Chris Horridge - Regional Performance Officer

Chris has worked in Catholic Education since 2002 and has over 20 years’ leadership experience. Before joining the performance team at St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust in June 2024, he was a Primary Headteacher. Under his leadership, the school secured both CSI and Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ judgements in 2023.

Chris completed the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) in 2025 and continues to serve as a Catholic Schools Inspector (CSI). He also leads the Trust’s Professional Learning Networks, supporting collaboration, professional development and the sharing of effective practice across schools.

Over the past seven years, Chris has worked with PTI (formerly The Prince’s Teaching Institute), including working alongside its leadership group. Through this work, he has supported the development of high-quality, subject-specific professional development, working with universities, research hubs and expert speakers to develop bespoke training for groups of schools.

Jennifer Almond - Regional Improvement Officer Secondary

Jeni is an experienced education professional with almost 20 years of experience working across a range of roles within the education sector. Her career has included teaching, school business management, middle and senior leadership – including Headship, governance and school improvement, giving her a broad understanding of both the educational and operational aspects of school leadership.

Jennifer currently works as a Regional Improvement Officer, supporting schools with school improvement, self-evaluation, strategic planning and leadership development. She has worked with schools across a variety of contexts and phases, helping leaders to strengthen provision and improve outcomes for pupils.

Jennifer completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in 2019 and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) in 2025. She also holds Chartered Teacher (Leadership) Status and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT). In addition, she is a Fellow of the Economics, Business and Enterprise Association (FEBEA), reflecting her commitment to professional learning and educational excellence.

Alongside her professional responsibilities, Jennifer serves as a Foundation Governor at both a primary school and a secondary school, contributing to strategic governance and school development. She is also a local representative for the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), supporting and representing school leaders within the profession.

Jennifer is passionate about improving educational opportunities for young people and supporting schools to achieve sustainable improvement through strong leadership, effective governance and high-quality provision.

Jo Davies - Trust Attendance Lead

Jo began her career in secondary education in 2004, developing extensive experience in attendance, behaviour, pastoral support and school improvement. In 2012, she joined Bury Local Authority as an Education Welfare Officer, further strengthening her expertise in attendance, safeguarding and working with children, young people and families to remove barriers to education.

Returning to secondary education, Jo worked as a Family Liaison Officer and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, developing extensive experience of safeguarding, child protection, family support and effective multi-agency partnership working.

Jo joined the Trust in 2023 as Attendance Lead and became Head of Safeguarding and Attendance in 2026. She brings extensive knowledge and experience across safeguarding and attendance, providing strategic leadership, support, challenge and assurance to schools. Jo is committed to working collaboratively with school leaders and partners to ensure every child is safe, seen and supported to attend, achieve and thrive.