Jacqueline Waters-Dewhurst has spent over 20 years in education starting in the primary sector. She has significant experience in leadership and the transformation of organisations having taken up the role of Diocesan Director of Education in Bristol diocese prior to being appointed as Director of Education for the Diocese of Lincoln.
In both organisations she has introduced the academy strategies, set up a Multi-Academy Trust and transformed teams by increasing capacity and skills in order to better serve schools in an ever-changing educational landscape.
She has served nationally on the National Society Council and was chair of the North Somerset Strategic Schools Forum and has chaired a number of governing boards of both schools and academies including; Westhaven Special School, Weston St Mary Church of England Primary school and St Lawrence Academy Trust Scunthorpe.
Jacqueline is passionate about ensuring that the wider diocese understands the gift that it has in its church schools and her dedication to the work of LAAT is an outworking of the belief that church schools are stronger together.
Having overseen the development of LAAT from 4 schools to 18 whilst also working for the Diocesan Board of Education Jackie feels that the time is now right to move over and concentrate solely on LAAT. As of September 2021 she will be stepping back from her role as Diocesan Director of Education to concentrate on being CEO of LAAT.
Tamara is the Deputy CEO for LAAT and joined in January 2020 from Cambridgeshire where she was an Executive Headteacher within a Diocesan Multi Academy Trust after working for Cambridgeshire for 15 years prior. She has a wealth of experience in the sustainable improvement of schools, putting the quality of teaching and learning at the heart of this. With eighteen in years in primary education, Tamara brings this extensive knowledge of the sector to LAAT. She is a passionate advocate for teacher professional development and the development of strong collaborative networks of teachers to improve the life chances of children.
Leanne Holmes, BA ACA – Finance and Operations Director, LAAT. 21 years post qualification experience across a wide range of sectors and a proven track record of delivering transformation in the finance function.
Gained chartered accountancy qualifications with Streets Chartered Accountants, where areas of work covered included both internal and external audit, statutory accounts preparation and taxation.
Before joining LAAT, Leanne worked as Trust Financial Controller at The Orders of St John Care Trust, a leading national care operator and registered charity, with a turnover of c£130m and c4500 employees. Responsible for a finance team of 40, overseeing all transactional and group accounting functions.
Joined LAAT in May 2015, initially when the Trust comprised of 5 schools. Since her appointment, has overseen the conversion of a further 15 schools. Responsible for overseeing back office support functions across the Trust including Finance, HR, Estates, Health and Safety and ICT.
Nicky was appointed to the LAAT team in October 2022 as Governance and Compliance Lead. She has over 20 years’ experience of working in the education sector and 15 years working in a Governance role. Before joining the LAAT, Nicky was employed as Strategic Director for Governance in a primary and secondary Trust in South Yorkshire where she served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team contributing to the Strategic Direction of the Trust and leading on Governance at a Board and school level. Nicky is passionate about education and improving the life chances for all children and is delighted to be part of the LAAT family.
Laura joined the LAAT in April 2016 to work within HR. Laura is now Head of HR for the Trust and a Chartered member of the CIPD.
Laura has over 15 years’ experience in local government HR, Recruitment and payroll. Over this time Laura has developed an understanding of the sector and has knowledge and expertise to really support our schools grow and develop. She works closely with trade unions to ensure that our HR processes and policies are in place to support our employees as well meet our business needs. With a keen focus on wellbeing, Laura is passionate about providing our employees with a safe, nurturing and supportive working environment.
Sam is the Director of Education for LAAT, leveraging over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience to drive excellence across the trust’s schools. Guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of education, he is dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire students and empower staff to excel. Sam’s expertise in curriculum development, school improvement, and fostering collaborative cultures ensures that every child has access to high-quality learning that prepares them for a bright future. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Sam’s leadership focuses on nurturing potential, building capacity, and ensuring education serves as a catalyst for positive change within schools and their communities.
Nicky was appointed to the LAAT team in October 2022 as Governance and Compliance Lead. She has over 20 years’ experience of working in the education sector and 15 years working in a Governance role. Before joining the LAAT, Nicky was employed as Strategic Director for Governance in a primary and secondary Trust in South Yorkshire where she served as a member of the Executive Leadership Team contributing to the Strategic Direction of the Trust and leading on Governance at a Board and school level. Nicky is passionate about education and improving the life chances for all children and is delighted to be part of the LAAT family.
