Senior Strategic Leadership Team (ID 1306)

• Sharon Burt
  Chief Executive Officer
  Sharon Burt

  I wholeheartedly understand the importance of every child feeling safe and happy to come to school. At Solent Academies Trust we proudly place pupils and their families at the heart of all decision making, and our senior leaders facilitate high performing teams to be innovative, courageous, forward thinking, and ambitious for our community, and beyond.

  I am passionate about driving high standards in education to achieve the very best outcomes for young people, and I have greatly enjoyed every minute of my 25 years teaching and leading in a broad range of specialist and mainstream settings.

  Our executive team and I are unwavering in our expectations for high quality leadership and governance, strong partnerships, effective change management, innovative project developments, and coherent business functions which enable our trust to grow and thrive with capacity and integrity.

  Together we promote entrepreneurial challenge and innovation to impact widely on our self-improving school led system, improve equality of opportunity and increase social mobility for all our community. Current projects include establishing a city wide Inclusive Employability Hub, expansion of specialist provision including holistic therapies and services, and extending opportunities for training and employment for young people with complex needs and disabilities.

  I have been a Specialist Leader in Education since 2012 (Leadership and Management, SEND and Safeguarding), and place a high importance on using enquiry led learning as the flywheel to accelerating improvement in the classroom.

  My experience spans a broad range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities including Autism, speech, language and communication difficulties, complex learning/ medical needs and social, emotional and mental health needs. Specialist expertise also includes sensory integration approaches, attachment awareness and use of PACE.

  Qualifications:

  • Senior Leader Master's Degree MBA, dual accredited with the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership Diploma
  • National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership Programme undertaken 2018 - 2020
  • PGCE specialism in English
  • BSc (Hons) Social Policy & Criminal Justice

• Sam Galloway
  Chief Finance & Operating Officer
  Sam Galloway

  I entered the education sector nearly 20 years ago, with a passion to make a difference. I have worked in a variety of roles within the sector, including working for Hampshire County Council supporting Schools, Nurseries and Children Centres with strategic management and have worked within other Academy Trusts.

  Working in Academies has allowed me to use my creative business flare to maximise income to benefit children and young people. I have a commitment to make effective use of public money and create efficiencies to increase funding available to invest in Teaching and Learning and use my experience to ensure the infrastructure is fit for purpose and an excellent environment to learn. Further, I see my role is to relieve Senior Leaders in schools of the burden of business compliance to release their time to concentrate on the children and education.

  Being part of Solent Academies Trust enthuses me and its Vision and Values aligns with my core beliefs, that every child, regardless of background, regardless of skills and interests, should be given every chance to succeed and to work with a team that strives to achieve these values is inspiring.

• Faye Watton-Lawrence
  Executive Principal
  Faye Watton-Lawrence

  A little about myself

  I have been working in special education for the majority of my career, initially in London and now in my home city of Portsmouth. Having joined Solent Academies Trust in January 2018, I have had the privilege of working across Redwood Park Academy, Mary Rose Academy and Dove House Academy. More recently, I have also expanded my role trust wide as the Solent Academies Trust lead for Safeguarding & Child Protection; a particular area of professional interest for me. This has afforded me limitless opportunities to enhance and extend outstanding provision for young people with a very broad range of additional needs, from Moderate Learning Difficulties through to young people with the most Profound Medical and Learning needs. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism in Education in 2015, with a focus on innovative strategies for supporting self-regulation in children with Autism. My focus is, and always will be, on supporting our pupils and their families to achieve the happiest, most independent and fulfilling futures possible. In line with this, I am passionate about ensuring that our children and their families receive an equitable offer. I am committed to working closely with a broad range of external partners from Social Care, Health and the wider community in pursuit of disability and SEND advocacy.

  Hobbies and interests

  I am married and live in Southsea with two young daughters. Having left London for a life by the seaside, I enjoy long walks and days out at the beach with my family. I am a keen baker and love sharing my cooking with family and friends - as well as the staff and children across Solent Academies Trust!

  What excites me about my role

  It is my absolute privilege to work alongside the pupils, families and staff across our Trust. What a joy to work in an environment where no day is ever the same and where having fun and making a meaningful contribution is central to everything that we do. The team at Solent Academies Trust is a superb example of how hard work, determination, creativity and nurture combine to make something very special. Together we ensure that every child is given the best opportunity to shine possible - no one could ask for more.

