Our Team

Sharon has served as CEO since November 2019. She is a distinguished educational leader, being a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators in the City of London. Her extensive experience in school leadership spans various contexts, demonstrating her adaptability and expertise.

Sharon's career includes executive headship roles and significant contributions to school improvement in the London Borough of Sutton. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving positive changes and elevating educational standards across multiple schools. Sharon's commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the educational landscape have made her a highly respected figure in the field.

Karen serves as the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), where she oversees all financial operations, ensuring the Trust's financial health and sustainability. With a strong background in financial management and strategic planning, Karen is instrumental in guiding the Trust’s financial strategy and operational effectiveness.

Karen brings over 20 years of experience in finance, having held senior roles in both the education sector and private industry. Her expertise includes budgeting, financial reporting, risk management, and financial compliance. She is renowned for her analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to develop robust financial systems that support organisational growth and stability.

In her role at Cirrus, Karen is responsible for the overall financial management of the Trust, including the preparation and oversight of budgets, financial planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. She works closely with the Trust's leadership team to provide financial insights and strategies that align with the Trust’s mission and long-term objectives.

Claire is the Head of Human Resources, bringing over a decade of experience in supporting schools with their strategic and operational HR needs. As a fellow of the CIPD, Claire is dedicated to fostering a positive and effective working environment within the Trust.

Claire's expertise spans a wide range of HR functions, including talent management, employee relations, performance management, and organisational development. She has a proven track record of implementing HR strategies that align with the Trust’s goals and promote a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

In her role, Claire oversees all aspects of human resources and communications, ensuring that the Trust attracts, develops, and retains top talent. She works closely with school leaders to address HR challenges, provide guidance on best practices, and support the professional growth of staff. Claire’s strategic approach and deep understanding of HR dynamics enable her to develop initiatives that enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency.

David Bennett is the Trust Operations Officer, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operational functions that support the Trust's mission and vision. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach, David ensures that all Trust premises run smoothly and efficiently.

David brings a wealth of experience to his role, having worked in various operational management positions across the education sector. His expertise includes facilities management, compliance, risk management, and project coordination. He is known for his exceptional organizational skills and his ability to implement effective systems and procedures that enhance operational efficiency.

At Cirrus, David is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for both staff and students. He works closely with school leaders and the central team to ensure that the Trust's resources are optimally utilised, and that all operational activities align with the strategic goals of the organization.

David's dedication to continuous improvement and his collaborative approach make him a valued member of the Trust's leadership team. He is passionate about supporting the educational mission of the Trust and is always looking for innovative ways to improve operational practices.

Lisa has worked as the Admissions Officer for Cirrus Primary Academy Trust since April 2018, previously working in the office at Stanley Park Infants' School dealing with admissions as part of her role. Lisa handles admissions enquiries for all trust schools and manages waiting lists for both nursery and school liasing with the Local Authority to offer places for school when available.

Lisa also provides data and administration support to trust staff.

Aneta has been with the Trust for over six years, working her way up from ground level to her current role as Trust Financial Controller. Aneta's passion for numbers and love for a good reconciliation has driven her to ensure the Trust’s financial health stays on track.

With experience across multiple areas of finance, Aneta is all about accurate reporting and keeping everything balanced. Whether it’s managing budgets or diving deep into financial details, Aneta dedicated to making sure everything adds up so the Trust can continue achieving its goals.

Katie serves as the Governance Officer at Cirrus where she ensures the effective governance and compliance of the Trust. Katie brings a decade of governance experience to the Trust, working in both corporate and schools’ governance roles. In her role at Cirrus she provides organisational and administrative support to the Trust Board, recruits and onboards trustees and governors, and delivers training.

Katie is currently studying to achieve the Chartered Governance Institute Company Secretary Qualification.