MAT Team

Adam Walsh

CEO

Adam is a classically trained musician who has been working in education for over 25 years, teaching in both primary and secondary phases. Adam has been a senior leader including being Headteacher and Executive Headteacher of four primary schools in South Warwickshire and has also supported leaders and governing bodies across Warwickshire in school improvement, policy development and staff development. Adam has experience of being on and chairing a number of boards, including being a member of the Coventry Diocesan Board of Education.

Sophie Carthy

CFO

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Sophie brings a wealth of financial expertise to the Arden Forest MAT from her time in industry to her prior experience working as a Finance Manager with a large group of schools within another MAT. Sophie's breadth of roles and experience has given her a key understanding of both the work needed to support schools with their budgets, as well as a strong strategic vision.

Amanda Dale

Chief Operating Officer

Previously worked in project management and joined the Education sector almost 15 years ago. She has worked across clusters and consortia of local schools helping with procurement, developing professional learning networks, and running cross school enrichment projects. Amanda has enhanced knowledge of HR, Health and Safety, Safeguarding and GDPR.

Matthew Upton

Finance Manager

Matthew is a highly skilled management accountant who has years of experience working as a Finance Manager within the NHS and across the health sector. This background brings with it essential knowledge of budget setting, monitoring and reporting.

Clair Willies

Finance Manager

Clair has a corporate background with experience in banking, mortgage finance and Insurance Broking. Clair is a qualified School Business Manager and has worked across a number of local schools and academies during the last 12 years. Her last role was as Finance Officer for a Single Academy Trust.

Lee Withorn

Facilities Manager

Lee has worked across a portfolio of hotels and has an extensive knowledge of Health & Safety and the management of contractors. His experience combined with his practical knowledge, supports schools with their Estate Management and upskills site teams across the MAT.

Ildi Booth

Finance Administrator

Ildi has years of administration and finance experience in the private sector both in the UK and Canada. Her experience since then has been in education as a Business Manager across a federation where she was responsible for the financial planning of both schools.

Helen

extensive administrative

Helen has an extensive administrative background from a range of sectors including Health & Social Care, Medical and Manufacturing. Most recently Helen assisted with the opening of three new charity shops during her contract with a Charity Retail Organisation. Although this is her first role working within the Education Sector, Helen is settling into the role quickly, bringing her organisational and project management skills to the team.