Celebrating Career Development

Alex Leung, Regional Network Manager

After working in my family business for a few years, I decided that I wanted to get back working in IT. As I had no experience working in the IT industry, I decided to look into apprenticeship as this would allow me to gain experience but also further develop my skills from college.

After starting my apprenticeship with ATT, I quickly picked up the role and was fortunate that ATT offered me a role as an ICT Technician after 7 months. I continued to develop my skills and worked closely alongside the previous Network Manager. When he retired, I was given the opportunity to progress further with my career and was successful in securing the role of Network Manager. Within 2 and a half years, I have been given many opportunities and support from colleagues at ATT, which have helped me progress from an apprentice to a Network Manager.

Joe Westwood- Assistant Principal, Jubilee Academy

Charley Minter- Principal, Beck Row Primary Academy

In 2014, fresh out of my GTP and fueled by the enthusiasm that comes with being a Newly Qualified Teacher, I joined Ravens Academy. I remember my first day vividly, as if it were yesterday—this was predominately filled with nerves having been trained as a secondary school teacher.
The first term was a whirlwind. I was assigned a Year 3-4 class, full of curious, lively students who both inspired me and tested my resilience daily. My mentor at Ravens, Mrs. Rendall, was an experienced teacher who believed deeply in the importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). She was the first to tell me, “Teaching is one part skill and two parts growth. Don’t ever let your learning stop.”

“Teaching is one part skill and two parts growth. Don’t ever let your learning stop.”

Heeding her advice, I enrolled in CPD almost immediately. My first was a behaviour management course (Essex Steps) tailored for primary school teachers, which became my saving grace in the early days. I learned strategies to manage a classroom, creating a positive environment while setting firm expectations. With each CPD session and course, I felt myself becoming more confident in my abilities. By the end of that first year, I saw tangible growth—not just in my students but within myself.

“I saw tangible growth—not just in my students but within myself.”

In September 2019, I was appointed as Vice Principal. Unfortunately, in October 2019 our school was placed into special measures. With a swift change in leadership, and extra support put into place from the Trust the school quickly started to change. And then Covid happened. Working in a school with a very high deprived percentage (70%), the school continued to stay open to the vulnerable children with a high amount of staff with the rest being taught online. This allowed for many training opportunities such as a credited voice training, restorative justice, and de-escalation training.

In January 2023, I stepped up as the Principal. This was my chance to really step into the position and continue to drive the school forward in the direction of a GOOD Ofsted. By February 2024, as a team we had succeeded and we had received our Good judgment and the special measures title was removed.

Then, in Autumn 2024, I made the transition over to Beck Row Primary to become their new principal. Beck Row had a different character, a new set of challenges, and an environment that could benefit from the leadership experience I had gained over the past few years. It was difficult to leave Ravens, but I knew that, with every CPD opportunity, every community, every mentor’s advice and every role I’d embraced along the way, I was ready for this new chapter.

Natasha Styche-Hocknull, Project Systems Accountant for ATT

I started my ATT journey five years ago as a Finance Administrator for Pool Hayes Academy, shortly after graduating from University. Not long after starting, I was given the opportunity to complete the ACCA Level 7 Accountancy and Taxation Professional qualification. The qualification, alongside practical experience and lots of support from my fellow colleagues, helped to enhance my skills and expertise in the accountancy field. I have now progressed to the role of Project Systems Accountant for ATT. This varied role means that I get to work with a range of teams across the trust and gain invaluable knowledge from many departments!

Naomi Brown, Trust Executive Primary Principal

Brett Jones- Assistant Principal, Sutton Community Academy

From the exhilarating moments of sporting triumphs in my youth, early adulthood and the start of my working career, both in the UK and abroad, to my current role as Assistant Principal at ATT, my career journey has been nothing short of transformative. Each step has been laden with opportunities that have allowed me to not only develop professionally but also contribute to the broader educational landscape. My experiences have shaped me into a leader who is fiercely dedicated to nurturing talent, creating diverse curriculums, ensuring attendance is at the heart of opportunity and fostering a thriving school culture.

“My career journey has been nothing short of transformative”

Upon joining the incredible team at Sutton Community Academy, I was presented with the remarkable opportunity to mould the PE curriculum in a way I believed worked for our community. This experience was more than just a job; it was a privilege that has instilled in me a strong sense of ownership and responsibility within the ATT community. The access to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and mentoring has been invaluable, equipping me with the skills needed to guide not only our students but also my colleagues towards excellence. The journey did not stop there; the progression opportunities were forthcoming. Programs like the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and the Lead Practitioner Accreditation have empowered me to expand my horizons further, whilst becoming a Fellow and NPQ facilitator for the trust is a testament to not only personal growth but also the trust’s commitment to its staff.

Moreover, the most enriching CPD experience I have encountered is the Aspirant Leaders Programme. This initiative provided me with insights into effective leadership and the tools necessary to inspire others, heightening my confidence in leading teams and fostering positive change. Each workshop, mentoring session, and discussion opened doors to new ideas and perspectives, solidifying my belief that strong leadership is not just about authority but about empathy, understanding, and the desire to uplift those around you.

Transitioning into the role of Assistant Principal at ATT further broadened my horizons and solidified my purpose within the educational community. In this new position, I gained invaluable experience in managing key areas such as attendance, admissions, and alternative provision, all of which are crucial in ensuring every student has access to an inclusive educational experience. The focus on community involvement has been profound; I’ve had the opportunity to engage directly with local families, understanding their challenges and aspirations. This connection has placed me squarely on the leadership pathway, inspiring me to champion initiatives that support all students, regardless of their background or situation.