• Louise Quaid
  Executive Principal
  Louise Quaid

  I grew up in Portsmouth and after graduating from university I went off to work as an outdoor activities instructor in beautiful Dorset. I found that working with young people was a really rewarding experience and I decided that a career in teaching was my vocation. Subsequently I qualified as a science teacher and my journey has taken me from a mainstream classroom in an inner city boy's school, to leadership roles in schools for pupils with SEND. I gain the greatest job satisfaction when I know that my work contributes to ensuring that children are reaching their full potential.

  I love the outdoors, walking, cycling, kayaking or swimming and sometimes running. Reading is my escape and I have far too many books.

  I am passionate in my belief that all children and young people should have the very best opportunities through education. As Executive Principal I am privileged to work with committed staff that are dedicated to ensuring that the pupils are happy and successful, that they learn through exciting and creative activities.

• Nicola Payne
  Executive Principal
  Nicola Payne

  I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Principal at Cliffdale Primary Academy. I am committed to providing an outstanding and personalised education to every child, whilst ensuring all our children feel safe and happy. I am passionate that every child has amazing opportunities and experiences, helping them to develop their skills and broaden their horizons.

  I have been a primary teacher for over 20 years and have specialised in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for more than half of that time. Before I came to Cliffdale, I was a mainstream Deputy Headteacher and SENCO, in charge of SEND in two large schools. I am also a Specialist Leader of Education and have provided outreach support to many schools in Hampshire and Portsmouth

  Hobbies and interests:

  As a mum of two children with SEND, I don't have a lot of time for hobbies! I do love to walk by the beach and cycle around Southsea. I also really enjoy being able to relax in my garden with a good book. I know it can be very isolating and challenging parenting children with complex needs, so I am dedicated to supporting our families and providing a caring community. I am very grateful to work and learn in such a fun and supportive school.

  What excites you about your role:

  Every year brings new challenges and fun. I love getting to know all the children at the school, working out what they enjoy, the best way to communicate with them and make them laugh! I am so grateful to work with such an expert and caring staff who work so hard for the children. It is a joy to continue learning with them and help them develop their knowledge and skills. I am very lucky to have an opportunity to get to know so many wonderful families. I love the supportive atmosphere at Cliffdale's coffee mornings - it's definitely good therapy for me!

• Dr Kelly Woodford-Richens
  Director of Development & Research
  Dr Kelly Woodford-Richens

  I am the Director of a SCITT: a role that I absolutely love. I had an amazing ten years of teaching science and acting as Lead Practitioner for Teaching and Learning across my school, but the opportunity to create a positive ripple effect by training teachers has been incredible. I am passionate about combining my two loves of research and education, and am author of Using Cognitive Science in the Classroom. Training teachers both within my cohorts of trainees but more widely nationally and locally is a privilege. Teachers have the most important job in the world- you get to change lives and I am honoured to be in this profession.

• Jarlath O'Brien
  Director of School Improvement
  Jarlath O'Brien

  I originally trained as a science teacher and taught physics in a comprehensive school before making the move to special education. I am an experienced former special school headteacher, executive headteacher and regional director and have worked in and with a wide range of different specialist settings. At Solent Academies Trust I support all of our schools to be the best they can be for the children, their families and communities and the staff that serve them. I am privileged to be able to work with such dedicated colleagues and to spend time in classes with your wonderful children.

  Qualifications

  I have a first class honours degree in physics, a PGCE specialising in secondary science, the National Professional Qualification for Headship and a postgraduate certificate in public administration.

• Sarah Robb
  Executive Lead for People and Culture
  Sarah Robb

• Clodagh Chambers
  Personal Assistant to the CEO
  Clodagh Chambers

• Jessica Watt
  Assistant PA
  Jessica Watt

Strategic Education Team (ID 1307)

• Sharon Burt
  Chief Executive Officer
  Sharon Burt

  I wholeheartedly understand the importance of every child feeling safe and happy to come to school. At Solent Academies Trust we proudly place pupils and their families at the heart of all decision making, and our senior leaders facilitate high performing teams to be innovative, courageous, forward thinking, and ambitious for our community, and beyond.

  I am passionate about driving high standards in education to achieve the very best outcomes for young people, and I have greatly enjoyed every minute of my 25 years teaching and leading in a broad range of specialist and mainstream settings.

  Our executive team and I are unwavering in our expectations for high quality leadership and governance, strong partnerships, effective change management, innovative project developments, and coherent business functions which enable our trust to grow and thrive with capacity and integrity.

