Leadership Team
Meet the Team
Lorrayne Hughes OBE
Chief Executive
Lorrayne has led Cumbria Education Trust (CET) since its inception in 2015. It has grown to be the largest school-based, Multi-Academy Trust in Cumbria, responsible for the education of more than 6,500 children across five secondary schools, twelve primary schools and West Coast Sixth Form.
Lorrayne took up her first headship at William Howard School in 2007 and, in 2014, was commissioned to bring about rapid improvement in two schools in special measures that were based in Workington. Workington Academy was the first school to join CET – it is now thriving, oversubscribed, and in 2022, achieved a Good rating from Ofsted.
Lorrayne passionately believes in inclusion and that all young people deserve a high-quality education. Children are at the heart of all her strategic decision-making. Her vision is to enable each young person to reach their potential by providing an innovative and inspiring learning experience for students aged 3 to 18. CET schools work collaboratively and share the same core values – Respect, Responsibility and Resilience – as well as the motto ‘be the best you can be’. Lorrayne is a Board Member of the Confederation of School Trusts.
In 2024, Lorrayne was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, for her services to education.
Jonny Coates
Chief Financial Operations Officer (CFOO) / Director of Transformation
Jonny has over 15 years’ experience in education, leading finance and operations across schools and multi-academy trusts.
He brings passion and energy to his work, is driven to make a difference for children and young people and is committed to building strong systems that deliver operational excellence.
He also serves nationally as Vice Chair of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL), supporting professional standards across the sector.
School Improvement
Thomas Martell
Director of Strategy and Operations
Thomas is responsible for collaborating with colleagues across the Trust to design and evaluate the Trust’s approach to school improvement.
Thomas ensures key decisions are made by following the best available research and evidence, which is key to rolling out effective School Improvement Plans.
Sue Newstead
Director of
Learning Provision
Sue is responsible for developing the provision for vulnerable groups, including SEND, in all Trust schools and via wider collaboration.
Sue works closely with each school within the Trust to support vulnerable young people, ensuring that the right support is available at all times for individuals.
Chris Kearton
Director of Data and Assessment
Chris has taught Mathematics at Workington Academy since 1997, undertaking a variety of roles – firstly in Middle, and then Senior, Leadership.
Chris currently oversees the use of data and assessment to drive school improvement across the Trust, leading the Data and Assessment team.
Rose O'Hagan
Professional Development
Lead
Rose leads on Professional Development and English across the Trust.
In her Professional Development role, she leads on the shape of the Professional Development calendar, including all INSET days and Twilights, and leads on Instructional Coaching and NPQs.
Secondary Leaders
Des Bird
Director of
Secondary Improvement
Des is responsible for the School Improvement Framework in our secondary schools and is responsible for ensuring a rigour and focus on this vital area of work, to ensure that our School Improvement Strategy is well designed and implemented effectively in our schools.
As the only National Leader for Education in Cumbria, Des is extremely well-placed to support our schools in our endeavour to achieve year-on-year improvements.
Mark Bedford
Headteacher at Workington
Academy
Mark started his career in education as a Science teacher. He went on to become a Senior Leader at William Howard School before taking up the role of Deputy Headteacher at Workington Academy. He is now Headteacher at Workington Academy.
Ben Griffin
Head of School at
The Queen Katherine School
Ben has held senior leadership roles in two schools over the past 14 years. He began his career as an English teacher before moving into departmental leadership.
Since then, he has worked in pastoral roles and went on to lead whole-school behaviour and attendance for several years.
He is currently Head of School at The Queen Katherine School in Kendal.
Jon Hayes
Executive
Headteacher
Jon has been a headteacher for almost 15 years across two different schools. Before that, he has worked in various leadership positions and as a Science teacher in schools across the North West and also in the West Midlands.
Jon is the Executive Headteacher, leading across both of our secondary schools in our Southern Hub: Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and The Queen Katherine School.
Kath Pigdon
Headteacher at
William Howard School
Kath is passionate about driving William Howard School to the next stage of its journey. She believes fully in the Trust’s vision and values and works hard to instil this in staff, students and her own children.
Although Kath has over a decade of experience in Senior Leadership, she believes her most valuable lessons in leadership and life have come from competing at the highest level in her chosen sport – canoe slalom.
Nic Tweddle
Head of School at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School
Nic is passionate about education, inclusion and high expectations, and is committed to building on KSGS’s proud history while driving the school forward.
With extensive senior leadership experience across CET, Nic is inspired by the warmth, spirit and ambition of the KSGS community, its talented students and dedicated staff, and is determined to ensure the school continues to thrive.
Nigel Youngman
Headteacher at
The Whitehaven Academy
An experienced English and Film teacher, Nigel’s career began in Pakistan, followed by Birmingham, Bristol and then Cumbria. He has extensive leadership experience in raising standards in both coastal and urban schools.
Most recently, Nigel has been an integral part of the enormous improvement of teaching and learning at The Whitehaven Academy, leading to a first-in-its-history Good Ofsted rating.
Primary Leaders
Matt Butler
Director of Primary Improvement and Professional Development
Matt is responsible for implementing the School Improvement Framework in the Trust’s primary schools and his key area of responsibility focuses on design, specifically designing the blueprint for school improvement.
Matt has a wealth of experience in the sector, having previously led curriculum and subject development.
Cate Floyd
Deputy Director
of Primary
Improvement
Cate believes that all children are entitled to the very best education and that implementing a strong School Improvement Model in schools to develop and sustain change is crucial.
She is Headteacher at Yewdale Primary School, as well as overseeing Caldew Lea Primary School, Hensingham Primary School, Newtown Primary School and Northside Primary School.
Gemma Brierley
Executive
Headteacher
Gemma began her teaching career at a large primary school in London. Over the next 20 years, Gemma taught across 3 schools, including serving as a Headteacher in a school that was transformed under her leadership.
Gemma is now Executive Headteacher at Northside Primary School and is part of the Trust’s Events team.
Jemma Nicholson
Executive
Headteacher
Jemma’s first headship led to her receiving one of the first ‘excellent’ graded SIAMS inspections on the new framework.
She is now Executive Headteacher of several schools: Castle Carrock Primary School, Longtown Primary School, Petteril Bank School, Tebay Primary School and Yanwath Primary School.
Ayesha Weston
Executive
Headteacher
Ayesha has a long-held passion and personal drive to improve the life chances of the most socially and economically disadvantaged children.
Caldew Lea Primary School has always had a special place in Ayesha’s heart as it is where she completed her teaching training. She is now Caldew Lea’s Executive Headteacher and Staff Wellbeing Lead across the Trust.
Sarah Davies
CET Headteacher and School Improvement Lead
As a Specialist Leader in Education, Sarah has worked collaboratively with numerous Multi-Academy Trusts to improve outcomes for all children through effective mentoring and strategic leadership.
She is driven by her strong belief that each child should be given every opportunity to reach their potential in a thriving environment.
Matt Beresford
Headteacher at Stramongate
Primary School
For over 25 years, he has been a dedicated part of Stramongate School, progressing from classroom teacher to Headteacher, serving the school and its community with passion and commitment.
Driven by a belief in well-rounded education, Matt fosters an environment rooted in kindness, compassion and high standards. He is deeply committed to celebrating diversity and that every child feels valued, included, and empowered.
Amanda Brotherhood
Headteacher at Hensingham
Primary School
Amanda previously worked at Caldew Lea Primary School before taking on a new role as Headteacher of another school in Carlisle.
Bringing experience and passion to Hensingham Primary School is what drives Amanda, as she continues to ensure that staff and pupils can be the best they can be. She thrives off working closely with families and further developing the school as it continues its exciting journey.
Anna Carroll
Headteacher at Longtown Primary School
Anna has previously worked at Yewdale Primary School, Caldew Lea Primary School and Castle Carrock Primary School, and is now Headteacher at Longtown Primary School.
Anna believes in providing a broad and balanced education, which recognises and celebrates the talents of each child, enabling them to grow in confidence and develop a sense of responsibility – meaning they can achieve their full potential.
Allison Kenyon
Interim Head of School at Yanwath Primary School
Allison joined CET in 2016 as a class teacher. She then moved into CET’s School Improvement Team, supporting improvement across all of the Trust’s primary schools. She is now Head of School at Yanwath Primary School.
Allison is passionate about school improvement and making sure every child is at the heart of decision-making. She also greatly values professional and personal growth.
Ross Knaggs
Headteacher at
Castle Park School
Ross brings a wealth of experience from teaching across three schools. With a passion for inclusivity and a nurturing ethos, he ensures every child and staff member feels valued and supported.
As a former Early Years teacher, he believes strong foundations are key to holistic development. His priority is creating a happy, safe environment where both children and adults thrive. At Castle Park, he fosters a love for learning and personal growth in every child.
Sarah Lee
Headteacher at
Castle Carrock Primary School
Sarah has previously worked at Petteril Bank School, Newtown Primary School and Yewdale Primary School and is now the Headteacher of Castle Carrock Primary School.
Sarah is passionate about ensuring that every child is happy at school and reaches their full potential, both academically and through personal development. She works closely with staff, families and the local community, believing that collaboration together is the recipe for success.
Mhairi Roberts
Headteacher at
Newtown Primary School
Mhairi joined the teaching team at Yewdale Primary School, before becoming Assistant Headteacher, then Deputy Headteacher and Interim Head of School, before becoming Headteacher at Newtown Primary School.
Mhairi works hard to ensure that all children become confident, independent learners and she believes that all children should be given the support they need to realise their potential.
Helen Wright
Headteacher at
Tebay Primary School
Helen has previously worked at Yanwath Primary School and now has the exciting job of working with the staff, pupils and parents at Tebay Primary School as Headteacher.
Helen has gained a wealth of experience whilst working at CET, in which she has particularly focused on the daily running and growth of a primary school. There are ambitious plans for the schools’ development, as it continues its journey to outstanding.
Executive Team
Management Team
Sally McAllister
Head of Operations
Sally is responsible for operations across the Trust, including the Trust Services administration team and CET events.
Sally is focused and committed to delivering an effective service to all CET schools. She has worked in education for many years and believes that strong operational support is essential for schools, enabling teaching and support staff to provide the best environment for our students.
Gill Martin
Director of Finance
Gill is a financial professional who leads on all aspects of financial planning, reporting and management, which includes the provision of an effective framework of financial systems, risk management, procedures, and internal control.
Gill is committed to delivering a flexible and supportive central finance service to CET schools, supporting the development of strategic financial planning arrangements.
Kerry Rogerson
Head of HR
Kerry is an experienced HR professional, having undertaken a number of senior HR roles within the Public Sector.
Kerry is committed to building a team that is principles-led, outcome-driven and puts people at the centre of the organisation. Kerry is passionate about working with key stakeholders to ensure CET attracts, supports and retains a mix of people with the right skills, knowledge and values.
Gill Creighton
Head of Safeguarding
Gill focuses on pastoral systems, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.Gill is passionate about protecting those at risk of harm and firmly believes children can only ‘be the best they can be’, if they feel safe.
Gill keeps all safeguarding practice, policies, culture and leadership under tight review and is always ready to take action to promote the wellbeing of the whole CET community.
Executive Team
Sally McAllister
Head of Operations
Sally is responsible for operations across the Trust, including the Trust Services administration team and CET events.
Sally is focused and committed to delivering an effective service to all CET schools. She has worked in education for many years and believes that strong operational support is essential for schools, enabling teaching and support staff to provide the best environment for our students.
