Governors

The prospect of joining such a wonderful team with the chance of making a real difference to the lives of our pupils and the city of Leeds, was too good an opportunity to miss. I have always had strong links to the city, having joined Radio Aire as a trainee, becoming the youngest ever Sports Editor, and latterly Head of News at one of the biggest radio stations in the UK. After establishing The Tim White Media Consultancy in 1999, I was able to expand my interest in, and love of, training. Here in Leeds, I lectured for over a decade for the University of Leeds on its BA Broadcast Journalism course, which at the time was the top rated course of its type in the UK. I am proud to see so many of my former students playing a prominent role in various areas of the media today.

One of my daughters was educated in the Trinity MAT group, and the unique arts provision enabled her to progress to full-time professional training. I have also trained many private clients such as Directors, Executives and politicians, while also supplying courses for public services and charities. In addition, I have developed strong links with eastern Europe since first working with the world renowned Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) in Ukraine in 2004. This has led to me becoming an expert on Ukrainian matters, frequently being quoted in Ukraine media. I’ve also produced 3 video documentaries, including the 2017 feature “Nothing But Lies – Fighting Fake News”. Almost all major media organisations in the UK have used my reporting skills at some point, including ITV, Sky News, Sky Sports, (Channel) FIVE, BBC and talkSPORT.

The governing body at TAL is a group of highly skilled and committed individuals who are passionate about ensuring that the young people in east Leeds receive a world class education. Through regular meetings and visits to the school and training opportunities through our Governor Build programme, our governors keep abreast of all developments and progress, challenging and supporting school leaders to make the best decisions for all young people. Each of our governors has a key responsibility linked to an aspect of the school and work closely with the staff team as a critical friend and improvement partner.

I am delighted to be joining the governing body at this exciting time of the school's history. As a local primary assistant headteacher, I am passionate about the standards of the city's schools so that they can provide the best education possible for the children of Leeds. Since qualifying as a primary teacher nearly ten years ago, I have become even more convinced that a child's education is the gateway to achieving their dreams. I strongly believe that high expectations in all aspects of school life - from curriculum to behaviour to teaching and learning - underpin school effectiveness. I am delighted to be able to work with the brilliant team at Trinity Academy Leeds in supporting them to deliver an exceptional educational experience within the local community.

Having worked as part of the Trinity family in an IT role for the last 14 years, I felt it was time to get involved with our academies from a different angle. When the Leeds building was announced, I took the opportunity to put myself forward as a school governor, and hope I can use my years of experience in education and my knowledge of new school projects to have a positive impact on the lives of our staff and students. An exciting opportunity to shape the future of this bright and ambitious school, and provide a world class education in East Leeds.

I have worked in the public transport sector for over 25 years, starting my career as a bus driver before being promoted to staff manager and deputy of operations manager. In 2015 I decided to return to education and enrolled at Leeds University on a business management degree course. Initially I found the return to education challenging to say the least, however it did open my eyes and gave me renewed faith in myself and what I could achieve if I worked hard.

I have a daughter who is 11 years old, she is hoping to become one of the first students at Trinity MAT Leeds. As a family we enjoy cycling, walking the dogs and camping in Cornwall.

Another area of interest to me is health and wellbeing especially in this current climate with the pandemic. I am a keen runner; I have been running for about five years. During that time I have dipped my toe into duathlons and even a triathlon! I really enjoy multi-discipline sports; they offer different challenges but are fun to take part in. I am proof that if I can do it then anyone can. I am a licensed Leader in Running Fitness with England Athletics; I also hold qualifications in Mental Wellbeing in Sport & Physical Activity and in Safeguarding in Athletics. I run my own beginners running club based at Leeds Dock; it has been inspiring to see so many people.

I am very excited to be given the opportunity to be a founding governor at Trinity MAT Leeds, I am a little bit out of my comfort zone but really looking forward to the role ensuring that the young people at the school receive the very best support and education which inspires them to #ReachHigher #SeeFurther #ShineBrighter.

From the moment I was introduced to the school, I was amazed by what it has managed to achieve in such a short space of time, and hugely inspired by the ambition to serve the local community and unlock so much potential. Having spent some time with Yr 7 students exploring environmental issues, it is crystal clear that the school is full on incredibly bright, caring and engaged students and I can’t wait to see the school help mould them in to successful young adults.

