Chair of Board of Directors Welcome
Welcome to the Trust
A very warm welcome to the Inspire Education Trust on behalf of the Board of Directors (trustees).
At Inspire Education Trust we set out to provide a first-class education across all of our schools, one which empowers our pupils to flourish, grow and achieve. The Covid pandemic clearly provided significant challenges for staff and pupils alike, but our schools did not carry the burden alone as they benefited from the support of a close-knit, well-run family of schools. This culture of collaboration and teamwork has enabled our schools to swiftly return to a semblance of normality and ensure that there is sustained support to help pupils re-adjust and catch up. It is testament to the hard work of our teachers and support staff that during the last year we have received excellent Ofsted outcomes at the two schools inspected, Blue Coat School and Walsgrave Academy, and all internal and external data indicate a strong educational performance across all schools
We are a very successful and well-run multi-academy trust, demonstrated by our ability to effectively translate our vision and strategy into pupil outcomes. The cornerstone of our success is our focus on employing and developing great teachers and leaders and prioritising staff well-being. We look positively to the future, and I am delighted that as a result of our growing reputation, we will be shortly welcoming at least two new schools into our family during this academic year, as well as commencing a collaboration with Coventry City council on the establishment of a SEND unit.
David Bermingham
Chair of Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Chair of Directors - David Bermingham
David has worked for over 35 years in the transport and logistics industry and has held senior leadership roles, Managing Director and CEO, within PLC, private equity backed and not for profit organisations. He has led several business turnarounds, managed large scale M&A integrations and has successfully developed businesses year on year. David is now focused on applying his experience in a more support and advisory capacity and brings with him extensive experience in strategic planning, commercial and change management. David has a Combined Honours degree from the University of Aston in Transport Planning & Operation and Political Studies and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) David is a member of the Board of Directors of the CILT and serves on their Audit, Risk and Finance committee and Nominations Committee. David is married with four grown-up daughters and his main leisure pursuits are archery and hill walking. David is Chairman of his local archery club and is a licensed archery coach. David is also a qualified Hill and Moorland walk leader.
Inspire Director - Sybil Hanson (DDE)
Sybil Hanson achieved a Mathematics degree from Manchester University and went on to have a teaching career from 1961 and came to Coventry in 1972 where she spent 25 years at Blue Coat CE School, initially as Head of Mathematics and then appointed Deputy Head in 1977. Sybil retired from teaching in 1997 and became a Diocesan Board of Education member as well as being involved within school governance since 1997 in a variety of settings. Sybil represents the DBE on both Coventry and Warwickshire School Forums, and also Chairs Coventry Schools Forum. She also represents the DBE as a co-opted member on Coventry City Council’s Education & Children’s Services Scrutiny Board 2. Sybil is a member of the Cathedral Community and regularly worships there.
Inspire Director - Mark Gore
Joined the Education Department of Warwickshire County Council as Head of Education Planning. In 2006 he was appointed to lead on Schools and Education within the new Directorate of Children and Young People, a post he held until his retirement from the County Council in December 2012. Was for a short time Interim Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire. Was for a number of years a Governor and Chair of Governors of a non-maintained special school for the deaf, and is currently a Trustee of a Youth and Community Centre in Rugby
Inspire Director - Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD) with a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management. As a HR professional, Lisa has a wealth of experience working in both the private and public sector and has held senior positions for Randstad, a global leader in HR services and recruitment. Lisa currently works in a HR position for a Russell Group University covering all aspects of operational HR and is a qualified Mediator. Lisa was a school governor for six years, prior to becoming a Director of Inspire Education Trust and is a mother to three children. She is passionate about helping to create a learning environment in which our children thrive and are able to reach their full potential.
Inspire Director - Jane Durkin
Before retiring as Head of Operations of a Multi Academy Trust, Jane had worked for 30 years in education leading teams and developing strategic direction. Throughout her career Jane was heavily involved with the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL) volunteering her services at a national level. Working with a variety of ISBL’s partners as part of focus groups, round table discussions she was instrumental in developing and promoting the role of school business management including developing professional standards and in partnership with CIPD a professional HR qualification specific to education. Jane was also a Director of Trust in Birmingham and chaired the Finance Committee as well as serving on ISBL’s Events Committee and Editorial Committee. Jane has a passion for young people and education and strongly believes that all children deserve the best education and opportunities available to them.
Inspire Director - Charlotte Marten
A graduate of the University of Birmingham, I also have a PGCE and an MA in Educational Leadership. I taught in secondary schools in England and Jersey, retiring in 2019 after thirteen years as Headteacher of Rugby High School. I have been a school governor for ten years and am currently the Chair of Governors at Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College in addition to serving on the boards of five charities. I strongly believe in the power of education to transform children’s lives. I am committed to ensuring that the children who attend our schools are enabled to flourish and grow into adults who are intent on making a positive contribution to society.