Our Team
Meet our Trust central team:
CEO - James Roach
James has extensive experience in education, working in Watford schools since 2001. His previous roles include two primary headships in Hertfordshire where he demonstrated a track record of rapid school improvement. He led the academisation of Laurance Haines in November 2016 and set up the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, which includes a further two schools – Beechfield and Cherry Tree. James is a keen advocate for disadvantaged children and established the Trust in order to ensure children in the most disadvantaged areas of Watford are given the same life chances as their peers throughout Hertfordshire. James recently worked as a Hertfordshire Improvement Partner where he was part of a team monitoring and supporting primary schools across Hertfordshire. James has vast experience of MAT and school governance. He currently sits on various boards outside of the Trust at member, trustee and governor level. James’ passion for curriculum development with a family-centred, nurturing approach to learning is central to the Trust ethos. His role is one of overall strategic leadership and accountability for the schools in the Trust. James supports operationally in schools on a day to day basis, with much of his focus providing coaching and mentoring for Headteachers, school leaders, governors and staff at all levels.
COO - Sharon Carlyon
Sharon is a nationally recognised School Business Leader with 15 years’ experience in the education sector with a strong demonstrable track record in all aspects of business operations. She has completed the suite of School Business Leadership qualifications including Level 6 and recently completed Level 7’s in Strategic Leadership and the Certificate in Financial Reporting for Academies. She is a fellow of the Institute of School Business Leaders and a member of their National Advisory Board demonstrating national leadership within the profession. In 2019, she was part of the School Resources Management Advisor pilot for the Department for Education supporting schools on strategic financial planning and financial efficiency. She also works as a business consultant supporting schools across Hertfordshire and the Southeast. Part of this role involves mentoring, coaching and teaching, aspiring and new business leaders. She has also worked with headteachers to broaden their understanding of the Business leader’s role. Sharon currently manages all business aspects of the Trust and will be able to offer sound support and advice on all business matters to schools within the Trust. Sharon was awarded NASBM School Business Manager of the year in 2015 and more recently the ISBL CEO Award for Exceptional Contribution to school leadership.
SEND Lead - Elisabeth Butler
Elisabeth has been working in primary schools since 1998 when she qualified as a primary school teacher. She has been a class teacher of all groups from Year 1 to Year 6. She has been a senior leader since September 2004 and has held several leadership roles including Key Stage 2 Leader, SENDCo and Deputy Head. Elisabeth has over 15 years of experience of being a SENDCo and has held this role in 4 different primary schools. She has a breadth of experience and knowledge with supporting children and their families with a range of needs and backgrounds. Elisabeth holds the OCR Level 5 qualification in teaching and assessing learners with specific learning difficulties in addition to her degree and PGCE. She believes in lifting the cloud of limitation for all children and having high expectations for all. She has a strong working knowledge of a range of interventions and provisions which are proven to bring rapid progress and improvement.
Finance Manager - Sarah Hamilton
Sarah joined the Trust in March 2020 following over ten years' experience in the not-for-profit sector. As Trust Finance Manager, Sarah works in conjunction with the School Business Officers to provide support and guidance with budget setting, management, and payroll. Sarah prepares consolidated management accounts for the board of Trustees and manages the statutory audit. The central finance team supports schools within the Trust with day-to-day finances including purchase ordering, invoice processing and payment.
Finance Administrator - Donna Tucker
Donna joined the Trust team in Sept 2017 and is jointly responsible, alongside Sarah Webb, for the day-to-day financial processing for the schools and Trust. She works in collaboration with the School Administrators. Donna also works as an Administration Assistant at Laurance Haines School.
Finance Administrator - Sarah Webb
Sarah joined the Trust in July 2019 and is jointly responsible, alongside Donna Tucker, for the day-to-day financial processing for the schools and Trust. She works closely with the School Administrators. She has a background in banking.
Business Administrator - Katy Silverton
Katy joined the Trust in February 2023. Her role is to assist the Trust Leadership and Finance teams as well as supporting the school administrative staff in areas including marketing and digital media. Katy’s administrative experience spans the education, arts and public sectors.