Central Trust Staff

Carol has been Chief Executive Officer of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust since April 2014 overseeing the Trust growth from a three school Trust to a family of 21 schools by the summer of 2026. During her tenure the Trust has recently launched a new vision and strategy for 2030, focussing on making sure children get high quality education coupled with great extra-curricular opportunities and experiences. Student enrichment is a passion of Carol’s which she seeks to influence nationally, hence serving as a Trustee for Bradford City of Culture 2025 and more recently in her role as a national commissioner for a new current affairs project seeking to improve how young people understand and challenge the world they live in today.

During her time at BDAT, Carol has actively sought to collaborate with other schools and Trust’s nationally and other children services. She is a member of the Education Alliance for Life Chances bringing together education and health services in Bradford, a member of the Queen Street Group, a collaborative of 40+ national MATs. Most recently Carol has been elected an advisor on the Confederation of School’s Trusts national policy advisory group seeking to influence national education policy. Carol’s view is very much that BDAT should support, challenge and lead policy making and regulatory change rather than wait for changes to be done to schools and Trusts.

In 2020, Carol was awarded an OBE for her services to Education in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. In 2025 Carol was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire in October 2025. Carol will also take up the position of High Sherriff for West Yorkshire for 12 months from April 2028.

Before joining BDAT, Carol worked across a number of sectors outside education in a range of marketing and project management roles including working in food and drink manufacturing, radio marketing and sports development. Carol has also worked in a number of public sector roles delivering project work across different areas of the children’s workforce from early years, social work and integrated working (Every Child Matters).

In her spare time Carol enjoys a game of tennis, a bit of yoga, reading for pleasure and travelling to new places.

Jonathan joined the central team on a secondment to lead student voice and student leadership cross-trust in 2024 in combination with his role as a senior leader at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy.  Before joining Belle Vue Girls’ Academy in 2011, Jonathan taught History at Brigshaw High School, then subsequently held middle leadership roles in Humanities at Ryburn Valley High School and Skipton Girls’ High School. Whilst working for BDAT and Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, Jonathan has developed wide experience in leading Personal Development, student leadership and student voice strategies, as well as working with external partners and colleagues across the trust.

In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys reading, listening to music and watching football.

Emma became PA to the CEO and Office Manager in April 2024. Emma provides support to the Chief Executive, oversees the management of the office and is a link between the Trust, Academies and staff.

Emma joined BDAT in November 2019, as PA to the Director of Secondary Education and during that time gained first hand knowledge of the Trust’s operations.

Prior to working at BDAT, Emma’s career in education commenced in 2014, when she joined a Church of England Primary School in Bingley as Office Administrator, acquiring valuable experience in a variety of areas, including supporting the Headteacher and SLT, HR and marketing assistance.

Emma’s former roles include six years in the Hospitality sector, where she planned over 500 weddings, culminating in her becoming PA to the Owner and Chairman of a North Yorkshire Hotel and Country Estate.

In her spare time Emma enjoys reading, walking her dog, gardening and spending time with her family.

Nayna joined the Central Team in August 2026 as a Receptionist and Administrator. Before joining BDAT, she worked as an administrator for different wholesale companies. Nayna is very interested in Sociology and English Literature and is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Nayna’s dream is to become a Youth Support Worker and work towards giving children the best quality of life and education.

In her spare time, Nayna loves to spend time with her family, read books and travel to different countries!

Helen joined the Central Team at BDAT in July 2025 as Deputy PA/Receptionist. Helen’s previous roles in education have been in the Central Team of another Bradford MAT, PA to the Headteacher at a local primary school, and administrator at an Alternative Provision.

Prior to working in the education sector, Helen had a travel agency and managed a diving school and watersports centre in Cyprus.

In her spare time, Helen likes to go to concerts, festivals, holidays and weekends away she also loves a good book.

Claire joined BDAT in September 2020. Prior to working at BDAT, Claire has gained experience in a number of HR roles, as well as 4 years as a School Business Manager. Claire’s role is focussed on all aspects of Trust governance, compliance and organisational planning. Responsibilities include strategic planning, Corporate and Local Governance, compliance (policy, websites, safeguarding, complaints, risk and admissions). Her responsibilities include line management of the Head of Safeguarding, Head of Corporate Projects and Governance Compliance Officers.

