Trustee Information
Cleo Redmond – CEO
Date of original appointment: 02/09/2024
Term of office: Whilst in post
Cleo is an accomplished and visionary educational leader with over 20 years of experience in leading school improvement, enhancing educational standards, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. Previously serving as the Director of Schools at The Mead Educational Trust (TMET) in Leicester, Cleo played a pivotal role in shaping the educational strategies and overseeing the performance of 13 academies within the Trust.
Cleo's career is marked by her commitment to innovation and excellence in education. She has a proven track record of transforming schools, elevating Ofsted ratings, and driving initiatives that improve educational outcomes for all students. Her expertise spans both primary and secondary education, with a particular focus on school leadership, curriculum development, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Throughout her career, Cleo has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating supportive and empowering learning environments. Her leadership ethos emphasises teamwork, excellence, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students and educators alike. As a Local Leader of Education (LLE) and a practicing Ofsted Inspector, Cleo continues to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, inspiring growth and positive change across all levels of the educational system.
Sarah Richards (FCA)
Date of original appointment: 25/10/2015
Term of office: 4 years
Sarah has wide-reaching experience of governance within schools and at a trust level. Sarah became involved in education when she was appointed a school governor at Launde Primary in 2008 in order to support the school in continuing to deliver high standards. Sarah was a founding member of Scholars Trust in 2013 and supported the Trust through the academy conversion process. She was instrumental in supporting the governing body when the Trust sponsored Glenfield Primary school. Sarah is currently the chair of the Trust and a member of the finance and education committees.
Sarah believes that it is important that all pupils have a chance to thrive in a caring and supportive environment and have opportunities to achieve their full potential. She aims to use her experience within the Scholars Trust to achieve this.
Sarah is a qualified chartered accountant and has over 25 years’ experience working within finance both in accounting practice, industry, charities and private firms. She brings a unique blend of skills and experience, combining financial and business insight together with project management, organisational skills and a strong people focus. Sarah has worked in due diligence and transactional services and has experience in providing both strategic and operational financial support.
Rob Padgett
Date of original appointment: 06/09/2016
Term of office: 4 years
Prior to becoming a trustee at Scholars Academy trust Rob was a governor for almost 30 years. He has worked in the telecommunications industry for much of his working life where he was responsible for project financial and technical management of infrastructures and processes.
Rob also has educational experience as head of a Pastoral service at a local secondary school which supported students in understanding the educational landscape and how schools fit into it. His business experience supports him in the finance committee and its wider understanding of health and safety supports school on the estate management and risks associated within the Trust.
Rob is chair of the audit committee and also supports Finance and education committees. His key responsibilities within the trust are around pupil welfare safeguarding and health and safety.
Graham Smith- Chair of the Trust Board-
Date of appointment: 30/11/2021 (Appointed Chair- 23.01.24)
Term of office: 4 years
Graham brings a combination of business and charity experience to Scholars Trust. He has been a director of the family business, managing significant change due to the changing market needs. He was responsible for managing his team and agreeing strategic plans within the financial position of the business, which provides a good foundation for supporting Scholars Trust.
Graham has been involved in a number of charities over the years and has been a Chair for one of them as well as sitting on several committees. The charity work has given Graham an oversight of the charity world and the regulations within them. Experience of sitting on boards is a valuable skill that he brings, alongside his ability to analyse information given to the Trust Board and provide appropriate challenge to the trust leadership team. His experience of innovation within businesses is a valuable asset to the Trust Board bringing a different perspective of managing the business aspect of the Trust.
Marian Garfield
Date of appointment: 5/4/2022
Term of office: 4 years
Marian is an experienced EHSQ practitioner, with extensive experience of developing, implementing and reviewing business EHSQ strategies and systems, whilst facilitating learning and cultural and behavioural change in businesses. She actively works within businesses to attain a standard of EHSQ excellence and to effectively create an environment that delivers exceptional business EHSQ performance.
In addition to the health and safety experience she brings to the role she has knowledge on sustainability matters and manages steering groups for carbon, energy and water. Alongside this she is responsible for managing compliance within businesses.
Marian's experience in industry on Health and safety will support the Trust in ensuring health and safety within schools is of the highest standards.
Ian Lawrence
Date of appointment: 2/9/2024
Term of office: 4 years
Ian brings a wealth of experience from working as a senior engineer and manager at many of Britain’s leading engineering firms including BAE Systems, Rolls - Royce PLC and Jaguar Land Rover. He has significant project management, risk assessment, business case development and supplier negotiation experience to add to the trust.
Ian started his Scholars Trust journey through being Vice-Chair of Governors and finance governor at Foxbridge Primary School in his home town of Castle Donington. He was then invited to become a trustee of the Academy trust in 2024 and joined the finance committee.
Ian brings his experience of living within the community of the trusts newest school and also the perspective of a being the parent of a young child to the trustee board.