I joined the LAAT in January 2018 to support St Peter’s Primary School, Cleethorpes. I was previously at Ulceby St Nicolas Primary School as their Business and Operations Partner
Although I’ve worked in education since 2018, I do have a wealth of experience as a school governor for both Primary and Secondary schools in Lincolnshire.
Before my time with the LAAT I worked predominantly in marketing, organising events all over the world for corporate and private clients.
Sam is the Director of Education for LAAT, leveraging over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience to drive excellence across the trust’s schools. Guided by a deep belief in the transformative power of education, he is dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire students and empower staff to excel. Sam’s expertise in curriculum development, school improvement, and fostering collaborative cultures ensures that every child has access to high-quality learning that prepares them for a bright future. Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Sam’s leadership focuses on nurturing potential, building capacity, and ensuring education serves as a catalyst for positive change within schools and their communities.
I have over 12 years’ experience and a proven track record in church school leadership and improvement, including outstanding SIAMS inspections and taking on a special measures school, turning it into a securely good school in all areas in under 24 months. I have been part of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) since 2016, first as an Executive Headteacher and now as an Education Development Adviser. My particular areas of expertise are quality of education, Pupil Premium, curriculum development, as well as training and coaching leaders at all levels. I am also a qualified coach for NPQH participants through the Chartered College of Education.
As well as embracing the LAAT’s philosophy of Excellence, Exploration and Encouragement, I also endeavour to live by my own values of showing acts of kindness, being courageous and successful. These are the values that I trust to have a positive impact on the lives of the children we serve every day.
After being instrumental in developing mathematics across the Trust since 2017, as an independent maths consultant; Jenny joins the Trust in April 2025 as an Educational Development Advisor.
Jenny brings a wealth of experience to her new role including over 23 years teaching and leading in primary schools including working as a specialist education consultant and a local authority school improvement advisor.
Jenny’s expertise in mathematics, school improvement, quality first teaching and delivering teacher professional development enables pupils and adults to be at the centre of transformative education whilst providing opportunities for all to flourish.
Rachel comes to LAAT from a local authority school improvement role. She has over 20 years’ experience of teaching and leading in secondary and primary schools, including church schools. She has been instrumental in leading and supporting a broad range of schools in their mission to improve outcomes for children.
Rachel is passionate about the ethical and sustainable development of leadership structures and practices that empower leaders to flourish in their strive for excellence.
Chris joins the LAAT central team with over 20 years of experience in the classroom and in senior leadership. His career began in 2004 as a Mathematics teacher, and he later served as an Advanced Skills Teacher, focusing on coaching colleagues and improving pedagogical standards. He has held senior leadership positions in both the primary and secondary sectors, working across three different counties and in both academies and maintained schools.
Most recently, Chris served as the Headteacher of Tetney Primary School, an experience that deepened his understanding of the strategic and emotional complexities of leading a school community. Throughout his leadership journey, he has remained committed to school improvement, collaborative working, and creating the conditions for staff and pupils to flourish. He takes a reflective, evidence‑informed approach and values the power of strong relationships, clear communication, and shared purpose.
In his role as Education Development Advisor, Chris is passionate about supporting and championing the work of school leaders across the Trust. His mission is to strengthen leadership capacity, promote high‑quality provision, and help each school build on its strengths. Now seeing the education system through the eyes of his own children, he is more committed than ever to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all children.
I joined LAAT in March 2022 as the Trust Data Analyst. Previously I worked in a secondary school as Data Manager for over 8 years.
Prior to working in the education sector, I worked as a Data Coordinator for the Children’s Society. I also enjoyed my time working as a Marketing Officer at Revitalise, a charity that provides respite holidays for disabled people and carers.
I have now joined the school improvement team at LAAT to support my colleagues with data analysis for all our schools and to provide an overall trust overview.
Richard is the Senior Education Welfare Officer who is able to use the vast array of skills he learnt during a career in the military before moving into education.
Having worked most recently as a Headteacher, Richard fully understands the importance of education and how it creates a path which enables every person to achieve to the best of their ability.
