Executive Team

After graduating from Cambridge University, Tom completed his PGCE at the University of East Anglia before working in a number of high performing private schools as both a teacher and head of department. Tom has held the post of Deputy Headteacher at two Outstanding state schools, subsequently being appointed Headteacher of one.   

Having led three schools as headteacher and two schools as Executive Principal, Tom has considerable experience in school leadership and management. He has worked in senior leadership teams for four multi-academy groups and also has significant experience around rapid school improvement having been seconded by two local authority ‘School Improvement’ teams to support schools causing concern.

Tom is accredited as a National Leader of Education (NLE), was appointed as a member of the Department for Education (DfE) regional advisory board for the West Midlands and most recently has been appointed to the DfE CEO advisory group.

Ian is Director of Operations. The operations function of the Trust includes estate management, IT, project management, legal services, health and safety, GDPR, communications and public relations. Ian has over 20 years’ experience in architecture and is a Chartered Architect with the RIBA and is a registered Architect with the ARB. He is highly experienced in all aspects of school buildings, from initial design to completion.

He has been responsible for a significant number of new school build projects and major additions to existing schools.

Jennifer is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA) and has 30 years of accounting experience. Jennifer was a Finance Analyst for 15 years within The National Trust, responsible for budgets and reporting at property level and regional consolidation of budgets, accounts and visitor information for Devon and Cornwall.

During her four years with Reach South, Jennifer has developed a team that is focused on giving first-class support, is solutions focused, and ensures schools use their funding effectively for the benefit of pupils and staff. She is seen by colleagues as very approachable and works hard to facilitate sound solutions to problems and challenges. Personal development of the finance team is a high priority and, as part of this, formal and informal training is offered to ensure the team feels valued and is given the opportunity to grow. 

Olivia is a people focused HR and Business Professional with over 30 years of experience, including 20 years in senior leadership. She holds an MBA, two Postgraduate Diplomas in HR and Management, and is a trained Mediator and Coach.

Passionate about helping others grow and thrive, Olivia specialises in organisational change, talent management, and leadership development. With a focus on empathy and collaboration, she builds high performing teams and fosters cultures where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed