Michael Bolger – Appointed 12 September 2017

Michael set up Badger Associates Ltd in 2001 offering executive and specialist recruitment to many of the regional major employers and is now Chairman.  Michael’s expertise lies in People Management and Development, Human Resources and Recruitment and getting the best from all working within the organisation for the ultimate benefit of the pupils.

Susan Ferguson – Appointed 1 September 2024

Susan was the Chair of Trustees at Mid Norfolk Academy Trust (MNAT) until July 2018 and was employed as a lecturer at Norwich City College and then as a design engineer by the international consultancy Maunsell. In 1999 she became a director of a management consultancy organisation specialising in change management. Susan has spent over 20 years as a school governor, including at Toftwood First (now Infant) School and at Dereham Neatherd High School where she was, for several years, Chair of Governors until summer 2018.

David Hill – Appointed 10 February 2020

David served as a Commander in the Royal Navy, before holding senior HR manager roles in scientific research and construction training organisations. He was part of the team that set up Norwich Free School and has acted as a HR Consultant to a number of schools. David is currently the HR Director at Ward Hill Walker, a Property and HR Consultancy based in Norwich.

Matthew Lambert – Appointed 6 February 2024

Matthew is Managing Director at a Norwich business and looks to apply his broad skills in meeting the expectations of being a Trustee and in being a supportive, positive and constructive critical friend of the Trust.  Matthew brings extensive governance experience and has been a Governor or Trustee for local schools since 2016.

Jeff Lansdell (Chair of Trustees) – Appointed 11 February 2014

Jeff has held senior corporate positions in blue chip company, Aviva, including Head of Operations, Finance Business Partner and Project Manager. From 2014, Jeff was the Vice Chair and a Governor of Wymondham High Academy and held the position of Chair of Governors from 2016 – 2022.

Judeline Nicholas – Appointed 14 March 2022

Judeline is a successful learning and development specialist addressing people skills and in particular Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging matters.  She is committed to contributing to the community and is the Chair of Norfolk Race Equality and Human Rights Association, Ambassador for Diversity for the Institute of Directors (and has been highly commended for her work) and is also an Employment Tribunal Panel lay member.  

Leda Tarabay – Appointed 1 January 2019

Leda qualified as a Chartered Public Financial Accountant whilst working in the West Midlands. Moving back to Norfolk in the 1980s, Leda worked for Norwich City Council before setting up a successful restaurant in Norwich. After selling the business, Leda is now semi-retired and is Honorary Treasurer to Norwich Preservation Trust Ltd. Leda is also the former Vice Chair of MNAT.

Hannah Wheeler – Appointed 1 December 2022

Hannah has been working within the primary education sector for twenty years and in senior leadership for the last eleven having worked within Norfolk but trained and started her career in London. Hannah is currently the Headteacher of a Norfolk primary academy and nursery. Within her duties are safeguarding, SEND, attendance, educational visits and responsibility for Looked After Children and those that have English as an additional language.

Trustee Vacancies

We are currently recruiting for a number of volunteer Trustee positions. Trustees are expected to contribute to the governance of the Trust through their membership of our Board and through active roles on our Committees. We are looking for Trustees with backgrounds in Primary Education, Further Education, Law, Marketing, Health & Safety.

Should you be interested in supporting out Trust and Academies in this way please use the contact us page.

Previous Trustees

Neil Collins – 2 August 2011 to 30 November 2022

Joanna Chilton – 11 October 2021 to 31 August 2023

Andrew Rowley – Appointed 1 January 2019 to 31 August 2024