Academy Leeds, we are committed to developing well-rounded young people who are equipped to thrive in school and beyond. Through exceptional personal development opportunities, every student can discover their potential, broaden their horizons and truly shine.

Rose graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Geography before training to teach in London as a Royal Geographical Society Scholar. An experienced geography teacher and middle leader, she has developed a reputation for combining academic excellence with a deep commitment to ensuring every young person can access opportunities that enrich their lives and expand their aspirations.

Since joining Trinity Academy Leeds, Rose has played a key role in the academy's growth and success. As Curriculum Leader for Geography, she established and developed the department from the academy's founding years, building a curriculum that inspires curiosity about the world around us. Rose has also worked with the Trust's Quality Assurance Network, coordinating and participating in school reviews focused on curriculum, behaviour, safeguarding and inclusion. Through this work, she has collaborated with colleagues across the Trust to share best practice and contribute to continuous improvement, always with the aim of securing the very best experiences and outcomes for young people.

As Associate Assistant Principal for Personal Development and Wellbeing, Rose leads the academy's work to develop confident, resilient and ambitious young people. She is passionate about creating opportunities that build character, amplify student voice and ensure every student feels valued, supported and equipped for success beyond the classroom.

Miss Lucy Bisset

Associate Assistant Principal

At Trinity Academy Leeds, we believe that exceptional teaching changes lives. Through coaching, collaboration and continual professional growth, we empower staff to refine their craft and ensure every student receives the highest quality education.

Having graduated with a degree in Medical Biochemistry, Lucy has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for young people through excellent teaching and evidence-informed professional development. An experienced Science teacher and middle leader, she is passionate about developing both students and staff, believing that investing in people is the key to sustained success.

In her previous role as Lead Teacher for Coaching and Continuing Professional Development, Lucy has played a central role in supporting colleagues to refine their practice through instructional coaching, collaborative professional learning and purposeful development opportunities. She is committed to creating a culture where staff continuously learn from one another, ensuring that every classroom experience is engaging, challenging and impactful for students.

As Associate Assistant Principal, Lucy will continue to champion high-quality teaching and professional growth across the academy. Through coaching, collaboration and a relentless focus on excellence, she is committed to ensuring that all students are supported to Reach Higher, See Further and Shine Brighter.

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