Richard’s experience has enabled him to understand many of the barriers that can impact on a child’s attendance and he is totally committed to supporting schools and their families to ensure that children attend school thereby realising their potential. By being given such a key role, Richard hopes that he will have a positive impact on many lives and help children to foster a love of learning that will last them for years to come.
I have been a qualified Education Welfare Officer for over 15 years.
I have worked within all schools including primary, junior, secondary and specialist secondary schools.
I joined LAAT in November 2022.
I support all LAAT schools with attendance and work with my colleagues, parents, careers, students and outside agencies where there are attendance concerns to look at the barriers and to raise attendance.
I really enjoying working across different schools in the trust and supporting pupils and their families.’
Prior to working with Education, I spent a number of years working with Social Care.
Rebecca Harper is a dedicated professional whose career spans both education and social care, driven by a passion for ensuring that every child has access to high-quality educational opportunities. She strongly believes that education is the key to enabling children and young people to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, empowering them to reach their full potential.
With a deep understanding of the complexities of the modern classroom, Rebecca works collaboratively with schools, families, and wider support networks to identify and remove barriers to learning. She is committed to creating inclusive environments where all learners can succeed, regardless of their individual challenges or circumstances.
Rebecca is particularly motivated by supporting children and young people to develop aspirations for their future. She finds great fulfilment in helping them build confidence, achieve their goals, and recognise their own potential. Through a compassionate, child-centred approach, she strives to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and achieve positive outcomes for the future.
Sarah joined LAAT in 2026 and has over 13 years’ experience as an Education Welfare Officer across Secondary and Local Authority settings.
Prior to joining LAAT, Sarah was an Aspiring Leader for Attendance, working closely with senior leaders to develop strategies, analyse attendance data and drive improvements for pupil outcomes.
In her current role, Sarah supports schools across the Trust with attendance through working collaboratively with parents, carers and pupils to identify barriers to attendance and ensure that pupils and families receive the right support at the right time.
Leanne Holmes, BA ACA – Finance and Operations Director, LAAT. 21 years post qualification experience across a wide range of sectors and a proven track record of delivering transformation in the finance function.
Gained chartered accountancy qualifications with Streets Chartered Accountants, where areas of work covered included both internal and external audit, statutory accounts preparation and taxation.
Before joining LAAT, Leanne worked as Trust Financial Controller at The Orders of St John Care Trust, a leading national care operator and registered charity, with a turnover of c£130m and c4500 employees. Responsible for a finance team of 40, overseeing all transactional and group accounting functions.
Joined LAAT in May 2015, initially when the Trust comprised of 5 schools. Since her appointment, has overseen the conversion of a further 15 schools. Responsible for overseeing back office support functions across the Trust including Finance, HR, Estates, Health and Safety and ICT.
Linda joined LAAT in March 2023 with a wealth of experience from all three sectors: public, private and charity.
Prior to joining LAAT, Linda worked as Group Financial Controller at UK Addiction Treatment Group, a leading private rehabilitation provider and was a key member of the senior strategic management team with the accountability of finance reporting and functionality.
Linda’s current role at LAAT is responsible to oversee all transactional and trust accounting.
Alex joined LAAT in March 2020. Prior to this Alex worked as a finance assistant at Spalding Parish CofE Day School for 3 years before the school joined the LAAT. Alex has worked in various roles for the Trust’s central finance team and currently works as a Finance Business Partner providing direct support for schools. Alex is a MAAT qualified Accountant.
I started working in Education in 2012 and joined the LAAT in 2014 when Canon Peter Hall CE Primary School became part of the Trust.
I have worked across various schools, in which, I have had vast experience working with senior leaders, administration and site teams.
I have recently transitioned to the central team, as a Finance Business Partner. I am now supporting various schools on financial management and maintaining a sound financial position, putting pupils at the heart of decision making.
My career in finance started almost 30 years ago when given an exciting opportunity to take my career in a different path from my original chosen one in hospitality.
I have held varying roles, all within Management Accounts teams. Each organisation I have worked in has being very different. Most recently I was Management Accountant for a large charitable organisation. Providing care and support for adults with learning disabilities to live independent lives. My team supported 3 subsidiary companies within the group with everything from processing journals to the year-end audit process.
Building relationships has been essential in my role as I have often had to be able to explain finance information to people without a financial background.