“The unwavering support from the ATT community throughout my journey is a reflection of a culture built on collaboration and growth”

The unwavering support from the ATT community throughout my journey is a reflection of a culture built on collaboration and growth. As I continue to evolve as a leader, I am reminded that my success is intricately linked to the opportunities granted to me by ATT. I stand poised to take on new challenges, further developing our future leaders and continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Together, we can shape brighter futures for our students and the community we serve—a mission that drives me forward every day.

Amy Staniforth- Vice Principal, Iceni Secondary Academy

My journey at ATT started as an ECT (or NQT as it was, then!), at Iceni Academy. The academy was new to the ATT family, and the development both the academy and the Trust have afforded me in the years since have allowed me to develop both pedagogically as a teacher and as a leader, too. I have always waxed lyrical about the opportunities available in our Trust, and know that I am in the position I am today thanks to the challenge, support and training made available to all ATT colleagues.

Access to nationally accredited courses, such as the SSAT Lead Practitioner accreditation and the NPQSL, helped frame my practice in the context of the best research and ideas, from not only Trust experts but sector leaders too. Co-facilitating the NPQLT on behalf of the Trust also allowed me to experience what it was like to contribute to the development of other colleagues.

“Access to nationally accredited courses helped frame my practice in the context of the best research and ideas”

Jumping for secondment opportunities within the academy allowed me to see what different roles would be like, and gave me the confidence to apply for my first senior leadership role – Assistant Principal at Iceni Academy. I also gained valuable experience of system leadership, with a secondment to the fantastic ATT Institute team as Research Lead. This role allowed me to work collegiately with academies across our family, learning from their best practice and contributing to the development journey of a range of our academies.

“A brilliant leadership coach has allowed me to continue to grow, in my 12th year with our Trust”

One of the career development opportunities I was afforded most recently was a place on the Aspirant System Leaders Development Pathway. What an experience this was! It was rigorous and hard; exciting and scary; I loved every second and grew my leadership skills exponentially. To have the opportunity to complete a ‘ColourWorks’ profile, take part in a fantastic residential course filled with opportunities to learn, and to have access to a brilliant leadership coach has allowed me to continue to grow, in my 12th year with our Trust.

Nicola Hood, Trust Executive Secondary Principal

On completing my BEd Hons I became a teacher in 2002 and started my career at a small upper school teaching PE and History. Whilst in post I completed my NQT year and also a course called ‘Leading from the Middle’. In 2004 I joined Mildenhall College of Technology as Head of Girls PE teaching PE and Leisure and Tourism, having a tutor group and leading a number of sports teams. Over the years I was given many opportunities to broaden my experience and in 2009 I was appointed Assistant Principal quickly facing my first Ofsted inspection as a leader. After this inspection as a leadership team we agreed that we should look for a Trust to help us improve our provision so that we could aim for outstanding at our next inspection. After many presentations we decided to join ATT. As a senior leader at the newly named Mildenhall College Academy which, as a result of SOR, was now an 11-18 years provision I was soon provided a range of training and collaborative working opportunities including training to become an Ofsted Inspector.

ATT allowed us to keep our unique academy identity whilst having access to ideas and training from colleagues working centrally and in other academies. As Assistant Principal I was given the opportunity to deliver training across the Trust sharing my learning from Ofsted which then developed into helping other academies in the Trust prepare for their inspections. As a result of my training and development and the opportunity to experience senior leadership at MCA in a range of roles including personal development, behaviour, SEND, teaching & learning and curriculum I was then asked to support other academies more formally as part of my role at the same time being successfully appointed to the role of Vice Principal at MCA.

I did this until I was appointed Head of Academy in 2018 leading the academy through another successful inspection. Through the increasing range of collaborative opportunities for Trust wide working I was able to further develop my thinking and skills helping me to be successful in my application for the role of Principal of MCA in 2019. This was an eventful period where the traditional way of working was tested as a result of the pandemic and the need to support staff, students and communities required a different approach. This was a time where the benefits of belonging to ATT really came to the fore and all elements of the Trust became integral to the successful running of the academy. This really brought the Trust community together and made it a family.

“ATTI has a really progressive approach enabling staff to shape the offer at the same time accessing training and qualifications led by world leaders in education”

Fast forward to 2024 and I am now a Trust Executive Principal using my experience to support 5 Principals in leading their secondary academies. My role requires me to draw upon my experience across all aspects of academy life working with other colleagues across the Trust to ensure the best possible outcomes for our learners. I see my role as developing the knowledge and skills of other leaders as they seek to improve their academies through a strong rounded educational provision. The work we do in schools is very much about the opportunities we provide for our learners and their achievements. However, the staff who make this possible are key and so important to this success. I am so proud of how our Trust has developed its approach to people development with staff at the heart of it and the ATTI has a really progressive approach enabling staff to shape the offer at the same time accessing training and qualifications led by world leaders in education.

“ATT’s approach is what has enabled me to develop as a person, a successful leader”

They say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and this is the approach I believe ATT takes in its work to provide an outstanding education for its learners. I feel that this same approach is what has enabled me to develop as a person, a successful leader and hopefully now I can share this with current and future leaders so that they too can continue to develop and achieve personal and professional success.