Murray Leach - Head of IT

Murray joined the Trust in September 2023 as a Business Analyst, before moving into the role of Head of IT in December 2023.  

 He has extensive experience in the corporate sector, and prior to this spent a decade working for managed service providers in diverse roles, including End User Computing Consultancy, Cloud Solutions Architecture and Enterprise Architecture. 

 Since joining the Trust, he has driven significant improvements in operational efficiency, security, and educational outcomes by implementing a robust IT infrastructure and streamlining support services. He has minimized downtime and allowed staff to focus on delivering high-quality education. His efforts to enhance cybersecurity and ensure compliance have safeguarded sensitive data, while strategic budgeting has optimized resource allocation, enabling cost savings across the trust. 

 This academic year he will take the lead on achieving the Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditations for the trust, the introduction of a centralised digital asset management record to facilitate compliant device lifecycle management and work with key stakeholders at our 4 secondary schools to design and cost a solution for providing technology to secondary school students. 

David May - Head of Innovation

With over 15 years of experience in education, including more than a decade as a senior leader, he has a proven track record in school improvement and innovation. He played a key role in the transformation of St Michael’s, leading a complete rebrand that was recognised in its CSI judgement in July 2024 as a ‘Catholic Cultural Renaissance’. 

 Since joining the Trust Central Team, David has led the rollout of SharePoint and new digital tools across schools, improving collaboration, efficiency, and pupil engagement. He has also championed the use of technology to enhance learning, presenting on the main stage at BETT in a previous role, to share insights on how digital innovation can drive school improvement and enrich teaching and learning. 

 As Head of Innovation, David’s priorities for this academic year include expanding the use of SharePoint to children across the Trust, further developing the Trust’s approach to Catholic Life and Mission, and implementing a comprehensive stakeholder voice process. His work is focused on ensuring innovation—whether digital, cultural, or strategic—directly serves pupils, staff, and communities, supporting the Trust’s mission to help all schools flourish. 

Rebecca Nightingale - Head of Data & Insights

With over 20 years’ experience in data and analytics, she moved into education around seven years ago after a career working on high-profile government contracts including Passports, VOSA, TfL and the DVLA. This gave her deep expertise in managing large datasets, ensuring GDPR compliance and delivering multi-level data analysis. 

 Since joining the Trust in 2024, Becky has led the successful transition to a single MIS and developed robust reporting systems to support senior leaders and schools. Her background in social services and education has also given her valuable experience in safeguarding, statutory returns, performance tracking and exam management. 

 As Head of Data and Insights, Becky is focused on using high-quality data to inform decision-making across the Trust—providing clear, timely analysis that strengthens school improvement and enhances outcomes for children. 

Victoria Del Giudice - Head of Governance

Vic’s career spans both public and private sectors, with a proven record of delivering governance excellence and supporting organisational growth. As a Regional Lead for the National Governance Association, Vic advised multi-academy trusts and proposer groups on effective structures, compliance and strategic decision-making. She has successfully supported MAT formations, mergers and DfE funding applications, ensuring alignment with national policy and regulatory requirements. 

 Vic has also served as a Chair within a multi-academy trust, leading trustee recruitment, policy development and strategic governance that contributed to successful Ofsted inspections and the embedding of high standards. 

 As Head of Governance at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, Vic is focused on strengthening governance frameworks, driving policy implementation and enhancing oversight—ensuring the Trust’s mission and growth are underpinned by robust, high-quality governance. 

Helen Kirkley - Acting Head of HR

Helen joined the Trust in November 2024 as HR Business Partner and, more recently has been appointed as Acting Head of HR. 

 Helen has over 20 years’ experience within the education sector at both middle and senior management level and holds Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). 

Prior to joining the Trust, Helen was HR Manager in a large catholic sixth form college before moving to the role of Head of HR at an Independent Training Provider. 

 Helen is committed to ensuring the development and provision of a highly effective, efficient and consistent HR service to all stakeholders alongside contributing to strategic planning to ensure the best educational outcomes for children and young people.