DUNSTONE EDUCATION TRUST - Key Persons
Andrew is a dedicated and experienced educational leader currently serving as the Interim CEO of Dunstone Education Trust and the Principal at Fulwood Academy. Under Andrew 's leadership, Fulwood Academy achieved a "Good" rating from Ofsted in June 2023, a testament to his commitment to academic excellence and student success.
With a robust background in educational management and a passion for fostering inclusive and high-quality learning environments, Andrew has been instrumental in driving significant improvements and positive outcomes in the schools he has led. Andrew's innovative approaches and strategic vision continue to inspire staff and students alike.
In his role as Interim CEO, Andrew is focused on promoting collaboration across the trust, developing a growth strategy to ensure that all academies benefit from shared best practices and resources. His dedication to educational excellence and proven track record make him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of education within the trust.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Commercial Sales Director
Becki Smith is the Commercial Sales Director for the direct business focused on Consumer. Becki leads the trading, channel sales and loyalty functions and digital marketing and experience teams.
Becki joined TalkTalk in January 2020 from N Brown Group Plc where she was Marketing and eCommerce Director, and previously led eCommerce and digital marketing for Boohoo Group.
Becki is an experienced mentor and coach; is currently a mentor on the 30% club, which is a global campaign led by Chairs and CEOs taking action to increase gender diversity at board and senior management levels.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Hon DBA, FCMA, FCT, FInstMgt, FCPFA
Dr Smith, a qualified accountant, now retired from executive work, is a former senior executive of multi-national businesses, including major food retailer Asda Group Plc and National Power Plc, the UK electricity generating company.
Dr Smith is a Higher Education specialist with over twenty years experience at governing board level. He is also chair of governors of the Milton Keynes Academy.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by De Montfort University in 2010 for his outstanding contribution to the development of the university and an MBE in 2016 for his services to business and the community of Milton Keynes.
A former chairman of Leicester City Football Club Plc, Dr Smith has held various positions in the sporting arena including chairmanship of youth and senior men's and ladies football clubs. He is a former member of LEAP, the Bucks County Sports Partnership and former chair of SEMLEP's Sport and Leisure Group.
In Milton Keynes he was chair of MK Business Leaders Partnership and the MK Business Council.
He was a non-executive director of Destination MK and MK City Orchestra, a former trustee of The Stables music theatre and is currently President Elect of the Rotary Club of Lytham.
A qualified Chartered Accountant, James' experience was born and developed in the Not for Profit Sector. James has experience of working with schools, as well as Local Authority's through his previous auditing roles. Most recently James has worked with Fulwood Academy as part of the Dunstone Education Trust ensuring financial compliance and service level value for money. James currently works as the Trust's Chief Finance Officer, ensuring that every financial decision impacts positively on students.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- People Director for the Technology & Security
Jen Madeley is People Director for the Technology & Security business units at TalkTalk. CIPD qualified, with a degree in Psychology and over 15 years commercial experience in HR and Talent. Jen is an experienced coach and passionate about organisational effectiveness ensuring businesses have the right talent, culture, and ways of working to succeed.
Joining TalkTalk in 2015 with responsibility for Talent Acquisition, she recognises the importance of embedding STEM skills from a young age. She brings a commitment to share this passion with the Academy and will use her experience and relationships with Technology & Security leaders to bring STEM to life for all pupils.
She lives in Formby with her husband, two children and dog. Most of their spare time is spent enjoying the outdoors and taking part in various sporting activities.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Chairman Trustees
Joan Dean has a long career in education. After attending Manchester University Joan started her career as a teacher in Oldham. Joan then became a deputy headteacher in Moss Side Manchester followed by her next role as the headteacher of a large primary school in central Manchester. Joan was appointed to Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools (HMI). In addition to inspecting schools in England - both primary and secondary - Joan led many inspections of British Forces schools in Cyprus and Germany. From Ofsted Joan was seconded to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister where she pursued her interest in schools in disadvantaged areas. As a result of this work Joan was appointed as a Director at the National College for School Leadership. More recently, Joan established a consultancy supporting local authorities and schools with school improvement strategies and leadership development. She has worked extensively in Manchester schools and has successfully run Manchester's Aspiring Leaders' programme. Joan is married with one daughter and one granddaughter.
Jon Nowell has extensive experience gained from a number of leadership roles and is Operations Director at TalkTalk Business. Throughout Jon's career he has worked on a number of initiatives in the education sector including leadership of an Education ISP and Building Schools for the Future. Jon previously spent five years as a school governor for a Primary in Cheshire and has significant financial leadership experience. As part of his remit at the Dunstone Education Trust he chairs the Resources committee. Jon lives in Cheshire and is married with two Children and in his spare time manages an U15 Football team.
Mike Snelson recently retired following more than 40 years as a professional working in education. His career included spells as a primary headteacher of two schools in the north-west; a School Improvement Adviser in Redcar and Cleveland; Ofsted team inspector; and Principal Adviser for Lancashire School Effectiveness Service. Most recently he has worked as an independent education consultant. Mike is married and lives in Lancashire. He has two sons (both teachers!) and four grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Member of Standards Committee
Tudor Griffiths has been a secondary headteacher for nearly 20 years. His first headship was in an inner-city 11-18 high school in Leeds. He is currently headteacher of Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield, an 11-16 comprehensive school with over 1600 pupils, where he has been in post since 2006. Since 2012 Tudor has been involved in school inspection work both as a lead and team inspector. He has also undertaken school improvement and educational consultancy work in both primary and secondary schools/academies for a number of local authorities and multi-academy trusts nationally. This has been centred on developing leadership capacity and raising standards. In his spare time Tudor is a national panel official for the Rugby Football Union.