Matthew is an experienced leader in education who has been the headteacher of successful primary and secondary schools.  His first headship was of a primary school in North London which achieved an outstanding judgement from Ofsted.  He has also been the headteacher of an outstanding primary school in Westminster and he went on to be the executive principal at a secondary school in Hertfordshire.

Matthew holds a BA in French and History from Queen Mary, University of London where he later gained both an MA and a PhD in History.  He is a published author specialising in parliamentary history.  He has achieved the National Professional Qualification for Headship and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership.

Rachel has over 20 years’ experience in finance, human resources, and business management, including 14 years within the education sector supporting the effective operation and strategic delivery of schools.

She holds a BSc (Hons) in Human Resource Management and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Rachel also holds management and leadership qualifications with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), is trained as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

As Chief Operating Officer, Rachel provides Trust-wide operational leadership across human resources, health and safety, policy development, risk management, statutory reporting to the Department for Education, and oversight of land and buildings. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, she ensures that effective systems, and well-managed resources directly enable high-quality teaching, learning, and positive outcomes for pupils across the Trust. She also supports the Trust Finance Director with strategic financial planning, budgeting, and long-term financial sustainability. Rachel is an experienced senior leader in education and serves as a Trustee of a Multi Academy Trust.

Carole has worked in the finance department at Sir Harry Smith Community College since January 2010. She supported the College through its transition to a single-school Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in 2012, when she progressed to the role of Finance Manager, and later through its expansion to a three-school MAT in 2016.

In January 2025, Carole took on the role of Interim Finance Director, with the position becoming permanent in January 2026. Prior to joining the College, she worked in a variety of finance roles across industry, accountancy, and the charity sector.

Carole is AAT qualified and brings a strong background in finance and operations. She works closely with school leaders and trustees on budgeting, financial planning, and strategic oversight. Carole is passionate about ensuring that resources are used wisely, enabling schools to focus on what matters most: providing a positive, supportive learning environment for every child.

Joanne has worked in the Finance Department since August 2018, initially for Sir Harry Smith Community College and then for the Aspire Learning Trust. Prior to this, Joanne worked in the banking industry and has over 28 years’ experience, undertaking a number of roles primarily within current accounts and savings, and credit control.

Emmeline joined the trust in April 2022, having previously gained extensive experience in both banking and school financial administration.  Most recently she has worked for a large multi academy trust, assisting with a wide variety of finance functions. Prior to this, Emmeline has gained varied experience working in a both primary and secondary schools, building on her finance knowledge gained within the private sector.

Kelly joined Aspire Learning Trust in April 2022, having previously worked in local Government, gaining experience in financial administration and banking. Kelly has a diverse work background, having spent 12 years teaching and performing dance, within a variety of settings, to extensive work within the customer service industry.

Kirsty joined Aspire Learning Trust in January 2022, previously working within manufacturing specialising in supplying clothing and accessories to major UK retailers. Kirsty has excellent administration and organisation skills that help to support the Chief Operating Officer and Central Team.

Rachel joined Aspire Learning Trust in January 2026, supporting the central team with a range of administrative and financial processes. Previously working within the customer service industry, Rachel brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a methodical approach to her work, ensuring accuracy and efficiency across trust operations.

Laura has 20 years experience working in the education sector and became a qualified Clerk in 2012. Laura has worked with a range of schools and academy trusts across the country, both at board and local level. Laura's role is to oversee the compliance of the Trust's governance and procedural arrangements and manage all Companies House documents and correspondence.  Laura works closely with the CEO and chair of the trust in order to service and regulate all meetings. Laura is also a governor at a local primary school.