The Members and Trustees of South Essex Academy Trust

John Cahalane

John Cahalane - Member

27 years experience at Sotheby's, an international auction house, with management and logistical responsibilities at director level, three years experience establishing two successful timed online auction houses, three years experience as a Parent Governor at a primary school.

Catherine Burnside

Catherine Burnside - Member

Catherine is an experienced governance professional, being Director of Governance & Compliance at SEAX Multi-Academy Trust of special schools based in Chelmsford. Catherine had previously been a clerk to governors for Essex County Council and is also a governor of a maintained primary school. Catherine is a fully qualified teacher who has taught across all Key Stages.

Sue Foster

Sue Foster - Member

Sue has enjoyed 43 years in Primary Education – starting as a teacher in 1980, progressing to Headship in 1990 and taking on other roles supporting school leaders through Local Authority Advisory work, Leadership development with National College for School Leadership and Teaching Leaders and more recently, providing school support for London Borough of Newham . Having had a diverse and fulfilling career in education Sue believes she has that experience to offer a Multi Academy Trust. More click here

Dominic Carver

Dominic Carver - Member

Headteacher of South Benfleet Primary Academy. 20 years' governance experience. Governor of a local secondary academy. Former Ofsted Inspector.

Julie Mulcahy

Julie Mulcahy - Chair of Trustees and Member

Julie has held leadership roles in Media Entertainment, Financial Services & Non-Profit. Currently, she holds a number of Non-Executive Director/Trustee roles namely; Chair, United Glasgow FC, VP Programming & Events Harvard Business School Club of London; Director of Governance & HR Suffolk County FA; Director, Association of Physical Education; Director, Change Partnerships Multi-Academy Trust. More click here

Chris Jones

Chris Jones - Vice Chair

Founder and Chief Executive of CJ Learning Ltd and CJ Learning Technologies Ltd, supporting schools for over 10 years in curriculum development, staffing, budgeting and timetabling and is a DFE approved provider of Integrated Curriculum and Finance planning methodology. Before that he was a teacher and senior school leader for 24 years. Chris brings his education and business expertise as a Governor and Director to a number of school and charity boards, having served as a CoG, Parent and Teacher Governor and also Trustee, CEO and Board Chair in a number of charitable organisations.

Vanessa Carreras

Vanessa Carreras - Trustee

Vanessa is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Operations at Richmond American University London responsible for Finance, HR, Estates, IT and Marketing & Recruitment. Previously she was the Director of Finance at Northeastern University London and before that Financial Controller at Havering College of Further and Higher Education so her career has been dedicated to Education for over 13 years.

Terry Quorn

Terri Quorn - Trustee

Terri has over 17 years experience working for a world class Aerospace and Defence Company. Roles held have included Engineering Governance, Continuous Improvement, Mentoring, Health & Safety and Learning & Development.

Karla Martin

Karla Martin - Trustee

Karla Martin is currently Director of Standards and School Improvement in a large Multi-Academy Trust. She has more than 25 years' experience in education in the UK and internationally, including as a primary headteacher, lead Ofsted inspector and Head of Education and Early Years in a large local authority. Karla brings a well rounded expertise in school improvement in primary and secondary schools and a passion for high quality education for all.

Joshua Nash

Joshua Nash - Trustee

Josh has a strong background in special education. With a Special Education degree and ongoing MA in Inclusion (Autism Children), he brings deep knowledge of SEND. His experience includes teaching in specialist and mainstream schools, and leading inclusion initiatives. He is the Chair of Governors at a primary school. Josh also contributes to national SEND efforts through his work as a trustee for several charities.

Adam Hills

Adam Hills - Trustee

Adam is a Chartered health and safety professional with over 16 years of experience in regulating UK workplace health and safety legislation. Currently serving as a Principal Inspector for the Health and Safety Executive's Inspection Division in the East of England, he is dedicated to protecting individuals and communities from work-related death, injury, and ill health. As a past Chair of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety Essex Branch, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He seeks to apply his experience to strengthen the safety culture within the schools trust, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff alike. Adam is committed to promoting well-being and encouraging a proactive approach to health and safety in our educational settings.

Nicky Collins

Nicky Collins - Trustee

Nicky is a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, specialising in client relationship management. She holds a degree in Mathematics from the Open University and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Mathematics. Nicky is actively involved in community and professional initiatives, serving as the Treasurer of her local Tennis Club and co-chairing a diversity network at work.

Emmalene Cepparulo

Emmalene Cepparulo - Trustee

Emmalene is a proud mum to daughter Ellen, 12, and Ellis, 11, as well as a step mum to Ethan. Family is at the heart of everything she does. Professionally, she is the Head of HR for UKI, Europe, and the Nordics at Sunglass Hut, where she partners with the retail Managing Director to drive people strategies and support a thriving workforce. With 25 years in HR, Emmalene brings extensive expertise in talent development, leadership, and DEI initiatives. Emmalene started her career in hospitality management and operations, which gave her a strong foundation in customer-focused leadership. Passionate about creating positive workplace cultures, she thrives on helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential.

Olly Tyler

Olly Tyler - Trustee

Olly has over seven years' experience in Secondary Education and currently serves as an Assistant Headteacher of an all-through school in East London. His experience sits primarily in pastoral leadership with his expertise being centred around Safeguarding and Attendance. Working across both the primary and secondary phase, he has gained insight into effective school leadership and has provided Attendance support across his Multi Academy Trust. Olly also has several years teaching and learning experience developing an A-Level French curriculum.

Governance Documents

Use the links to locate information regarding governance of the Trust academies. Specific key documents can be found quickly by clicking the links below:

Minutes from Directors meetings - if you would like a copy of the Board minutes, then please contact CEO@seacademytrust.co.uk.

Finance & Statutory Documents including: Funding Agreements; Articles of Association; Annual Reports & Financial Statements (containing information of the Governance Board roles & responsibilities)