In her spare time Claire coaches rugby league at her local community club

James joined the central team at BDAT in January 2023 as Head of Safeguarding. He has been working in education for seventeen years having previously been a senior leader in a large secondary school undertaking the responsibility of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as well as leading on the attendance, inclusion and wellbeing strategies. James has a wealth of experience in supporting students pastorally, both operationally helping them overcome barriers to learning, and strategically in ensuring that systems and procedures enable every pupil to achieve their potential.

James’ responsibility is to work strategically on safeguarding practice across BDAT by collaborating with colleagues in each of our schools to ensure effective systems are in place to drive the highest standards of safeguarding for our pupils through sharing of good practice, quality assurance, policy development and training. He also contributes to BDAT’s outward facing work, collaborating with colleagues within the Bradford District Safeguarding Children’s Partnership to provide system leadership in safeguarding children across the district.

In his spare time, James enjoys watching football and other sports, running as well as spending time with family and friends.

Mark joined BDAT in November 2022 as Head of Corporate Projects. Prior to this, he spent 15 years at Calderdale Council in a range of senior roles across housing and project delivery, gaining extensive experience in managing complex public‑sector programmes. He holds formal qualifications in Programme and Project Management and is a Registered Practitioner of both MSP and PRINCE2.

Mark is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). Alongside his professional role, he serves as a Trustee of Fusion Housing, a Huddersfield-based charity that works to reduce homelessness and empower people to build positive and independent futures. In his spare time, Mark enjoys socialising with friends and family.

Sally joined the BDAT team in November 2023 as Governance and Compliance Officer.

Sally qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1998 and worked in the veterinary sector for a number of years including working as a Senior Veterinary Nurse, where she was responsible for the smooth running of 5 branches, including a 24 hour emergency centre.

Sally then went onto work for a Private Medical Clinic in Leeds as Clinic Manager. During her time at the clinic she successfully progressed through CQC registration and inspection.

Outside of work, Sally loves spending time with her family, holidays, both abroad, and in her caravan and getting out and about with her dogs. Generally enjoying life!

Caitlin joined BDAT in January 2020 after completing her undergraduate degree in History and then her LLM Masters in Corporate Governance and Law at the University of Portsmouth.

Caitlin works closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs and other Governance and Compliance Officers, and on a day-to-day basis supports the Trustees and Governors across BDAT.

Committed to her professional development, Caitlin has successfully completed her Level 3 Certificate in the Clerking of School and Academy Boards, an ICSA accredited course.

Prior to working at BDAT, Caitlin worked part time in retail for six years alongside her studies. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys reading and exploring the Yorkshire countryside with her two dogs.

Hilary joined BDAT Governance and Compliance Officer in September 2025. Before this Hilary spent 4 years in a specialist SEMH provision supporting the SENCo with SEND administration and other operational duties.

Hilary has two young children and loves to spend time in nature with her dog and pottering around at her allotment. Prior to family life Hilary and her husband loved to travel and spent two years living in Sydney, Australia where she worked within the NSW Land and Housing Corporation as a Review Officer to the Director General.

Ann joined BDAT in September 2021. She has been a teacher for over 14 years in both primary and early years settings.

Prior to this, she worked in the food production industry, specialising in process technology, new product development and production planning.

Ann first gained experience as a staff governor for 4 years in a primary school and later enjoyed the role of parent governor for 8 years in a specialist school. Ann has successfully completed her Level 3 Certificate in the Clerking of School and Academy Boards, an ICSA accredited course.

In her spare time, Ann is an active member of two parent-led groups which support families with Autism and other additional needs in the community. She also appreciates opportunities to experience theatrical performances and explore local Yorkshire beauty spots by foot.

Craig joined BDAT in September 2015 and as Primary Director has led the strategic educational direction of the Primary Schools.

Craig started his first Headship in 2004. Craig became a National Leader of Education in 2010 and has also been the Executive Principal of an Academy Trust, an Executive Head of 5 schools and still led his own school to an Ofsted outstanding.

