Our Team

Paula has over 21 years’ experience as a Headteacher in schools across inner and outer London.  Her roles as a National Leader of Education and an Ofsted Inspector have led to improving standards in schools across the country.  Paula was recently awarded an OBE for her Services to Education and was a member of the Regional Schools Commissioners London & South Advisory Board.

Nick is responsible for the Quality of Education within the Trust.  Previously CEO of Communitas Education Schools Trust and was a member of Southwark's Education Leadership Team.  He was an experienced Headteacher and is a National Leader of Education, helping to transform the quality of education through leadership support, partner local schools in Southwark.

Annick was appointed CFO of NEST in April 2018, having previously working in various financial roles within NEST schools over a 10 year period. She is responsible for the financial strategy, the planning and analysing of the company's strengths and weaknesses, reporting and compliance.

Prior to joining the education sector, Annick worked in a corporate treasury role in the City of London and an International corporation (Energy).

Samantha is Trust Accountant and Head of Hub Finance for the NEST South London group of schools.  She is a member of the NEST Finance Leadership Team.

Samantha joined NEST in September 2019, and has over 12 years’ experience of working in financial roles within education. Previously, she worked as a management accountant in the private sector.

Reshma is Head of Hub Finance for the NEST Bromley/Kent Schools Hub.  She has extensive finance experience having been CFO of a Single Academy Trust and a Multi-Academy Trust.  She oversees the Finance Team for the Hub group of schools and is a member of the NEST Finance Leadership Team.

Nick is a qualified Surveyor, with commercial development, procurement and maintenance experience.  He has project managed large commercial developments, programmed maintenance and procurement contracts for multi-nationals such as BASS taverns, Grand Metropolitan, London Underground and Southwark Council.  He oversees the management and upkeep of building stock, health & safety and compliance across the Trust.

Liz is responsible for the NEST Quality Assurance and School Improvement Programme, Leadership and Training for a Hub group of schools.  She has special responsibility for Early Years and the development of Nursery Education across the Trust.

Liz is the Headteacher of an Outstanding Trust school and previously a Local Authority Advisor for Early Years.  She is a National Leader of Education and a member of the Education Advisory Group for Challenge Partners.

Haley is responsible for the NEST Quality Assurance and School Improvement Programme, Leadership and Training for a Hub group of schools. She has special responsibility for Governance, Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment.

Haley has extensive leadership experience as a Headteacher and Executive Leader of a Federation of 6 schools in London.

Lee is Director of the Thames South Teaching School Hub for the London Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.  She has responsibility for the engagement with schools and the development of Initial Teacher Training, Early Career Framework training, National Professional Qualifications and Appropriate Body Services.  

Lee has extensive leadership experience and has previously led a teaching school.

Liz Blake, Headteacher Bickley Primary School.  Leads across the Trust on Equality & Diversity, Pupil Premium and Thinking Schools.

Allison Morris, Executive Headteacher, Highfield Infants' & Junior Schools.  Executive Leader and Coach for newly appointed Headteachers and schools requiring support.

Lorraine Richards, Executive Headteacher, Perry Hall Primary School.  Trust Lead for Assessment and Moderation.

Jo Lakey is an experienced Local Authority Education Advisor and was Director of Education for a Local Multi-Academy Trust.  She now works alongside NEST Senior Leaders and Local Committee Members delivering Governance training and School Improvement Programmes.  As an Ofsted Lead Inspector, Jo supports school self-review visits and self-evaluation surgeries.  

Matthew Apsley is an Executive Headteacher in the maintained sector and provides leadership challenge and development programmes on behalf of the Trust.

Samantha is the Company Secretary and leads the Clerking team across the Trust, supporting the training and induction of Local Committee Members and advising the NEST Team and Board on Governance.  She worked with schools within the Tri boroughs of Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea advising on Governance, continuing under the bi borough agreement. She is a member of the Governing Body for a secondary school in Bromley.