Charlotte has worked in various financial and operational roles for the past 20 years, in various sectors including Accountancy practice and the Marine industry. Most recently Charlotte has been a School Business Manager for a Single Academy Trust. Within this role Charlotte gained valuable knowledge and experience of Academy finance having overseen all financial management from planning and reporting to auditing.
Charlotte joined LAAT in January 2025 as Assistant Accountant and is excited to apply her knowledge to a larger Trust organisation and is keen to continue to grow and develop her skill set.
I have worked in Finance for 7 years, between the Motor Trade and the Education sector. I am currently studying to become AAT qualified; I am looking forward to progressing both with my qualifications and career with LAAT. I support all of our schools as well as our Central Team with all the day-to-day finance functions and queries.
Cheryl joins the LAAT with over 20 years’ experience of working in schools in both the private and state sector with roles in administration and finance.
Her most recent role as a Finance Assistant in a Primary School Academy has given Cheryl valuable knowledge and experience of Academy financial procedures and operations and Cheryl is looking forward to developing her skills within the Trust’s Financial Team whilst supporting the wider family of the Trusts schools.
I have a background in finance within the private sector, and am now building my career in LAAT whilst also working towards AAT qualification.
I’m committed to developing my skills and progressing within the industry. My role see’s me handle the day-the-day finance functions.
I’m looking forward to growing professionally and contributing to LAAT’s success.
Sophie has spent a large proportion of her working career in the NHS, supporting third sector organisations to provide support and activities to people with mental health issues, through the provision of investments.
Sophie has always had a keen interest in finance and has taken the leap to begin her studies in this field. Sophie is looking forward to developing her skills within the Trust’s Financial Team and contributing to LAAT’s overall success.
Rachel has been with the LAAT since 2014. She transitioned to the Central Team within the Trust in 2020, as a Business and Operations Partner prior to securing her position as Business and Operations Manager, playing a pivotal role in shaping the operational direction of the trust and ensuring its efficient functioning.
Through her previous positions, Rachel gained a deep understanding of the inner workings of educational institutions, including the challenges and opportunities they face.
With a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, Rachel is dedicated to supporting schools within the Trust to enhance the opportunities for all students. Additionally, she is committed to fostering the professional growth and development of staff members, striving to help them reach their full potential.
Rachel’s current responsibilities involve various central support functions across the Trust. This includes managing aspects such as school administration and office support, Health & Safety and ICT. Playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of essential support services that contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of the schools within the LAAT.
I started working in education in 2013 and joined Whaplode CofE Primary School in 2014. In 2017 I joined the LAAT when I started working across both Weston St Mary and Whaplode CofE Primary Schools. I am now Operations Business Partner across seven trust schools but enjoy collaboratively working across all of the schools within our trust.
Prior to working in education, I worked for a national charity initially in finance and then as a Contracts Manager.
I joined the LAAT in January 2022, and was based at Spalding Parish Church of England Day School. I have over 20 years’ school business management experience working in primary schools for a Lincolnshire Local Authority school and, more recently, a small MAT in Peterborough.
Before joining the education sector I worked for 14 years in the Ministry of Defence in finance, HR, planning and procurement roles.
Pam was a School Business Manager at a Lincolnshire primary school for 8 years before moving into an Academy Operations Manager role in a large secondary school. Pam also has previous experience as a Financial Advisor and Operations Manager with a large insurance company. She has the SBM qualification as well as Leadership and Management qualifications and a wealth of education specific and Health and Safety CPD. Pam is an experienced school governor and will bring a wealth of knowledge in both primary and secondary school operational management to the Trust.
Jo joined LAAT in September 2022 and moved into the role of Health & Safety Business Partners in January 2024. Prior to this she was a Business and Operations Partner responsible for Coningsby St. Michaels and Tattershall Holy Trinity Primary Schools.
Prior to joining the LAAT Jo worked for a global Fast Moving Consumer Goods corporation. Gaining over 30 years’ experience of facility management, environmental, health and safety; quality and food safety and leading the development and development of capital investment projects.
Julian joined LAAT in March 2021 as Property Surveyor, after 15 years working for The Orders of St John Care Trust. With over 35 years of Property Maintenance experience Julian is looking forward to bringing some in-house Property expertise to the Trust, and to working with all the schools on all aspects of the Property Maintenance and Refurbishment.
