Our Central Team

Alison was born and raised in Plymouth, and has a background in business and finance, having worked in international banking prior to a career in teaching.

After moving back to Plymouth to start a family, Alison trained as a teacher, with a specialism in Early Years and Maths and began working at Calstock school. During this time, she completed her NPQH (Headship training) and five years later was appointed as a non-teaching Deputy at North Prospect Community Primary School. Alison took up her headship Weston Mill after two years and moved the school forward in many areas, but in particular on standards.

Alison has trained as an Ofsted Inspector (Primary and Early Years) and continues to support other schools through the Plymouth Teaching School.

As Chief Executive Officer/Executive Headteacher of Discovery Multi Academy Trust, Alison works to improve outcomes and opportunities for all of the Trust's children, by leading school improvement across each of the academies. Alison looks forward to developing links in collaborative working across the city, as well as furthering STEM development for the Trust.

Carolyn worked for Langley Infants School, before it joined the Southernway Federation (Oakwood and Beechwood Primary Schools). She has worked as School Business Manager for almost 20 years, joining the MAT in her current role when the Southernway Federation formed Discovery MAT with Weston Mill. As Chief Finance Officer, Carolyn has operational responsibility for all financial aspects of the Trust.

Kelly has a number of years of experience providing administrative support in and out of school settings. She joined Weston Mill in 2016 as Administration Assistant and worked in the central team, providing support to finance and personnel operations for 4 years.
Kelly has recently been promoted to the Trust's HR Lead providing HR services to all of the academies.

Leslie served 26 years in the Royal Navy. On leaving, he spent a further 4 years at Weston Mill Primary School as the Site Manager where he has enjoyed assisting with various improvements to the school, and seeing through a number of significant projects to benefit the children.

Leslie has experience in Facilities Management and Health & Safety, and aims to continue to develop the Trust's operational and developmental capacity going forward.

Helen spent 10 years working as an Executive Assistant in the media industry and previously worked within finance and recruitment roles.
Helen joined Discovery MAT in 2019. She is the PA to the CEO and is the Governance Professional to the Trustees and the LAB.

Sammy spent 6 years working within school settings carrying out various administrative roles. She has experience in finance, HR and recruitment.
Sammy joined Discovery MAT in May 2021 as a Business Support Officer, providing support to the Chief Finance Officer and HR Lead with the financial and HR operations.