SHIRELAND COLLEGIATE ACADEMY TRUST - Key Persons
Aled Ballard is Chief Operating Officer for Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, taking on the role in January 2023. With a wealth of experience and expertise in data, IT, and infrastructure management, Aled plays an instrumental role in supporting the Trust's mission and vision.
Aled's impressive career history includes serving as the Chief Technology Officer, Assistant Principal, Trust Director of Design and Senior Teacher of Design. He is a national STEM award winner and achieved the first national "Design Mark" awarded by the D&T Association for quality of education and provision of Design at Shireland Collegiate Academy.
Aled has a Bachelor of Science degree in Design and Engineering with Qualified Teacher Status from Bangor University. Currently, he is pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Birmingham.
Aled's primary responsibilities involve data management, PowerBI, IT infrastructure and estates management. He believes that technology plays a pivotal role in reducing workload, improving efficiency and helping students achieve excellent progress. With a focus on harnessing the Internet of Things, Aled aims to create a smart campus that enhances the educational experience for all our students and staff.
When he is not working, Aled loves watching Liverpool FC, developing his property business, and playing golf.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Shireland Biomedical UTC
Andrea joined Shireland Biomedical UTC in September 2023.
Andrea brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Principal Designate of Shireland CBSO Academy
- Principal of Shireland CBSO Academy
David Green is the Principal Designate of Shireland CBSO Academy and has been working on the development of the school for almost a year.
David brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served as the Deputy Secondary School Improvement Director for the Trust and Vice Principal, Assistant Principal and Head of Mathematics at Shireland Collegiate Academy, during which time students' progress in Mathematics was in the top 3% nationally.
David's passion for education stems from his own experiences with inspiring teachers, and his desire to provide opportunities for all students. He finds the ever-changing nature of teaching to be rewarding and takes pride in seeing his current and former students achieve success.
As a school leader, David strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for students, staff and families. He believes in setting high expectations, but also providing high levels of support to help everyone achieve their potential. He also believes in engaging with families and community groups to ensure that the school is fully integrated into the local area.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Chief Strategy Officer for the Trust
Hasnain Panjwani is Chief Strategy Officer for the Trust. With a PhD in Physics and Qualified Teacher Status alongside his experience in industry as a management consultant, he has a strong background in education and business and brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Hasnain moved from his Operations Manager to his current role in February 2023 and also teaches A Level Physics at Shireland Collegiate Academy Sixth Form one day per week.
As the Governance Lead, Hasnain ensures that our Trust is held to account on its decisions and actions and that resources are allocated efficiently to maximise the impact on both students and staff. In the strategy side of his role, Hasnain works with others to develop an effective and consistent operating model and structures to enable the organisation to deliver for both staff and students with the necessary support to progress.
Outside of work, Hasnain enjoys spending time with his family, raising two young daughters. He also contributes to the development of the local cultural and religious community, facilitating events and teaching at Sunday school. Hasnain also enjoys playing badminton, tennis and golf in his spare time.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust Board
Job Titles:
- Director of Secondary Education and Principal of West Bromwich Collegiate Academy
George Faux is the Principal of West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, Secondary Director at Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust and Director of Shireland Learning Limited. George started as Principal Designate at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy in September 2018, becoming Principal when the Academy opened in September 2019.
George's previous roles include Senior Vice Principal, Vice Principal, and Assistant Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy. He was also the Chief Operating Officer of Shireland Learning Limited and a Managing Director at a consultancy company. Prior to that, he worked as an MIS/Development Officer, External Projects officer, and Administrator at Shireland Collegiate Academy.
George's key career achievements to date include successfully bidding to open several free schools, including the new Shireland CBSO Academy. He also successfully converted a University Technical College to provision for 11-16-year-olds in preparation for joining the Trust in 2022. He has achieved multiple outstanding Ofsted ratings in his previous roles, embedded the Literacy for Life curriculum in schools, and achieved a +0.53 Progress 8 score as Deputy in his last position. He has presented at the Association of School and College Leaders and Whole Education conferences and wrote an application resulting in a 100k National Finalist Pupil Premium Award.