  Together we promote entrepreneurial challenge and innovation to impact widely on our self-improving school led system, improve equality of opportunity and increase social mobility for all our community. Current projects include establishing a city wide Inclusive Employability Hub, expansion of specialist provision including holistic therapies and services, and extending opportunities for training and employment for young people with complex needs and disabilities.

  I have been a Specialist Leader in Education since 2012 (Leadership and Management, SEND and Safeguarding), and place a high importance on using enquiry led learning as the flywheel to accelerating improvement in the classroom.

  My experience spans a broad range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities including Autism, speech, language and communication difficulties, complex learning/ medical needs and social, emotional and mental health needs. Specialist expertise also includes sensory integration approaches, attachment awareness and use of PACE.

  Qualifications:

  • Senior Leader Master's Degree MBA, dual accredited with the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership Diploma
  • National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership Programme undertaken 2018 - 2020
  • PGCE specialism in English
  • BSc (Hons) Social Policy & Criminal Justice

• Faye Watton-Lawrence
  Executive Principal
  Faye Watton-Lawrence

  A little about myself

  I have been working in special education for the majority of my career, initially in London and now in my home city of Portsmouth. Having joined Solent Academies Trust in January 2018, I have had the privilege of working across Redwood Park Academy, Mary Rose Academy and Dove House Academy. More recently, I have also expanded my role trust wide as the Solent Academies Trust lead for Safeguarding & Child Protection; a particular area of professional interest for me. This has afforded me limitless opportunities to enhance and extend outstanding provision for young people with a very broad range of additional needs, from Moderate Learning Difficulties through to young people with the most Profound Medical and Learning needs. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Autism in Education in 2015, with a focus on innovative strategies for supporting self-regulation in children with Autism. My focus is, and always will be, on supporting our pupils and their families to achieve the happiest, most independent and fulfilling futures possible. In line with this, I am passionate about ensuring that our children and their families receive an equitable offer. I am committed to working closely with a broad range of external partners from Social Care, Health and the wider community in pursuit of disability and SEND advocacy.

  Hobbies and interests

  I am married and live in Southsea with two young daughters. Having left London for a life by the seaside, I enjoy long walks and days out at the beach with my family. I am a keen baker and love sharing my cooking with family and friends - as well as the staff and children across Solent Academies Trust!

  What excites me about my role

  It is my absolute privilege to work alongside the pupils, families and staff across our Trust. What a joy to work in an environment where no day is ever the same and where having fun and making a meaningful contribution is central to everything that we do. The team at Solent Academies Trust is a superb example of how hard work, determination, creativity and nurture combine to make something very special. Together we ensure that every child is given the best opportunity to shine possible - no one could ask for more.

• Louise Quaid
  Executive Principal
  Louise Quaid

  I grew up in Portsmouth and after graduating from university I went off to work as an outdoor activities instructor in beautiful Dorset. I found that working with young people was a really rewarding experience and I decided that a career in teaching was my vocation. Subsequently I qualified as a science teacher and my journey has taken me from a mainstream classroom in an inner city boy's school, to leadership roles in schools for pupils with SEND. I gain the greatest job satisfaction when I know that my work contributes to ensuring that children are reaching their full potential.

  I love the outdoors, walking, cycling, kayaking or swimming and sometimes running. Reading is my escape and I have far too many books.

  I am passionate in my belief that all children and young people should have the very best opportunities through education. As Executive Principal I am privileged to work with committed staff that are dedicated to ensuring that the pupils are happy and successful, that they learn through exciting and creative activities.

• Nicola Payne
  Principal
  Nicola Payne

  I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Principal at Cliffdale Primary Academy. I am committed to providing an outstanding and personalised education to every child, whilst ensuring all our children feel safe and happy. I am passionate that every child has amazing opportunities and experiences, helping them to develop their skills and broaden their horizons.

  I have been a primary teacher for over 20 years and have specialised in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for more than half of that time. Before I came to Cliffdale, I was a mainstream Deputy Headteacher and SENCO, in charge of SEND in two large schools. I am also a Specialist Leader of Education and have provided outreach support to many schools in Hampshire and Portsmouth

  Hobbies and interests:

  As a mum of two children with SEND, I don't have a lot of time for hobbies! I do love to walk by the beach and cycle around Southsea. I also really enjoy being able to relax in my garden with a good book. I know it can be very isolating and challenging parenting children with complex needs, so I am dedicated to supporting our families and providing a caring community. I am very grateful to work and learn in such a fun and supportive school.

