Specialist Leaders of Education & Trust Leads

Our Trust Leads work across the Trust to support schools by providing advice and training. They also have a monitoring role.   Our Specialist Leaders of Education (SLEs) are outstanding middle and senior leaders with a particular area of expertise and the skills to develop the leadership capacity of colleagues in similar positions in other schools. Find out about becoming an SLE here

Meet our SLEs

Find out about our current Trust Leads and Specialist Leaders of Education below.

Natasha Cormican – Estates, Admissions and Attendance Manager

I have been part of the Diamond Learning Trust for the past 12 years, working across three schools in a variety of roles. Prior to joining the Trust, I worked for a London Borough Council, where I was responsible for managing the finances for Adult Education. I hold a degree in Information Systems and Business Management.

As a member of the Trust Central Team, I oversee Admissions, Attendance, and Estates, ensuring that these departments run smoothly and effectively. I am committed to putting children at the heart of everything we do — from improving attendance and engagement to helping schools maintain safe, compliant learning environments. I support the planning and delivery of capital works projects to ensure our school buildings continue to provide the best possible spaces for teaching and learning. I have developed strong working relationships with local authorities and external partners, supporting our shared goal of achieving the best outcomes for every child

Tanya Grisby – Head of Diamond EPL

Tanya’s teaching career spans over twenty-five years in primary schools across central London, in Enfield, and in Cambridgeshire during which she developed a broad range of skills across diverse roles. She has successfully taught in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and spent twelve years as Deputy Head in two contrasting schools where she led strategic initiatives that improved teaching quality and pupil outcomes. Before joining the Trust, she spearheaded curriculum development and staff training as Key Stage and Phase Leader, English Subject Leader, Art Subject Leader, and Basic Skills Leader.

As former Head of Diamond Teaching School Alliance and now Head of Diamond Education & Professional Learning, Tanya has expanded professional development opportunities for staff, delivered impactful School-to-School support and designed programmes to enhance teaching standards. She is the Trust Lead for ECT development, ensuring new teachers receive exceptional mentoring and guidance.

In partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, Tanya serves as Lead Mentor for our Initial Teacher Education programme, helping to shape the next generation of teachers.

Tanya’s NPQLTD qualification equips her to lead teacher development at scale, implement strategic priorities, and foster a culture of continuous professional growth.

Suzi Whiting

I am an Executive Headteacher within the Trust, working in two small schools.  I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies and a Masters in Education. I have previously been a subject leader and Deputy Headteacher for many years.  I am also a qualified SENCO.

Key areas of expertise:  English, Science, SEND, small schools

Liz Peckham

With over five years of dedicated experience in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and a strong foundation as a highly experienced Key Stage 2 teacher, I bring a well-rounded perspective to primary education. I currently work as Executive Deputy Head across two schools, in addition to my role as EYFS Trust Lead, where I support and drive high standards in EYFS practice across the trust. I have successfully implemented a successful phonics programme and am passionate about improving consistency and outcomes in early literacy. I am a strong believer about the power of continuing professional development and evidence-based teaching, believing both are essential to achieving lasting success in education. I have recently completed an NPQ in Senior Leadership, which supports my commitment to developing staff, leading with impact, and ensuring all children receive the highest quality of education from the very start.

Key areas of expertise: Early Years and Primary, phonics & early reading.

Claire Tod

In my eight years of being a teacher, much of my experience is in the Early Years classroom – this is where my passion lies. I began my school career as a teaching assistant and over the span of eleven years experienced all of the primary phases. I have been lucky to work in schools of varying sizes and in contrasting areas, giving me a broad view of some of the benefits and challenges schools may face. I have supported and mentored teachers in their training year and also those who are new to teaching.  In my current role, I have responsibility for EYFS and KS1, as well as leading the curriculum area of Reading and Phonics. I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to offer peer-to-peer support within the trust and to continue to improve provision in my current school.

Key area of expertise: Early Years

Darren Smith

I have been teaching for twenty four years across seven schools, with most of my teaching experience in KS2. I am currently in my third year of teaching UKS2. Having worked in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, I have built up a wealth of experience. My leadership roles have included working as a Deputy Headteacher for ten years, managing teams of teachers and TA’s, leading KS2 with particular responsibility for progress and attainment, maths leader, NQT induction tutor and ITT lead in two schools. I have an honours degree in English and Theatre Studies and I use my own passion for reading to motivate and inspire a love of reading in others.

Key areas of expertise: English, Mathematics, NQT/ ITT mentoring

Nicola Hempsall

My career as a teacher began over 15 years ago, I have taught across all primary age phases. My leadership experience to date has been that of Key Stage 1 Leader across three schools, core subject leader and my current role on the senior leadership team as Inclusion Coordinator (INCO) and Special Educational Needs Coordinator. Currently I work in two schools in my role as SENCo and have been in this role for over 9 years. At the heart of my work, I aim to improve teaching and learning for children with SEND. I promote inclusion and high expectations for all pupils. I am committed to supporting other members of staff to reach high standards for children with SEND. As part of my role in supporting other leaders I have worked alongside SENCos and the Local Authority to create Cambridgeshire’s Ordinarily Available Provision Document which is available online.

Key area of expertise: Special Education Needs and Disabilities.

Charmain Dunham

I have been Head of Science for 11 years and I have seen many changes in the approach to teaching and learning as well as the curriculum design. I have always loved the classroom element of my role and look for new ways to engage and inspire my students. The key to success is to develop a curriculum that drives the development of skills and knowledge. I have enjoyed working with colleagues to develop the Science learning journey from KS2 to KS4 at King James Academy Royston. As an exam board examiner for more than 6 years I have increased my depth of knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the curriculum and student misconceptions.

Key areas of expertise: Science, Teaching & Learning, curriculum design.

Chris Copeman

I am an SLE and Trust Lead for computing. My leadership roles in the past have centred around computing and  the use of technology across the curriculum. I am proud to be an Apple Distinguished Educator and have seen the deployment, management and upkeep of iPad schemes in a number of different school environments.

Embedding the use of technology within the curriculum is my passion and during my career I have delivered training sessions in many different settings including a presentation at the BETT Technology show in London. I have also worked as part of an Apple Regional Training Centre in which I was responsible for delivering training to over 100 individual teachers on the use of iPad in their teaching practice and schools. I believe that the children of today should be given every chance to embrace new technology in the safe and well-monitored environments that our schools provide.

I am currently working as a Year 6 teacher and have had previous experience teaching across Key Stage 2.

 

Key Expertise: Computing across all subjects, Curriculum Design (linked to computing) and IT logistics (including volume purchase and setup of devices).

Gemma Bleakley

Over the last 7 years I have worked as a teacher and leader in the EYFS and KS1, teaching in mixed age classes in a small village school. As the EYFS Leader, I am responsible for leading a team of Reception and Nursery staff, monitoring data, ensuring quality provision and leading training within school. I have also led professional development courses in phonics, reading, writing, outdoor learning and science. During my time teaching Reception and KS1, I have led improvements in phonics and the implementation of successful phonics teaching from Nursery into Reception and Year 1. In addition to my role as EYFS leader I also work as the Assistant Head Teacher and PE subject leader. I have been involved in mentoring our School Direct trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers and offering peer-to-peer support across our DLPT schools. I enjoy continuing my own professional development and have recently completed a Masters in Education and an Expert Middle Leader/NPQLT course.

Key areas of expertise: Early Years and Phonics

Max Hall

I am Deputy Headteacher at Wintringham Primary Academy, where I have worked for the past three years, following nearly a decade at Round House. I have a strong passion for mathematics and currently hold several key leadership roles, including Trust Lead for Maths and Assistant Maths Hub Lead for the Cambridge Maths Hub.

In these roles, I support schools and maths leaders in implementing teaching for mastery. I regularly lead work groups, deliver professional development, and provide targeted support to schools to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

I have recently achieved my NPQH qualification and hold a School Development Lead accreditation, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to drive school improvement, lead strategic initiatives, and support teacher development at scale.

Key areas of expertise: Mathematics (especially the mastery curriculum) and teacher trainee mentoring.

Duncan Nelson

I started teaching in September 2004 and have worked in three primary schools.  I do have some experience within KS1 but have spent the majority of my teaching career in KS2.  I am currently teaching a mixed Year 5, 6 class (in a small school).  The challenge of teaching across multiple year groups has enabled me to implement a variety of teaching styles that are matched to children’s abilities; focusing on a growth mindset and progressing learning.  I am currently an Assistant Head as well as an SLE.  As a member of the SLT, I have worked alongside our Head of School to write the School Development Plan and am a driving force to ensure that our vision is applied throughout the whole school.  I often lead whole-school projects.  I have led a team of staff since joining the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust in 2012.  My current curriculum responsibilities are maths lead across two schools and coaching a member of staff through their NPQ journey.

Key area of expertise: Mathematics

Victoria Pritchard

I have been teaching for approximately fourteen years within EYFS classes and am now embarking on my Key Stage One journey. I have successfully managed teams of teachers and teaching assistants, as well as developing my role as a subject lead, year group lead and phase lead. I have previously lead EYFS teams across the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust. My role included coaching and supporting teachers in developing their practice, ensuring that effective provision was in place to develop/support learning and also delivering training sessions. I strive to be the very best that I can be and I am passionate that we are collectively able to provide the best education possible for the children in our care and support them through their learning journey.

Key areas of expertise: Early years and phonics

Stacey Roberts

I have worked in Pre-Schools, Nurseries, Early Years settings and Primary Education for over 30 years. I am the School Lead for The Lighthouse Enhanced Resource Base and Inclusion Manager at Wintringham Primary Academy.  I have a Trust wide role, working with other schools in The Diamond Learning Partnership supporting with the following areas:

Inclusion and SEN, behaviour management, safeguarding, training/mentoring and management of support staff, pastoral care, parenting advice and separation/conflict support, bereavement, children in care/post care and disadvantaged families.

I have strong links with the Locality Teams, Social Care, MASH and a vast range of outside agencies and professionals.

I am currently part of the Senior Leadership Team within my school, and I work closely with all staff from the Chief Executive Officer and Headteachers to Class teachers and Teaching Assistants to implement and embed policies, protocols and procedures across the schools within our Trust.

My work is underpinned by my passion to inspire and raise aspiration in all children to make sure that they reach their potential and prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey.

Key areas of expertise: Behaviour Management, Staff Mentoring, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Pupil Premium and disadvantaged family network support.

 

Adam Gross

With over 15 years of experience in education, I have acquired a wide range of experience across primary education and am currently working as a Headteacher within one of our Trust schools.  Within my teaching career, I have extensive experience working in Key Stage 2, with a depth of knowledge particularly in Maths: I have led maths as a subject across three schools for over 10 years, have obtained the MaST certification, and have supported schools within our trust and across wider Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.  Additionally, I have in depth experience of managing behaviour, supporting ECTs and supporting with whole school curriculum design.  I am very passionate about primary education and believe that in the right setting, all children can make wonderful progress, feel safe and secure, and flourish personally and educationally.  I enjoy working with other schools and in other settings, and have a track record of high standards and good results, through collaboration, sharing of expertise, and working together for the benefit of the children in our schools.

Key areas of expertise: Mathematics, behaviour, teaching and learning, curriculum design.

Tom Anns

My current position is that of Trust English Lead and Deputy Headteacher; I am a SLE for both English and Mathematics and have led both of these subjects within and across a range of different schools. As a consultant, I have worked in a number of schools across both the middle and primary phase. This is in both an advisory and coaching capacity as well as leading of a range of professional development courses and meetings, working alongside and mentoring both leaders and teachers, and, also, supporting teachers in their everyday classroom practice. I have taught across the full breadth of the primary phase, with the majority of this in Year 6. My in-school leadership experience ranges from subject leadership up to the position of headteacher.

Key areas of expertise: Teaching & Learning, English – Reading and Writing,  Curriculum Design and Building Positive Cultures.