Our dedicated central hub serves as the backbone of support for our schools, allowing them to prioritise teaching and learning. As a service-led team, we put our headteachers and schools first, offering guidance and proactive, practical support.
Our dedicated central hub serves as the backbone of support for our schools, allowing them to prioritise teaching and learning. As a service-led team, we put our headteachers and schools first, offering guidance and proactive, practical support.
Claire brings with her more than 30 years of experience in education. Prior to leading the Trust, she served as Executive Headteacher at Wreay C of E School, where her strong educational vision and commitment to excellence were widely recognised.
Since stepping into the CEO role, Claire has driven significant and sustained improvement across the Trust. Her leadership has been central to the transformation of school performance, the development and strengthening of our central hub services, and the growth of aspiring education leaders from within our organisation.
Claire’s strategic direction, collaborative approach, and unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for children have shaped the Trust into a resilient, forward-thinking organisation.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to education, Claire was recently awarded an MBE, a testament to her impact, integrity, and service to the sector.
A Cumbrian born-and-bred, Rob has worked with children for more than twenty years, igniting curiosity and supporting development in diverse roles and settings, including museums, community hubs and primary schools. With degrees in English and History, and Heritage Management and Archaeology, Rob completed his PGCE at the University of Cumbria.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and aspirations, Rob began teaching at Wreay CE Primary School on the outskirts of Carlisle. Working with inspirational colleagues, he began his leadership journey as Deputy Head, followed by a teaching headship in a small school.
In 2019 he became Executive Head of Wreay, and two other schools within the Good Shepherd Trust, Whitfield and Gilsland in 2020.
Following successful inspections and innovative cluster working between the schools, Rob was appointed Deputy CEO of the Trust in October 2024 and continues to support leaders within the Trust and beyond, focusing on school improvement, safeguarding and estates.
Holding NPQH and NPQEL, Rob applies the learning in his daily practice, collaborating effectively to improve education. He believes that every child can achieve their potential, supported by amazing teachers determined to make a difference, and works to create schools where everyone can thrive.
Amanda is a qualified Chartered Accountant of 25+ year standing, and has extensive experience in practice, within the private sector and in the charitable sector.
Amanda grew up in Kent and moved to Cumbria in 2003 where her family roots are now firmly based.
In her role prior to joining the Good Shepherd Trust, Amanda was Head of Finance & Operations at Cumbria Theatre Trust (Theatre by the Lake). As part of the Senior Management Team, Amanda had line management responsibility for the finance, operations (facilities maintenance & administration) and customer experience departments. The role focussed on financial planning and reporting, plus strategically leading the operations and commercial departments. Amanda led on the preparation of quarterly managements, budgets and forecasts, and also led on the bank facility management, insurance, utility contracts, IT support, catering partner contract, cleaner contract and maintenance contractors. Amanda was the health & safety lead and the lead for capital planning.
Amanda’s extensive experience along with her passion for education excellence will enable her to contribute to the aims of the Trust.
Sam joined the Trust in February 2025. Prior to this, she worked in nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools in a variety of support roles, including as a family support worker, which she later stepped into the HR Officer position within the school.
Her qualifications include NNEB Nursery Nursing (Level 3), NVQ Assessor/Verifier (Levels 3 and 4), CIPD Foundation (Level 3), HNC in Early Childhood Education and Care, and Leadership and Management (Level 5).
She has always had a strong passion for children and education, inspired from an early age by helping her mother, who was a foster carer—an experience that shaped her commitment to the field.
Abi graduated from the University of Cumbria in 2024 with a degree in Early Years and Primary Education (3–11), with a specialism in History. After gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Abi spent several years teaching and supporting pupils across a range of school settings, developing a strong understanding of education.
Abi has since furthered her career in education and now works for the Trust. She joined the Trust in September 2025 as Interim Governance Officer and has since progressed into the role of Governance and Compliance Lead.
Alongside her governance responsibilities, Abi also leads the Trust’s communications and marketing, working in partnership with Geo & Co, supporting clear communication and engagement across the Trust community.
Phil read English Literature at Oxford University before attending the College of Law at Lancaster Gate, where he qualified as a Solicitor. He went on to become a partner in two Central London law firms, specialising in commercial litigation and employment law.
After 20 years of legal practice, Phil relocated from London and, with his wife, ran the Narrowbar Café in Penrith for 13 years. He now works part-time at the Good Shepherd MAT as Payroll Support Officer, where he enjoys drawing on his previous experience to support the Trust’s employees while learning about the internal operations of a thriving multi academy trust.
Phil has been married for 33 years and has three grown-up children. Outside work, he enjoys fell walking, playing golf, reading, watching old films, and listening to music.
Zoe joined the Trust in September 2024 as a temporary Finance Assistant before being offered the permanent position of Finance Officer. This is her first role within finance, and she has embraced the steep learning curve and looks forward to continuing her development.
Zoe has a strong interest in animals and nature, reflected in her qualifications: a BSc in Animal Biology & Conservation and an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation. She feels fortunate to live close to the many green spaces that Cumbria has to offer.
In 2024 Ellen graduated from the University of Cumbria with a degree in Early Years and Primary Education. From there she decided to explore different sectors of work and found herself in the finance industry. She gained 14 months of experience in a bank. Ellen is now working part time as the Office Manager/ CEO Executive Assistant for The Good Shepherd Trust, whilst also studying for a master’s in psychology.