George holds a PGCE from the University of Nottingham and an LLB (Hons) from the University of Birmingham. He was inspired to become an educator because he believes education has the power to solve the problems of society and raise people up.
At West Bromwich Collegiate Academy, George strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff, and families. The Academy welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds, and there is a rich mix of cultures and religions. The Academy has an excellent reputation for supporting students with SEND with a classroom-first methodology, allowing them to flourish with their peers.
In his free time, George enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and playing board games.
Job Titles:
- Chief Finance Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
Jodie Taylor is the Chief Financial Officer of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, having started in this role in February 2023. Prior to this, she served as a Financial Planning and Analysis Director. Jodie brings a wealth of experience to the role, having achieved several key career milestones throughout her professional journey.
One of Jodie's most significant achievements was leading the global restructure of Banking International at FIS, where she standardised forecast and budget processes. Her efforts led to a significant improvement in the timeliness of management information, resulting in a reduction of five working days on a monthly basis. Jodie also developed and implemented a cost reduction programme, amounting to $7 million.
Jodie is qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having passed her exams with flying colours in 2009. She believes that finance underpins any decision-making process and helps enable agility, which is essential as our Trust continues to grow. With her accurate data delivered in a timely manner, Jodie is an essential contributor to the Trust's overall mission and vision.
When she's not working, Jodie enjoys spending time with her family; her two children keep her on her toes! Jodie also enjoys running whenever she can and travelling (usually anywhere hot!)
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Members and Trustees Team
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing
- Marketing Director
- Marketing and Communications Director
Kris Griffin is the Marketing and Communications Director at Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, having joined in January 2023. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Kris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Previously, Kris served as an executive leader in a large secondary academy in the West Midlands for 10 years.
Throughout his career, Kris has delivered results across various sectors, including education, third sector, military, Premier League football, and many TV licenses, including Doctor Who and The Prisoner. He is equally efficient working internationally, with government departments or with a local audience. He is a published writer, video blogger, presenter, school Governor, charity trustee, experienced patient advocate, and a dedicated marketing and social media practitioner. Kris has worked with US newsrooms that include CNN, Fox News and CBC, and received a commendation from US security agencies for his research work following 9/11.
Kris supported two of the ‘Trojan Horse' schools in Birmingham for two years and was part of the team who brought both schools out of special measures and into an Ofsted good category. He also worked at director level on the senior leadership team at Ormiston Forge Academy, a secondary school in Sandwell, where he supported the business, leadership, and marketing needs of other schools. Kris enjoys coaching and developing leaders, solving recruitment problems, and supporting crisis communications. He can draw on his diverse expertise to shape emerging issues within education and has travelled extensively speaking at conferences and events about the power of social media and communicating effectively.
With a heavy presence in the Black Country, Kris is looking forward to contributing to the Shireland way of providing education to thousands of our pupils.
Outside of work, Kris enjoys spending time with his family, reading biographies, and watching Norwich City FC. He is a proud husband and dad who values family life and loves gardening.
Job Titles:
- Director at Shireland Technology Primary School
- Director of Primary Education and Principal of Shireland Technology Primary
Lady Kirsty Grundy is the Principal and Primary Director at Shireland Technology Primary School. She started in this role in May 2016, having previously worked as a Teaching School Director, Assistant Principal, and Shireland Learning Manager at Shireland Collegiate Academy.
Throughout her career, Lady Kirsty Grundy has achieved many notable accomplishments, including planning, building, and then opening Shireland Technology Primary school in the middle of a pandemic. She has also supported two schools and a nursery to achieve a good rating with outstanding features from Ofsted, been named in the 2018 EdTech50 list of influential people and projects in the UK EdTech world and advised the Department for Education on workload reduction using technology.