I started working for LAAT as a Site Manager in 2014 when The Magdalen C of E and Methodist Primary school joined the Trust. I joined The Magdalen in 2008 as a Part Time Caretaker eventually becoming a Full Time Site Manager in 2010. I then progressed to become an Area Site Manager when Friskney All Saints C of E Primary School joined the Trust over seeing both sites.
On 1st September 2023 I joined the Central Team as The Senior Area Site Manager to work alongside the Estates Manager Julian Coles. I’m really excited about my new role and looking forward to working closely with the other schools within the Trust and their Site Teams.
After leaving school I qualified as a Carpenter and Joiner and for 15 years worked within various sectors plying my trade. I am also into my 22nd year serving as an on-call Fire Fighter at Wainfleet Fire Station. Both roles have provided me with vast experiences that have given me the tools I need to enable me to progress in my roles and career within the schools.
Laura joined the LAAT in April 2016 to work within HR. Laura is now Head of HR for the Trust and a Chartered member of the CIPD.
Laura has over 15 years’ experience in local government HR, Recruitment and payroll. Over this time Laura has developed an understanding of the sector and has knowledge and expertise to really support our schools grow and develop. She works closely with trade unions to ensure that our HR processes and policies are in place to support our employees as well meet our business needs. With a keen focus on wellbeing, Laura is passionate about providing our employees with a safe, nurturing and supportive working environment.
Nicola joined the LAAT in April 2022 to work within HR. Nicola is the Senior Colleague Services Business partner for the Trust and is qualified as an associate for CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management.
Nicola has over 12 years’ experience in HR, coaching and leadership. Over this time Nicola has advised, coached, and guided leaders to enhance their practical application of people functions, from succession plans to disciplinary, grievance and trade union negotiations.
Nicola is passionate about people and the HR strategies that unify business ambitions with winning people processes. She has a keen focus on health and wellbeing providing a great place to work for all our employees.
Nicola enjoys sharing her knowledge of employment law and HR best practice, and helping to steer improvement in colleagues, people processes and performance across the Trust.
Kerry joined LAAT in February 2025 and is CIPD Level 5 qualified in Human Resource Management. Kerry has over 8 years experience working in HR, 5 of which are within the education sector meaning she has the skills and knowledge to manage and provide support on a wealth of HR processes, whilst remaining inline with the educational legislation such as KCSIE and Teachers Pay and Conditions.
Kerry is passionate about HR whilst being driven by the core values and beliefs that every person deserves to work in a fair, supportive and inclusive workplace.
Krissy joined the LAAT in April 2025 to work within the Colleague Services team as a Business Partner.
Krissy has a broad range of operational experience working within HR, and a strong background in employee relations. Krissy brings a wealth of experience to the trust, having spent over 10 years working within HR, seven of which were within the HR Business Partnering team at Nottingham Trent University.
Krissy is people focused and is committed to supporting a positive working environment for all colleagues, upholding standards of equity and respect.
Claire comes to us with over 4 years’ experience in recruitment administration in a commercial but highly regulated environment. She has held responsibility for overseeing and administering all recruitment, personnel files and payroll information for a large business. Claire has taken on coaching and training roles in the area of recruitment, leading out a change to people management software. Claire also has experience of supporting HR casework so will bring some well needed additional capacity to support our proactive approach to colleague management.
Mel joins LAAT, after working as a HR Administrator for a large and regulated medical devices consultancy, where she worked for 6 years. Her work involved recruitment, managing onboarding, contractual guidance, managing training and being the first line of advice and support for policy and process and processing queries. She has experience of recruitment, compliance checks, implementing a recruitment tracking system and proactive absence management. Mel brings further strength to a strong Colleague Services Team, along with a sense of humour.
Kasi joined LAAT in 2025 with over eight years of experience in HR operations, employee relations, and recruitment. Having supported a global organisation, she brings strong organisational skills, a confidential and compassionate approach, and a proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
She is CIPD qualified and a Mental Health First Aider, committed to promoting wellbeing and fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture.
Kim joined the LAAT in September 2022 and works within the Central Team as the Administrator.
She brings with her a wealth of experience gained from 24 years in the Military. During this time Kim had numerous roles in the UK and overseas ranging from personnel administration to supporting the delivery of community support.
She enjoys utilising her skills to provide administrative support to the central team and LAAT schools.