Craig’s expertise is working with schools in special measures and using data analysis to improve pupil performance. He also has expertise in strategic planning and how CPD and performance management can be used to improve school performance.

Craig has worked with the BDAT schools in the successful transition to academies and ensures that the schools have a consistent and collaborative approach to their development whilst maintaining their individuality.  Craig enjoys working strategically with the central team and the leaders of all schools to ensure that the best opportunities are given to every child in BDAT.

Kathryn joined BDAT in September 2022 as one of the Deputy Directors of Primary Education.

She has over twenty five years of teaching experience, 15 years of which were working within a variety of schools within Bradford including several leadership positions. During this time she was seconded to work for Bradford Local Authority where she worked alongside headteachers and teachers, supporting them with developing the quality of teaching and learning as well as securing overall school improvement.

In 2008 she relocated to Northamptonshire where she has had experience as a SENDco, a Leading Literacy teacher, as well as a Deputy head before becoming the Headteacher of a large primary school. During this time she developed the vision and values of the school, established a strong leadership team, created and embedded a bespoke curriculum as well as providing staff with a wide variety of CPD opportunities.

She has recently moved back to Yorkshire to begin her new position with BDAT.

Reem joined the Central Team in January 2019. Reem worked at East Morton CE Primary School for 16 years and became involved with BDAT when East Morton joined the MAT in November 2017.

Reem’s role in school included EYFS and Key Stage 1 Leader, alongside supporting teaching and learning and middle leaders with subject leadership. Reem has also represented the Local Authority as an EYFS moderator for seven years.

In January 2019 Reem added capacity to the Primary Team, when she was seconded to BDAT as Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning for two days per week whilst continuing her role in school. Reem now works full time for the Primary Team; her support has focused around EYFS, KS1, phonics, subject and middle leadership. Reem also supports with the Trust’s CPD programme.

Since joining BDAT as Director of Teaching and Learning in September 2016, Ann has supported the improvement journey of the Primary schools within the Trust. As part of her role she has worked collaboratively with schools to develop a programme of CPD for colleagues which focuses on raising standards of achievement and enhancing the quality of education.

Ann has over twenty five years of experience working in education. Her career has involved roles within Wakefield and Bradford local authorities. She has worked as an improvement professional, a school leader, a consultant and as a classroom practitioner.

As a Head Teacher and as a Vice Principal, she effectively secured the necessary and rapid improvements that were needed to enable the academy to be judged by Ofsted as moving from satisfactory to good in all areas within two years.

Jilly joined BDAT in October 2019 as PA to the Director of Primary Education, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in executive and administrative support across a range of sectors. During her time at BDAT, she has developed extensive expertise in providing high-level executive assistance, stakeholder management, and the coordination of complex operational activities.

In 2025, Jilly became Senior PA to the Education Directors, expanding her role to support both Primary and Secondary education across the Trust. Working alongside the Education Directors and their teams, she provides strategic and operational support while acting as a key link between Headteachers and Directors. Jilly supports 21 schools, including 16 primary and 5 secondary schools, and collaborates closely with Headteachers and Senior Leadership Teams to facilitate effective communication, coordination, and the successful delivery of Trust-wide priorities.

Prior to joining BDAT, Jilly worked as an Events Manager, where she gained valuable experience in business management, HR, data management, and customer service. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking long walks with her two dogs, Odie the Spaniel and Dotty the Pug.

Aimee joined BDAT in February 2019 as Receptionist / Administrator for the Central Trust office. Aimee now works as Deputy PA and BDAT People administrator providing efficient support to the education team.

Prior to working at BDAT, Aimee worked as a compliance officer for a recruitment agency where she gained valuable experience in office administration.

In her spare time Aimee is a busy mum who enjoys walking and spending time with her family.

Ashley has worked in financial accounting for more than 30 years and joined Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and more recently to Chief Finance and Operations Officer. He brings 16 years of experience in the education sector, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy and as a Funding Officer within Bradford Local Authority.

Before moving into education finance, Ashley built extensive commercial experience across manufacturing, engineering, food production and professional services, holding a range of financial management roles.