Gill Martin
Director of Finance
Gill is a financial professional who leads on all aspects of financial planning, reporting and management, which includes the provision of an effective framework of financial systems, risk management, procedures, and internal control.
Gill is committed to delivering a flexible and supportive central finance service to CET schools, supporting the development of strategic financial planning arrangements.
Kerry Rogerson
Head of HR
Kerry is an experienced HR professional, having undertaken a number of senior HR roles within the Public Sector.
Kerry is committed to building a team that is principles-led, outcome-driven and puts people at the centre of the organisation. Kerry is passionate about working with key stakeholders to ensure CET attracts, supports and retains a mix of people with the right skills, knowledge and values.
Pippa Goodridge
Marketing & Communications Manager
Pippa has over ten years of marketing experience and leads on communications, media, and marketing across the Trust. She supports each school with communications, admissions, and the development of marketing and promotional materials.
In addition, Pippa manages public relations, raises awareness of professional development opportunities both internally and externally, and actively champions the Trust’s values, vision and mission.
John Hedges
Data Services
Manager
John began his education career as a primary school teacher with a focus on Early Years.
At CET, John is responsible for working with multiple internal and external sources to bring all schools’ data and insights together. He ensure timely and accurate reports are available to the right people, to support and drive informed decision-making across the Trust, including classroom teachers, school leaders and members of the Trust Board.
Steve Lucas-Jones
Estates
Manager
Steve is an experienced Estates Manager, having previously worked in both higher education and charitable organisations.
Steve is responsible for the planning and delivery of all capital projects across the Estates department, ensuring that progress is made to repair, develop, and improve our buildings and grounds across all schools. This helps to enhance the learning and teaching environments we provide, to ensure the best experience for our young people and staff.
Martin Robson
Head of
IT Services
Martin is an experienced IT professional, with over 30 years’ experience, 25 of which have been spent with William Howard School and, latterly, CET.
Martin is responsible for the IT infrastructure within the Trust, ensuring that our schools have the necessary ICT equipment, networks and systems to enable them to teach successfully. Martin also leads the IT Services team of technicians, who provide support to our schools, staff and students.
Management Team
Gill Creighton
Head of
Safeguarding
Gill’s school leadership focuses on pastoral systems, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding. As Head of Safeguarding, Gill is passionate about protecting those at risk of harm and firmly believes children can only ‘be the best they can be’, if they feel safe.
Gill keeps all safeguarding practice, policies, culture and leadership under tight review and is always ready to take action to promote the wellbeing of the whole CET community.
Pippa Goodridge
Marketing & Communications Manager
Pippa has over 9 years of marketing experience and oversees communications, media and marketing across the Trust. She assists each school within the Trust with their communications, admissions processes, and any necessary marketing or promotional materials.
Pippa also manages public relations for the Trust, enhances awareness of its professional development opportunities both internally and externally, and actively promotes the Trust’s values.
John Hedges
Data Services
Manager
John began his education career as a primary school teacher with a focus on Early Years.
At CET, John is responsible for working with multiple internal and external sources to bring all schools’ data and insights together. He ensure timely and accurate reports are available to the right people, to support and drive informed decision-making across the Trust, including classroom teachers, school leaders and members of the Trust Board.
Steve Lucas-Jones
Estates
Manager
Steve is an experienced Estates Manager, having previously worked in both higher education and charitable organisations.
Steve is responsible for the planning and delivery of all capital projects across the Estates department, ensuring that progress is made to repair, develop, and improve our buildings and grounds across all schools. This helps to enhance the learning and teaching environments we provide, to ensure the best experience for our young people and staff.
Martin Robson
Head of
IT Services
Martin is an experienced IT professional, with over 30 years’ experience, 25 of which have been spent with William Howard School and, latterly, CET.
Martin is responsible for the IT infrastructure within the Trust, ensuring that our schools have the necessary ICT equipment, networks and systems to enable them to teach successfully. Martin also leads the IT Services team of technicians, who provide support to our schools, staff and students.