The Trust Members bring a broad range of skills and expertise to the strategic leadership of the group of schools.

Fiona Aubrey-Smith

Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching

Fiona is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and the former Head of Primary at SSAT, the largest national network of schools. She has also been the Head of Research & Development for an international education technology company. Fiona brings a range of experience, having previously been a classroom teacher, school leader and then consultant. She has undertaken advisory roles regionally, nationally and internationally. Fiona is currently completing her PhD in education, as well as continuing to work with policy makers and influencers.

Alex Brooks-Johnson

Charity Sector Specialist

Alex Brooks-Johnson has worked in the charity sector for nearly 30 years, originally as a fundraising and marketing professional before becoming the CEO of an Adventure Learning charity in 2012.  He has held senior roles across a variety of well-known national and international charities such as Care International, NDCS and Richard House children's hospice.  He recently spent 5 years as a CEO in social care where he helped to steer a large charity through the pandemic.  He is currently the CEO of Tinnitus UK.  Alex volunteers his time in the Youth Justice System in West Sussex as a community panel member, supporting children and young people who offend. 

James Mackenzie-Blackman

Chief Executive, Theatre Royal Plymouth

James grew up in Plymouth and South Devon. After concluding his education, he spent two years working overseas in Nepal, Europe and North America.

After University in Liverpool James spent fourteen years working in London at Greenwich Theatre; the Lyric Hammersmith; as Executive Director of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and then as Executive Director of Sir Matthew Bourne’s award-winning dance company New Adventures. During his time at the company James oversaw substantial growth in participation, audiences and turnover.

James was appointed Chief Executive of Eden Court, Scotland’s largest single-site arts venue, in 2017 and during his tenure steered the company through a period of significant growth and change.

James is regularly invited to speak at conferences and events in the UK and overseas and he is a trustee of Scottish Ballet.

James took up post as Chief Executive of the Theatre Royal Plymouth in January 2021.

David Mbatha

Head of Finance Consulting, Aon APAC Strategy and Technology Group

David is a former governor of Willow Dene School (2009 - 2017), where he held several roles on the governing body including Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of the School Business Committee and Chair of Pay Appeals Committee.

He is a Certified Public Accountant and currently the Head of Finance Consulting for Aon's APAC Strategy and Technology Group.  Over the last 25 years, David has worked in finance roles and professional services spanning various specialisms including audit, financial management, reporting and regulation. He has experience in all aspects of the financial reporting cycle, including complex accounting advice and analysis, regulatory advice, process improvement, financial analysis, risk management and investigations. David holds an MBA from Manchester Business School.