In addition to his role at BDAT, Ashley is Chair of the Bradford Schools Forum, working closely with Bradford’s Strategic Finance Manager to support fair, transparent oversight of education funding across the district.

He also supports two local trusts through committee work, contributing his expertise in financial and operational governance.

Outside his professional life, Ashley is deeply committed to badminton. As Junior Chair of Yorkshire Badminton, he supports more than 200 players across the county, helping young people develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the sport. Through this work, he promotes lifelong participation in badminton and encourages young people to pursue their sporting ambitions.

Matthew is Deputy CFO at BDAT, bringing more than 16 years of experience in education finance, operations and strategic leadership.

Matthew’s expertise spans financial strategy, budget planning, statutory reporting, procurement and risk management.

Working closely with the CFO, Executive Leadership Team and academy leaders, Matthew ensures that financial decision-making is aligned with educational priorities and the trust’s long-term strategic objectives.

Beyond his finance leadership role, Matthew is BDAT’s Sustainability Lead and is a STEM Climate Ambassador, working with schools and education organisations across the country to support climate action

In his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen music lover with a passion for record collecting.

Nicola joined BDAT in July 2024 as Finance Officer having previously worked in a multi academy trust as a School Administrator. Nicola has an in depth knowledge of processes and procedures within a primary school setting.

Prior to working in a primary school, Nicola spent most of her career in financial services as an Underwriter for a major bank and a Quality Assurance Consultant for a building society where she has gained a wealth of finance experience.

In her spare time she enjoys traveling, long walks with her dog Millie and spending time with friends and family.

Andrew joined the central team in October 2025 as Interim Head of Estates, on secondment from his role as Executive Business Leader, working across Bradford Girls’ Grammar School and Lady Royd Primary School. With over 10 years’ experience in school business leadership, he specialises in facilities management, health and safety, and capital project delivery. Andrew holds professional qualifications in Health and Safety, Facilities Management and Environmental Management and is passionate about creating safe, inspiring environments for pupils and staff. From September, Andrew will take up the role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer, where he will help lead the Trust’s operational and estates strategy

Jason joined Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) in December 2019 as Director of Secondary Education and is responsible for the strategic leadership and development of the Trust’s secondary schools.

Prior to joining BDAT, Jason served as a Headteacher across three secondary schools, leading significant improvement journeys and developing strong, collaborative cultures focused on high-quality education for all pupils. His work has consistently centred on establishing sustainable systems, building leadership capacity, and creating reflective, evidence-informed approaches to school improvement.

Jason has extensive experience of supporting schools in challenging circumstances and is recognised for his expertise in school improvement, strategic curriculum planning, leadership development, and the use of research-informed practice to drive organisational effectiveness. He has also undertaken school improvement and consultancy work with schools and multi-academy trusts across the North of England, reinforcing his commitment to collaboration and sector-led improvement.

Jason is a qualified Ofsted Inspector and is passionate about helping schools and leaders secure the very best outcomes for young people.

Emma joined the central team at BDAT in January 2024 as Deputy Director of Secondary Education. She has worked in education for 22 years, including 18 years at Immanuel College, most recently as Pastoral Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Emma has a wealth of experience in supporting students both academically and pastorally in a range of roles, including while strategically leading on attendance, behaviour and safeguarding and in managing and implementing support in relation to SEND and mental health and well-being. In addition to this she has worked extensively in both the strategic and operational logistics and design of whole school timetabling and curriculum. Most recently, she has led a large, diverse and highly successful, team both operationally and strategically, helping students overcome barriers to learning through robust systems and processes tailored to meet individual needs.

In this new role, Emma will work strategically with leaders and other colleagues across the BDAT secondary schools, helping to ensure that every child is given the best opportunities to reach their potential.

Ben joined the central team on secondment in September 2025, enhancing the Trust’s reporting capability while continuing his role as Data Manager at Immanuel College. He brings over 15 years of experience in school data management, complemented by work in the technology sector and as Trust Secondary Data Lead at another multi-academy trust, where he designed and maintained data models, dashboards, and performance reports to support senior leadership and stakeholders.