Empowering Minds Academy Trust

Our Central Team

Meet our Team

Sarah Cairns

CEO

From starting out as a newly qualified teacher in 1995, at Southfield Primary, I’ve progressed through the education system experiencing different governments, differing roles and have learned much along the way.

During the National Strategies, I was employed as a Literacy Consultant and worked primarily on behalf of Doncaster teachers and leaders, in a sensible and sustainable roll out of the NLS.

Later I became head at Southfield Primary, Doncaster in 2006. Southfield then federated with Bessacarr Primary in 2014 and my role was as Executive Headteacher.

The schools academised in 2017, and two further schools, Tranmoor and Highwoods Primaries joined with us. We’ve grown since then and now as CEO, we also work in partnership with LA schools and previously with Challenge Partners.

My skills, knowledge and interests involve leadership at all levels, teaching and learning-particularly the ways that children learn; and how to develop a supportive learning culture throughout our Trust and beyond, ensuring we have an ambitious curriculum at the heart of what we do, in order to give our pupils the best ever chances in life. I’m keen to foster a future educational landscape where all are included fully, pupils and adults alike are treated with respect, dignity and full understanding and support for positive SEMH is real, preemptive and responsive to need. Social mobility is achievable and together we can ensure a better now and a better future for all of our children and families.

Suzanne Gibbons

Deputy CEO

Marie Rilett

CFO

Daniel Smeaton

Operations

I started at Bessacarr Primary in 2004 and covered many roles in my 18 years there, including working in the School Office, Teaching Assistant and even Relief Site Manager on occasion. During my time there I completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years Education. Towards the end of my time at Bessacarr, I was Extended Schools Coordinator and was heavily involved in running Breakfast and After-School clubs, including a National Award Winning Film Club, alongside some Administrative work. In 2022, I moved on to become Finance Administrator at Southfield Primary along with managing IT as part of the Trust Central Team. Throughout my many roles in school I have always endeavoured to be friendly, approachable and to go above and beyond for children, staff and parents. In September 2024 I took up the post of Operations in the Trust Central Team. I have a vested interest in IT and manage this across the Trust.

Marie Waring

Finance Officer

Lisa Moffat

Finance Officer

Empowering Minds Academy Trust

Our Central Team

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Our Central Team

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