Trust Central Team

Jonathan Lewis – CEO

Jonathan started in Local Government at Cambridgeshire Council as graduate trainee in 1999, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2003 working across Social Care and Children’s Services. Jonathan joined Peterborough City Council in 2007 as Assistant Director Resources for Children’s Service, delivering an ambitious £190 million schools capital programme to support the rapidly growing population in the city and commissioning services. In 2011, he added the challenge of leading the education department and Peterborough was the most improved Ofsted authority in 2013/14 and was judged by Ofsted in March 2014 as having an “effective” school improvement service – only the second authority nationally to receive a positive outcome in this type of inspection at first inspection.

He moved to Northamptonshire in 2015 as Assistant Director (Education) before moving to the Department for Education in 2016 as Deputy Director for the Regional School Commissioner for the East of England and North East London.  From 2018 to 2024, he led Education across both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Authorities – overseeing 350 schools and a combined budget of around £1bn.  In 2024, he started as Chief Finance and Operating Office for Diamond Learning Partnership before moving into the Chief Executive Officer role in September 2025.

Tracy Bryden

Tracy Bryden – Deputy CEO

Tracy brings a wealth of experience from both the private sector and education. She began her career as a Food Technologist with H.J. Heinz before moving into financial management, where she held roles as a Branch Manager, Trainer, and Area Manager. She later established and led her own consultancy business, providing services to major financial institutions.

In education, Tracy has worked across all year groups and has played a significant role in the professional development of both teachers and students, collaborating with other schools and universities. She has held a number of senior leadership positions, including Key Stage Leader, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, and Executive Headteacher.

As Executive Headteacher, Tracy played a pivotal role in the planning and opening of Wintringham Primary Academy. She also led the establishment of two pre-school settings and developed an on-site Enhanced Resource Base (ERB) provision for children with SEND, specifically supporting pupils with significant SEMH needs.

Tracy represented the St Neots cluster on Cambridgeshire Primary Heads and was subsequently elected Chair, serving a two-year term. She is currently Deputy CEO of The Diamond Learning Trust alongside her role as Executive Headteacher.

 

Christy Fowler – PA to CEO & Trust Operations Manager

Christy Fowler has been a central and highly valued member of the Trust since 2014. Starting at Middlefield, she soon moved into the central team and, for the past nine years, has served as PA to the CEO. Alongside this, Christy is now the Trust Operations Manager and Company Secretary, bringing together strategic oversight, operational leadership, and exemplary organisational skills.

As Company Secretary, Christy supports the Board and its committees by ensuring compliance with governance requirements, maintaining statutory records, and facilitating effective decision-making processes across the Trust. In her wider operational role, she oversees a broad portfolio including governance, GDPR, and the Trust’s in-house catering service, Diamond Diners. She ensures that Diamond Diners meets nutritional standards, statutory meal requirements, and all environmental health legislation, while managing its £1.1m annual budget to deliver a high-quality, value-for-money service across all schools.

Originally from Blackpool, Christy relocated to St Neots 15 years ago and is committed to supporting the CEO and ensuring the Trust operates smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standards for its schools and communities.

 

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

Levi Flynn – Trust Finance Manager

Levi joined The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust in December 2024 as Trust Finance Manager. He brings over 12 years of experience working in senior finance roles within the education sector, with a strong track record in financial management, accounting, and payroll across multi-academy environments.

In his role, Levi is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of financial probity and governance across the Trust. He oversees all financial and accounting operations, including payroll, and is instrumental in maintaining robust financial systems, controls, and procedures. Levi also leads on financial reporting, budgeting, and long-term financial planning, providing clear and accurate information to support effective decision-making at both Trust and school level.

Levi’s expertise and detail-oriented approach help to ensure that the Trust’s resources are managed efficiently and transparently, enabling schools to focus on delivering high-quality education and outcomes for pupils.

Terri Lalonde – Trust HR and ICT Manager

Terri serves as the Trust HR and ICT Manager, playing a pivotal role in leading the Human Resources (People) department while also overseeing the strategic and operational delivery of ICT across the Trust.

Her responsibilities encompass ensuring that both people and technology work seamlessly together to support the Trust’s vision and objectives. With a strong professional background in recruitment, HR, and operational management, Terri brings a wealth of experience that enables her to guide the Trust in building a highly skilled and motivated workforce. She is committed to creating an environment where staff feel supported and empowered, which in turn enhances the educational experience for all children within the DLPT schools.

In addition to her HR expertise, Terri manages ICT provision to ensure that our schools have access to reliable, innovative, and secure technology solutions. This dual focus on people and systems is essential for delivering excellence in education. By aligning resources, processes, and technology, Terri helps the Trust maintain high standards and achieve its mission of providing every child with an outstanding education during their time with us. Her leadership ensures that the Trust remains forward-thinking, adaptable, and fully equipped to meet future challenges.

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.

Jackie Schad – Trust Governance Manager and Board Clerk

Jackie joined the Trust in 2017, initially serving as Clerk to the Trust and supporting the St Neots schools’ Local Governing Body.

After completing her Governance Professional Qualification, Jackie progressed to a strategic role as Trust Governance Manager, where she supports the Senior Team in shaping and maintaining strong governance across the organisation.

In her current position, Jackie works closely with Members, Trustees, and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice in governance. She oversees the development and implementation of governance frameworks, policies, and procedures, ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent, accountable, and aligned with the Trust’s vision and values.

Jackie also leads and mentors the Clerking Team, which supports 15 schools, providing guidance, training, and quality assurance to maintain consistency and excellence in governance at every level.

Prior to joining the Trust, Jackie lived in West Yorkshire, where she worked as a Project Manager, successfully delivering multi million projects in the retail industry.

Carl Weston – Trust Catering Manager

Carl Weston brings over 30 years of experience in the catering sector, having previously worked in hotels, restaurants, and care settings. Today, he is a dynamic and highly respected Catering Manager within the Trust, renowned for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Overseeing catering operations across 15 schools, Carl consistently delivers high-quality, nutritious meals that support pupils wellbeing and enrich the school experience. His hands-on approach, attention to detail, and talent for motivating teams have made him an invaluable asset to the organisation.

Carl is admired for his ability to balance creativity with operational efficiency—whether he’s introducing innovative menus, improving processes, or ensuring compliance with the highest food-safety standards. His passion for fostering positive dining environments has strengthened relationships with pupils, staff, and the wider community.

Known for his professionalism, approachability, and genuine dedication, Carl inspires confidence at every level. His work not only elevates the catering provision across the Trust but also reflects his deep belief in the power of good food to bring people together.