Our Central Team

What we offer our schools and teams

Our work to improve schools in our Trust is a key feature of our Trust. Being a small, closely knit team, we are able to build effective and robust relationships that support truly effective school improvement.

All schools in our Trust have been judged 'Good' under Ofsted inspections during their time with us, demonstrating our high standards and commitment to raising standards.

Our two church schools have both had Good SIAMs outcomes reflective of the emphasis we place on our vision and ethos leading the way in all our Trust decision making.

Whilst our Capabilities-led curriculum is an over-arching element of all our schools, we ensure each of our schools retains its own uniqueness ensuring that families in our area have choices about where they want their children to attend but also ensuring that all children will receive an excellent education.

Our Trust schools have an enviable reputation for inclusion and we work hard to ensure all pupils, staff and children can achieve, thrive and flourish in An Daras schools.

ADMAT Central Structure and Roles

ADMAT Hub Model 2025

Jo-Anne Callow

CEO

Emma Gilbert

CFO

Anthony Fugill

Deputy CEO

Toni Martin

Governance Officer and Company Secretary

Neil Swait

Director of Learning

Deborah Saunders

Director of Learning

Louise Hussey

Executive Headteacher

Claire Paul

Trust Safeguarding Officer

Neil Swait

Neil Swait is the Senior Director of Learning. Neil has worked in primary education for over 25 years. He is an experienced teacher, who has taught in the early years, key stage 1 and key stage 2. Neil has extensive senior leadership experience in schools, including headship. His qualifications include the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH); a Master’s in Education (leadership & management); and the Professional Qualification for School Inspector (PQSI). Neil also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE). In addition to his role for the An Dara's Multi Academy Trust, Neil also works closely with several other trusts, federations and individual schools undertaking school improvement work, which includes leading inspections for Ofsted.

Neil is responsible for providing high quality leadership mentoring and support for school leaders in order to secure effective school performance, including consistently strong outcomes for pupils. Neil’s work with schools regularly includes visits to lessons, work scrutiny and discussions with staff and pupils. He also checks on the implementation and impact of trust wide school improvement initiatives. In addition to this, Neil routinely plans and leads bespoke staff training that is led by the specific needs identified by the trust schools. Neil reports directly to the Board of Directors and the Trust CEO.

Marg Basford

Trust Finance and Procurement Officer

Sam Cardew

Trust Operations Officer

Kyran Trott

Trust Management Accountant

Dawn Little

Trust Payroll Manager

Jo Patterson

Trust HR Officer

Ros Berry

Trust Finance Officer

Hazel Smith

Trust Compliance Administrator

Charlotte Vellacott

Trust Procurement Assistant

Beth Parnell

Finance Apprentice

Deborah Saunders

Deborah holds a BA (Hons) and Masters in Primary Education (MA). Deborah began teaching in inner city Southampton, teaching across the primary phase. After teaching in Plymouth, Deborah moved to Primary Leadership roles in Launceston.

Deborah completed the National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH) and for many years undertook the role of Key Stage One external moderator for Cornwall and Devon LA. Deborah has been a programme facilitator and assessor on the National Professional Qualifications, and has been awarded the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership (NPQEL). Deborah is also a Fellow for the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT) and Deborah facilitates the teacher training programme (SCITT) for An Daras.

As a Director of Learning, maintains a overview of the Trust wide teaching, learning and assessment systems and processes. Deborah also provides instructional coaching and mentoring support to leadership and teachers as well as providing regular training for schools keeping them updated with the latest educational research. Deborah leads the Trust Sustainability Working Party and regularly engages with external partners.

Deborah supports a team of Trust subject leaders and Visible Learning Impact Coaches.Deborah leads the Trust wide 'Visible Learning' improvement programme across all of our schools, providing training and bespoke support to staff on the 'Visible Learning' approach and has supported schools through working with 'Thinking Matters' with a focus on metacognition. Having helped the Trust secure 'Visible Learning Partner School Status' Deborah presents on a local, national and global platform. Deborah is a part of governance in other schools and Trusts.

All Deborah's improvement work is undertaken under the direction of the Trust CEO and evaluations are provided which support the Trust leadership and Board with decision making and accountability.