Lady Kirsty Grundy's passion for education stems from her own school experiences. She believes that every child and adult has the potential for greatness, and it is up to educators to unlock it. Her goal is to bring the belief to pupils, families, and staff that their schools can be the best in the world, providing world-class technology-enabled educational opportunities that exceed their expectations.
At Shireland Technology Primary, Lady Kirsty Grundy strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff, and families. She fosters a school community that inspires, supports, cares, is tolerant, and works together. The school has three key behaviours they expect each person to have and share with others: a positive outlook, always striving to improve, and professional pride.
When she is not teaching, Lady Kirsty Grundy enjoys cooking, gardening and music.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Wallbrook Primary Academy
Lorna McGregor, Principal of Wallbrook Primary Academy, has worked in education for many years and has a breadth of experience across both primary and secondary schools within the West Midlands. She holds a BA in Special Needs & Inclusion Studies from Wolverhampton University.
She joined Wallbrook in September 2021 and became Principal in September 2022. Prior to her role at Wallbrook, she was the Vice Principal at Tameside Primary Academy, also part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust. Lorna has led on many areas within education including, special educational needs, inclusion, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, personal development and mental health.
Lorna's key accomplishment has been making an impact on improving the outcomes and life chances of children throughout their educational journey, helping and guiding them to identify how great they are and what they can accomplish! Her passion for education stems from having lots of memorable experiences through her own educational journey, wanting to contribute to society and being an advocate for children.
Lorna is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff and families. She listens to the needs of the community that Wallbrook serves and is prepared to support in every way she can to bring about improvement and impact, whilst supporting the development of the children. Wallbrook provides great educational opportunities through its comprehensive curriculum, providing an enriched learning experience that can be remembered.
Wallbrook Primary Academy is a community hub for families and often their first port of call for support. Lorna believes that the school can make a positive difference in every child's life by meeting their needs in the best possible way.
When Lorna is not at the Academy, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and learning and experiencing new things, whether that be through reading, cooking exotic dishes or travelling.
Job Titles:
- HR Director
- Human Resources Director
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel
Melanie Adams has been Human Resources Director at Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since February 2008. In addition to her main role, she is also responsible for staff wellbeing and the Trust People Strategy. Melanie's previous role was Strategic Human Resources Manager for Education and Children's Services.
Throughout her career, Melanie has made several significant achievements, including being a member of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Senior Leadership Team during two outstanding Ofsted inspections. Additionally, when DBS checks were launched, she led a program to undertake DBS checks for everyone employed in schools across the whole local authority, with the BBC broadcasting live from their office to cover the story. Melanie has also built a successful traded HR service that provides advice and support to 40 schools outside of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust.
Melanie is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and an accredited trainer for Safer Recruitment in Education.
Melanie believes that her role contributes to the overall mission and vision of the Trust by leading the People Strategy. This strategy ensures that the Trust is an employer of choice, with a culture, policies, and procedures that set high expectations, provide a stimulating and rewarding environment for its people, and give a competitive advantage for the Trust.
When she is not working, Melanie follows Leicester Tigers Rugby Club as a season ticket holder and enjoys walking her two dogs. She also has a passion for travel and has a long list of places she wants to visit.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust Board
Job Titles:
- Principal of Tameside Primary Academy
Mitchel Hill is the Principal of Tameside Primary Academy. With over two decades of experience in the education sector, Mitchell has established himself as a passionate educator who strives to provide a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff, and families.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Tameside Primary Academy
Mitchell's journey in education began as a student himself. Inspired by his own teachers and parents, he went on to pursue a degree in Sports Science followed by a PGCE in Primary Education from the University of Wolverhampton. His passion for imparting knowledge and unlocking the potential of children from disadvantaged backgrounds led him to take up various roles in schools across the region, including Deputy Head Teacher, Advanced Skills Teacher and Local Authority Maths Consultant.
Mitchell is proud of leading Tameside to achieve a good rating with outstanding features in its first Ofsted inspection as an Academy, turning things around from the school's rating as inadequate and special measures when he joined five years previously.