  What excites you about your role:

  Every year brings new challenges and fun. I love getting to know all the children at the school, working out what they enjoy, the best way to communicate with them and make them laugh! I am so grateful to work with such an expert and caring staff who work so hard for the children. It is a joy to continue learning with them and help them develop their knowledge and skills. I am very lucky to have an opportunity to get to know so many wonderful families. I love the supportive atmosphere at Cliffdale's coffee mornings - it's definitely good therapy for me!

• Maarit Eben-Aimine
  Principal
  Maarit Eben-Aimine

• Kelly Richens
  Director of Development & Research
  Kelly Richens

• Jarlath O'Brien
  Director of School Improvement
  Jarlath O'Brien

  I originally trained as a science teacher and taught physics in a comprehensive school before making the move to special education. I am an experienced former special school headteacher, executive headteacher and regional director and have worked in and with a wide range of different specialist settings. At Solent Academies Trust I support all of our schools to be the best they can be for the children, their families and communities and the staff that serve them. I am privileged to be able to work with such dedicated colleagues and to spend time in classes with your wonderful children.

  Qualifications

  I have a first class honours degree in physics, a PGCE specialising in secondary science, the National Professional Qualification for Headship and a postgraduate certificate in public administration.

• Louisa Paston
  Principal
  Louisa Paston

  Every child deserves to feel safe, understood and happy when they come to school, this belief sits at the centre of everything I do. My leadership is rooted in warmth, honesty and high expectation, and I care deeply about building trusting relationships because when children feel truly seen and valued, they flourish.

  I will officially join Luminous Oak Academy as Principal in 2026, but I am beginning early work with Solent Academies Trust so that our school opens as a place that feels welcoming, nurturing and ready for our children and families. Luminous Oak is a rare and precious opportunity to build something life-changing for children whose lives hold both complexity and remarkable potential.

  Hobbies and interests:

  When the weather is right, I love paddle boarding. I also love gardening, reading, chatting with my family who live in great holiday destinations, and going for long walks with my boys and our dog, Rosie.

  What excites me about my role:

  My connection to Solent Academies Trust is both professional and personal. As a parent within the Trust, I have seen first-hand the compassion and creativity that drive its schools. I feel truly privileged to be able to join the trust as Principal of Luminous Oak Academy. With our staff and pupils, we will develop a place where nurture and ambition sit side by side a warm, calm and purposeful community. I am excited to build a school where children feel safe, celebrated and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence, and where families feel held, welcomed and genuinely understood".

  Qualifications

  • Thrive Licensed Practitioner
  • NPQH
  • PGCE (MFL)
  • MSc Sustainability (Distinction)
  • BA (Hons) French & Politics of Development

Academy Leaders (ID 1037)

• Kate Buckingham
  Head of School - Mary Rose Academy
  Kate Buckingham

  Having joined Mary Rose Academy in January 2023 as Vice-Principal I was very excited to start the new 2023-2024 academic year as Head of School! I have thoroughly enjoyed time at Mary Rose so far, and I am really looking forward to all the new adventures to come. I have spent my entire teaching career working in a special school setting, previously I was at a Special School in Southampton, where I worked for over 15 years having started as a Newly Qualified Teacher.

  It is an absolute privilege and joy to be a part of the journey our young people take and I thrive in celebrating each of those small steps of progress they make.

  Area of Interests

  My particular area of interest throughout my career has been Autism, gaining a Masters in Autism and being part of the first cohort of Advanced Practitioners for Attention Autism in the country. I am also passionate about research, particularly Action Research, and ensuring that we are always at the forefront of new and best practice and I am part of ACORNS, a research network based at the University of Southampton. I have delivered training Nationally and Locally and have had a research paper published in the European Journal of Special Needs Education.

  My big focus when working with any children and young people (and indeed adults!) is building relationships, through fun and creative shared experiences, so I am often seen covered in glitter, shaving foam or food colouring

• Hannah Davies
  Head of School - Littlegreen Academy
  Hannah Davies

  A little about myself

  Littlegreen Academy has played a significant part in my life for the over 16 years and in this time I have held many positions within the school. I am extremely proud to be Head of School at Littlegreen Academy. I love my job because I get to spend time with some of the most interesting and brilliant young people. I feel privileged to be just a small part of their lives.

