Leadership & Management
At Discovery Multi Academy Trust we have a dedicated Central Team who manage the distribution of resources and lead the organisation of the Trust on a daily basis, working together will all staff to implement the Trust’s strategic vision.
Alison was born and raised in Plymouth, and has a background in business and finance, having worked in international banking prior to a career in teaching.
After moving back to Plymouth to start a family, Alison trained as a teacher, with a specialism in Early Years and Maths and began working at Calstock school. During this time, she completed her NPQH (Headship training) and five years later was appointed as a non-teaching Deputy at North Prospect Community Primary School. Alison took up her headship Weston Mill after two years and moved the school forward in many areas, but in particular on standards.
Alison has trained as an Ofsted Inspector (Primary and Early Years) and continues to work in partnership with organisations across the Southwest. She holds directorships in two other organisations.
As the Trust leader of Discovery Multi Academy Trust, Alison works with the Board of Trustees, parents and other agencies to support its leadership in improving outcomes and opportunities for all the Trust’s children.
Ben is an accomplished finance professional with extensive experience across multiple sectors. Joining us in September 2024 as the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at Discovery Multi-Academy Trust, Ben brings expertise in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and business process optimization.
Before this role, he spent over 12 years at Michelmores, where he held positions such as Business Finance Manager and Business & Contract Manager. At Michelmores, he transformed financial performance, achieved consistent double-digit growth, and provided strategic guidance on cash flow, budgeting, and financial modeling. His leadership contributed to improved profitability and operational efficiency, particularly in the Private Client department.
Earlier in his career, Ben honed his financial skills in roles ranging from Head of Credit Control to finance trainee positions. His breadth of experience, paired with his ability to drive financial performance, makes him a dynamic and forward-thinking financial leader.
Ben’s journey from a professional footballer at Forest Green Rovers to a leading finance executive underscores his adaptability and drive. Now, with a focus on education and community impact, he continues to excel in his financial leadership role, supporting the growth and success of the Discovery Multi-Academy Trust.
Kelly has over 20 years of experience in administration with 10 years supporting in school settings. She joined Weston Mill in 2016 providing support to the finance and personnel operations of the Trust. Since then, Kelly has become CIPD qualified and as the Trust’s Head of People provides HR services to all of our academies.
Louise has been teaching for over twenty years. She has experience of teaching across the primary age range, from Nursery to Year 6, and has also held a variety of subject and leadership roles throughout her teaching career to date.
Supporting teacher development is a particular passion of Louise’s, including mentoring trainee teachers, providing support to Early Career Teachers and working with staff across the Trust to support teaching and learning. Louise has recently completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) which further supports this role.
Louise has recently been appointed as the Trust’s Director of Education and is committed to supporting each of the Trust’s schools to achieve the best outcomes for students spiritually, morally, socially and academically.
Lucy has a background in health and safety management across varying roles in varying industries. These include care management and operations within a large hospitality organisation.
Lucy has a keen interest in health and safety generally and is passionate about ensuring the safety of all pupils and staff teams across the Trust. Lucy holds an IOSH qualification and is currently studying to obtain her NEBOSH qualification to further support her in her position.
Willam has a background in Business and Finance across a variety of industries, including Property Management. He moved to the area after living in Dorset for over 16 years, and joined Discovery MAT in 2023.
In his role, William works with the CEO, Trust HR Lead and Chief Financial Officer to support them in day-to-day departmental functions of the Central team and across the Trust as a whole. In his free time, William is an avid musician and plays in a variety of ensembles and bands on both euphonium and tuba.
Ilia started his ICT career in 2011 and has worked in various roles in this area. Ilia joined Discovery MAT in August 2021 as an ICT Support Technician and started playing a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the school’s ICT infrastructure and supporting both staff and students in their educational pursuits at the Beechwood, Oakwood and Weston Mill sites.
Louise has 8 years of teaching experience in both mainstream and specialist provisions, with curriculum leadership responsibilities across the primary and secondary phases.
Louise‘s passion for inclusion is demonstrated through her academic achievements; a Masters in Special Education Needs and Inclusion, and her current pursuit of doctoral studies to further contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of inclusive education.
In her capacity as Trust Inclusion Lead, Louise is dedicated to supporting the inclusion priorities of the Trust, conducting research, and developing Trust-wide initiatives. She also provides support to colleagues across the schools within the Trust and leads our Edison provision.