Leadership & Management

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.

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.

Lindsay is a qualified SENCo who has been teaching for 16 years. She has experience of EYFS, KS1 and KS2. She is qualified in Safety Intervention trainer (CPI) and is a Trauma & Mental Health Informed Practitioner (TISUK). Lindsay is extremely passionate about supporting children with SEMH needs. Lindsay leads the Edison nurture provision which supports children at risk of exclusion from schools across Plymouth.

Carolyn has worked at Langley Infant School, and the Southernway Federation (Oakwood and Beechwood Primary Schools).  She joined the MAT in 2016 in her current role when the Southernway Federation formed Discovery MAT with Weston Mill.  She has worked as a School Business Manager for 19 years and Chief Finance Office for 7 years.  As Chief Finance Officer, Carolyn has operational responsibility for all financial aspects of the 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 HR Lead provides HR services to all of our academies.

Sammy spent 6 years working within school settings carrying out various administrative roles. She has experience in finance, HR and recruitment.

Sammy joined Discovery MAT in May 2021 as a Business Support Officer, providing support to the Chief Finance Officer and HR Lead with the financial and HR operations.

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.

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.