I currently work as the Managing Director for the Energy Strategy team at KPMG in Leeds and London. Having spent the majority of my career working on the decarbonisation agenda in the public and private sector, and more recently in consulting, I’m really keen to bring my experience to the team and support the school fulfil its incredible potential.

I come from a family of public servants in the Nort East of England, many of whom work in childcare or education be it in primary and secondary education, or the DfE. I currently live in North Yorkshire with my wife.

I am a RS/PSHE teacher & Head of Training at Trinity Academy Cathedral. I am very proud to be part of our MAT and see this role as an opportunity to contribute in it's vision for education beyond TAC. I am very passionate about the development of the whole child to help them become active citizens. I am also a member of our teaching and learning board to ensure high standards and support the QA of the impact of our curriculum, and lead on professional development for ITTs and ECTs. As a new member of the Governing Body, I am excited to support our young people to 'reach higher, see further, shine brighter' and support the community in this venture.

Trinity Academy Leeds is a fantastic opportunity to help children unlock their potential, access opportunities and make sure their talents and hard work are rewarded.

I’ve worked in a variety of financial services roles over a 25-year career and have experience of leading large teams and complex businesses. I’m currently a director in the Insurance & Wealth division of Lloyds Banking Group and an active member of a range of industry bodies. I hope to be able to put some of these skills and experiences to good use.

I know first hand, the impact that a positive school environment can have on a child and the wider role it can play in shaping young people and their communities. I share the ambition that Trinity Academy Leeds has for its pupils and the community it serves.

I live in Leeds have and 4 children in full time education from Reception Class to University.

I am delighted to join the Governor team at TAL and contribute to making a difference to the lives of the students in the local community. I started my career as an English teacher at a Trinity school through the training provider Teach First. After working across two secondary schools in Trinity MAT for a total of 9years, as a Head of English and Assistant Principal of Behaviour, Personal Development and Safeguarding, I recently made the switch to Higher Education, currently working as a Business Operations Manager in the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Cultures at The University of Leeds. I am passionate about learning and development, completing an MA in Educational Leadership, NPQSL qualification and Aurora females in leadership course alongside working.

Watching TAL grow from a Y7 only cohort to where it is today has been a privilege, knowing first hand what a valuable impact the quality of teaching, learning, personal development and high standards has on the growth and development of the whole child. Every child, regardless of postcode and background, should have the opportunity to be curious, be critical, find their passion, experiment and grow up with choice and agency over their future, something TAL provides in abundance. I’m a true believer that the culture of high expectations prepares the young people of TAL to be leaders in their own life and become active citizens in their community.

I look forward to working with the students, staff and wider community in my Governor role, utilising my networks at the University to provide rich experiences for the young people at TAL.

My passion for education began through the Teach First programme, where I trained and worked as a secondary school French teacher. My experience in the classroom gave me first-hand insight into the barriers that can limit opportunities children from succeeding at school, whilst reinforcing my belief that every child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.

Since leaving teaching, I have remained closely connected to education through my involvement in the Teach First Ambassador network and through mentoring programmes that help sixth-form students prepare for their next steps. Professionally, I have built a career in Learning & Development, organisational change and transformation, working for Teach First, KPMG in both the UK and the Netherlands, and now BT. I have supported organisations to develop talent, build skills, and successfully navigate change. These are skills I look forward to bringing to my governor role.

What particularly drew me to TAL is the strength of its leadership, the ambition of its vision and the culture of super high expectations that empowers students to thrive.

Having studied at the University of Leeds and gone on to make Leeds my home, I feel deeply invested in the future of the city and its communities. Schools like TAL play a vital role not only in shaping children’s lives, but also in developing the future citizens and leaders who will contribute to Leeds' future success. I am also inspired by the way TAL harnesses the opportunities offered by outstanding local organisations, helping students to broaden their horizons and develop aspirations beyond the classroom.

I look forward to working alongside fellow governors, staff, students, and the wider community, and to playing a small part in supporting TAL on its continued journey of growth.