  I strongly believe that the social and emotional development of all pupils is paramount and that learning can only happen when children feel safe and experience a positive and nurturing environment.

  Hobbies and Interests

  Time away from work is about finding pleasure in the little things in life. I have two children (Edward and Bella) and as a family we enjoy travelling, going on adventures and walking our dog Honey. We love being outside and active, and rarely sit still!

  What excites me about my role

  The team of staff at Littlegreen Academy are exceptional and we all work together to give the young people the best possible opportunities, experiences and skills needed to lead a successful and happy life.

• Maarit Eben-Aimine, Beth Arnold
  Principal - Dove House Academy
  Maarit Eben-Aimine, Beth Arnold

  A little about myself:

  I am humbled and overjoyed to have been appointed as Principal at Dove House Academy. As a former parent at the school myself, I have experienced first-hand the transformative power of this ambitious community. I am passionate about ensuring Quality First Teaching for all pupils, focusing on transferable skills which support a successful transition into adulthood. My focus is on encouraging young people to be comfortable with being their authentic selves and equipping them, through a meaningful, personalised education, to lead ‘gloriously ordinary lives' in which they are heard and represented and have choice and agency.

  I have worked in Special Education – as a teacher and a leader - for over 20 years. Before I came to Dove House, I was Deputy Headteacher of a large, diverse all-age special school for pupils with moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties. I have a particular interest in Autism and I am trained in Advanced PECS, Advanced TEACCH and as an AET trainer. I promote structures, routines and predictability as the foundation of a safe, regulating learning environment. As a secondary-trained English teacher, I am passionate about Literacy – decoding, Reading for Pleasure and digital literacy - and its power as the ultimate life skill. I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs / Inclusive Education. I embrace trauma-informed practice and respond to young people with a focus on relational and Restorative Practice.

  Hobbies and interests:

  I am married and have two children – a young adult and a teenager. In my spare time, I am an avid birder, with a particular interest in native British birds, and I love nature walks. I like to record and identify birds on my Merlin app! I am a passionate gardener and grow a range of vegetables (with a varying degree of success!), with chillies being my favourite. I enjoy fibre arts, especially crochet. I read a lot, particularly books about wildlife and different cultures. I am an enthusiastic baker, with ginger flapjacks as my signature bake, as I am sure my family, friends and colleagues would say!

  What excites me about my role:

  I am passionate about PfA, ‘Preparing for Adulthood', and feel privileged to be able to support and watch the pupils in my care grow into well-rounded young adults who have inner confidence, determination, dreams and aspirations. I enjoy building trusting relationships with families and external partners, working restoratively and problem-solving together to improve outcomes and life chances for young people.

  I am a curious lifelong learner myself and thrilled to collaborate with and learn from colleagues, who share my values and ethos, both at Dove House and across Solent Academies Trust.

  ,

• Beth Arnold
  Head of School - Cliffdale Primary Academy
  Beth Arnold

• Maria Thorne
  Head of School - Redwood Park Academy
  Maria Thorne

• Louisa Paston
  Principal
  Louisa Paston

  Every child deserves to feel safe, understood and happy when they come to school, this belief sits at the centre of everything I do. My leadership is rooted in warmth, honesty and high expectation, and I care deeply about building trusting relationships because when children feel truly seen and valued, they flourish.

  I will officially join Luminous Oak Academy as Principal in 2026, but I am beginning early work with Solent Academies Trust so that our school opens as a place that feels welcoming, nurturing and ready for our children and families. Luminous Oak is a rare and precious opportunity to build something life-changing for children whose lives hold both complexity and remarkable potential.

  Hobbies and interests:

  When the weather is right, I love paddle boarding. I also love gardening, reading, chatting with my family who live in great holiday destinations, and going for long walks with my boys and our dog, Rosie.

  What excites me about my role:

  My connection to Solent Academies Trust is both professional and personal. As a parent within the Trust, I have seen first-hand the compassion and creativity that drive its schools.I feel truly privileged to be able to join the trust as Principal of Luminous Oak Academy. With our staff and pupils, we will develop a place where nurture and ambition sit side by side a warm, calm and purposeful community. I am excited to build a school where children feel safe, celebrated and encouraged to grow in confidence and independence, and where families feel held, welcomed and genuinely understood".

  Qualifications

  Thrive Licensed Practitioner

  NPQH

  PGCE (MFL)

  MSc Sustainability (Distinction)

  BA (Hons) French & Politics of Development