Our Trustees
Mr Jeremy Rowe - Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy is Chief Executive Officer of the Waveney Valley Academies Trust, having been Headteacher of Sir John Leman High School for eight years, from 2008-2016.
During that time, Jeremy worked with a dedicated Leadership Team to ensure that the school consistently achieved exam results which were amongst the best in the county, made some of the best progress in the country, became over-subscribed and achieved national recognition for student behaviour. Importantly, despite national trends, teachers at Sir John Leman High School remained and flourished both within the school, and the profession.
In the past three years Jeremy has been seconded to Sewell Park Academy, Norfolk and to Alde Valley Academy, Suffolk, both of which saw significant improvements in GCSE results. Jeremy also works as Executive Principal for three secondary schools, is the PIXL Deputy Regional Leader for the Eastern Region and works as an Ofsted Inspector.
In addition to these roles, Jeremy has served on ASCL Council, and been invited to present on raising exam results, leadership and improving behaviour at a range of national conferences and events. He is also the author of ‘Sorting Out Behaviour’, published by Crown House.
Married to an English teacher, and with four children, Jeremy does not have much spare time. His hobbies are occasionally playing badminton (badly!) and watching Norwich City.
Mr Mark Chapman - Chair of Trustees
Mark is employed as Finance Manager at Woodlands Primary School in Bradwell, Great Yarmouth and is the former Chair of Governors of Sir John Leman High School. Mark has a BSc (Hons) Degree in Banking and Finance and is an Associate of Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Mark has an extensive working background in the Finance Sector, formerly holding the posts of Commercial Manager and Premier Relationship Manager for HSBC. He is a keen reader and has a particular interest in history and military history.
Mr Steven Alderson - Vice-Chair of Trustees
Steven is the Director of Harbourage Suffolk Ltd which has been operating in the project, event and energy management sectors since 2008. He previously worked for 20 years in IT Project Management mostly for corporate financial services companies. He has been a governor at Sir John Leman High School since 2012 and is currently trustee for a number of other local charities. Steven enjoys running and has completed both half and full marathon distances.
Mr Chris Harrod
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Chris has vast Business and Management Expertise as Chief Executive of Harrod UK Ltd and holder of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFGM) training and PKF cost accounting and financial planning.
In his spare time, Chris’ hobbies include keeping fit, travelling, off road driving and Formula 1.
Mrs Cath Ford
Cath has an established career in the Education Sector and is currently Head of Science at Cliff Park Ormiston Academy in Gorleston. Previous roles include Head of Year and Examinations Officer at Broadland High School in Wroxham. Cath also assisted with formation of the Federation of Brampton and Ringsfield CEVC Primary Schools. In her free time, Cath likes to crochet, sing, read and is a supporter of Norwich City Football Club.
Mr David Balls
David has recently retired from the post of Managing Director of RefineCatch Ltd, a market leading type setting and data based company based in Bungay, Suffolk. He is Chairperson of 1st Bungay (School) Scout Group and a Member of the Scouts District Executive and Appointments Committees. David has a keen interest in golf and is a member of the Waveney Valley Golf Club, playing two days a week. He also enjoys travelling abroad and caravanning in the UK.
Mrs Lindsay Hanger
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have been in education for 35 years as a class teacher, SEN Specialist Teacher, SENDCO, Head Teacher of a Pupil Referral Unit, Deputy Head Teacher and Head. I chose my retirement date as 2020 before there was any hint of a pandemic on the horizon. With hindsight it was a terrible choice and I miss my school, children, staff and parents more that I can possibly imagine!
I am passionate about creating the right opportunities for all children, ensuring that the “whole” child is at the centre of education and that the wellbeing of pupils and staff is always an important consideration when decisions are made.
I have two children and four grandchildren, all of whom live locally; next year two of my grandchildren are likely to attend a WVAT high school.
I hope that my experience and understanding of the intricacies of headship will enhance the Trust Board of WVAT.
I look forward to making as much of a contribution as possible to the success of this Trust for the benefit of everyone involved.
Mrs Elaine Glendinning
Elaine has been a teacher since 2003, quickly moving into leadership. She was the headteacher of Southtown Primary School for 12 years overseeing significant changes in the school including expansion in pupil numbers on roll and building to accommodate the expansion.