Waveney Valley Academies Trust

Ali O'Connor
Chief Operating Officer

"During my early career I worked in IT including five years as an engineer at the Applecentre, Cambridge.  After raising my family I moved into business and administration management, largely based within the care sector.  I joined Sir John Leman High School in 2011 as Business Manager and was responsible for the school’s conversion to multi academy trust status in 2017.  I am now employed as the Chief Operating Officer for the Trust, and very much enjoy working alongside our Trustees, the CEO and our central team.  I am a keen DIY enthusiast and enjoy dressmaking."

Julia Niblock
Finance Director

"Having formerly worked in Advertising and the Media, I starting working at Sir John Leman High School nearly 30 years ago.  I have worked in various roles and led the school as Business Manager at the time of academy conversion in 2011.  More recently I have been involved with the financial management of the transition to Multi-Academy Trust, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and supporting the mighty Crystal Palace!!"

Charlotte Read
Operations Manager

"My early career started as a qualified Dental Assistant, then moving into administration and to become Dental Practice Manager for a large Multi Surgeon Practice. After a short break to have my two children, I returned to the workplace as an Administration Assistant. I joined Roman Hill Primary School in 2014 in the main school office, progressing to School Attendance Lead and Admissions Co-ordinator. In 2018, I gained a School Administration certificate with Anglia Ruskin University. I was appointed to the role of Operations Manager for WVAT in March 2019 and have been enjoying working alongside my colleagues within the Trust, to ensure the smooth running of the academies. My spare time is spent running my children from A to B and creating (wonky) pots on my pottery wheel."

Sonia Parker
Finance Manager

"I spent the majority of my early career in the publishing industry, undertaking business and administration roles and finally completing my time as Finance Assistant. Prior to joining the Trust, I worked as Finance Manager at Stowmarket High School, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Local Governing Body and the Local Authority. I joined the central trust team this year due to the expansion of the trust, working alongside the Finance Director and across all schools within the trust. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with my family."

Dynah Baller
HR Manager

"I am a BSc Business Management graduate, with a particular interest in Human Resources. Alongside my role as Year Manager at the Trust’s founding school, Sir John Leman High School, l studied for the CIPD Level 7 Certificate in Human Resource Management. Upon the formation of WVAT, l moved over to the Trust as Business Support Manager and am now working in the Central Team office as HR Manager. On a personal level, l keep busy as a mum to two young children."

Amber Johnson
PA to the Chief Executive Officer

“Following working as a qualified Dental Nurse and Radiographer, I began my career in Education at Sir John Leman High School as a Business Support Officer in 2015, just before the school founded Waveney Valley Academies Trust. Once the Trust was formed, I was seconded from SJLHS to become a Business/Educational Support Officer within the Trust, working in the main office and around the schools. I now work as the PA to the Chief Executive Officer and enjoy working amongst the central trust team. In my spare time, I enjoy kickboxing and going to the gym and I have almost finished my diploma in Personal Training.”