At Tameside Primary Academy, Mitchell leads by example. As well as his role of Principal, he is also the school's lead for mental health and wellbeing, behaviour, personal development, British values and PSHE. He strives to create a positive climate that promotes achievement for all students, regardless of their background. The Academy prides itself on its morals and ethics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusivity, celebrating the differences that make each child unique. The curriculum is designed to support all children, and staff members embrace different faiths and cultures from the community.
Outside of teaching, Mitchell enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and participating in various sports.
Job Titles:
- Director of Professional Development and Principal of Shireland Collegiate Academy
Moira joined Shireland Collegiate Academy in November 2023.
Moira brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in leading schools to the role.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Holyhead Primary Academy
Natalie Shipley is the Principal of Holyhead Primary Academy, having taken up the role in September 2022. Prior to this, she was the Vice Principal and Executive Leader at another school. Natalie has a BSc in Biology with Qualified Teacher Status from Newman University and a National Professional Qualification for Headship from Wolverhampton University.
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Natalie plays an important role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students at the school. She is also an advanced DSL across the Trust, highlighting her commitment to safeguarding.
Natalie was inspired to become an educator because of her passion for supporting the next generation both academically and personally. She finds satisfaction in the rewards that come with her job, as every day is different and rich with new learning, challenges and exploration. She is proud of the impact that educators can have on children's lives.
Natalie strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for pupils, staff and families. She does this by promoting collaboration, diversity, high expectations, positive interactions and behaviour. Her focus is on impacting each child's self-confidence, motivation and belief in achieving their full potential.
When she's not teaching, Natalie enjoys being a mother to her amazing daughters, travelling, swimming, walking her dogs and keeping up to date with educational research.
Job Titles:
- Acting Principal of Thorns Collegiate Academy
Nikki Jones has worked in education for 30 years. She has been an assistant principal and teaching school director at Shireland Collegiate Academy and previously worked for Worcestershire local authority as Assistant Director of Education.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Lightwoods Primary Academy
Rob Matthews is the Principal of Lightwoods Primary Academy, where he started in January 2021. With over 20 years of experience in education, Rob has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to offer his school community.
Rob's career in education started after completing a Law and Economics degree, when he followed in the footsteps of his parents and became a teacher. He completed his PGCE in 3-11 teaching at Goldsmith's College, University of London, and has since obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Effective Learning from the Institute for Education and an MBA with distinction from Warwick University.
As Principal, Rob has taken on additional responsibilities as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that the school is a safe and secure environment for all pupils. He has also previously held the position of Headteacher in two other schools, where he achieved great success. At Ravensdale, where he was for six years, the school secured two good Ofsted ratings, and Hearsall moved from requires improvement when he joined to good one month after he left.
Rob is passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff, and families. The school's core value of "warmth" is a testament to his belief in creating a welcoming and caring atmosphere for all. He believes in putting the needs of the children at the centre of everything the school does.
Outside of work, Rob enjoys playing several sports, including hockey and squash. He regularly coaches hockey with his daughter and likes to tinker with computers.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust Board
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- COO
Sir Mark Grundy has been the CEO of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust since 2007, after previously serving as the Principal of Shireland Collegiate Academy, the Trust's founding school. He has also held the position of Executive Principal at both Shireland Collegiate Academy and George Salter Collegiate Academy.
Sir Mark has had a distinguished career in education and has been recognised with several prestigious awards and achievements. His career has included serving as an advisor to the West Midlands Regional Schools Commissioner from 2012 to 2022, and being knighted in 2006 for his contributions to education and technology. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in 2022. Sir Mark gained his Masters qualification from Loughborough University.
Sir Mark was inspired to become an educator because he wants students to have the best possible educational experiences. He strives to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for students, staff and families by valuing everyone and pushing for the very best - he believes that nothing less than outstanding is acceptable.
When he's not at the Trust, Sir Mark enjoys collecting memorabilia and watching sports.