Meet the Team

Gary Pocock

Gary Pocock is an experienced CEO, who founded the Hornbeam Academy Trust in 2012. He has a background in primary and special schools, including headship. He is also an Ofsted Lead Inspector. Gary has a first degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Education and an Advanced Diploma in Special Educational Needs. He is also the Accounting Officer for the Trust.

Amanda Daoud

Over five years’ innovative work at school and MAT level after managing £20m budgets as Local Authority Head of Education External Finance: school finance, procurement, contract management, project management (Prince2 Practitioner). Holds the Advanced Diploma in School Business Management (ADSBM) and is a National Association of School Business Management (NASBM) Fellow.

Amanda has been appointed by the DfE as a School Resource Management Adviser, [SRMA] after a rigorous selection process by the Institute of School Business Leaders, [ISBL] on behalf of the DfE. SRMAs are deployed by the ESFA as part of a proactive strategy to assist Trusts with financial difficulties.

Victoria Fackler

Vicki Fackler has been Headteacher within the Trust for over 4 years. She is a qualified teacher who has been working in education for over 20 years. She has taught in both mainstream primary and special settings, but has always had a passion for working in SEN in particular, and has undertaken a range of professional development to improve her skills and expertise in this area. She managed and led a provision for children with Autism attached to a mainstream school for 5 years. As Headteacher, she has successfully led change within 2 of the special schools within the Trust, both of which were rated as Good in all areas at their last Ofsted. Vicki's qualifications include: NPQH, NPQSL, PGCE, PGDip in SEN and LLB (Hons).

Rachael Holland

Rachael has been a Headteacher with the Lime Trust for 3 years. She has over 25 years’ teaching experience, has taught throughout the primary age range, was a SENCO for a number of years, as well as a Local Authority moderator. She successfully managed and led the academisation process at Lime Academy Abbotsmede and the school has seen improved outcomes at all key milestones as a result. Her qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Law, PGCE, SENCO accreditation, NPQH and she is currently studying for the NPQEL qualification.

Lisa Collison

Experienced HR professional with extensive private, academy, MAT and public sector experience. An experienced governor of both primary and secondary schools.

Laura Fisher

BSc First Class with Honours, PCGE, DSBM. Over 10 years’ experience working in the education sector in a variety of different roles, supporting staff with enabling change and building capacity in schools. A trust appointed governor at Lime Academy Parnwell, Abbotsmede and Watergall. 

Ricky Barton

BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance, BTEC LEVEL 7 – Advanced Professional Certificate in School Financial and Operational Leadership (CIPFA) and currently working towards ACCA. Over 14 years’ experience in finance, including banking, corporate finance, and, most recently, consulting on school finance and training on PS Financials and the SBS Online Budget Software. Ricky is also the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Trust.

Irena Karapetyan

Holder of a law degree from LSE and a qualified solicitor. Trust Company Secretary.

Kelly Smith

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Beth Dilnot-Smith

NPQH; EYFS specialist including provision for 2+yr olds; Lead Teacher across LAs for EYFS moderation/audit; LA trainer for Early Year practitioners; Leading Parent Partnerships Award.

Ellie Metcalf

Assistant Headteacher & Lead Practitioner, NASENCO 2015. Currently studying for a Masters in special and inclusive education. Expertise in teaching and learning.

Rachel Turner

Rachel has over 30 years’ experience in education and the community, with a passion for building teams and equipping schools to develop the physical space. Rachel has worked in school improvement for 10 years across 6 boroughs with a focus on the learning environment. B.Ed in Religious Studies, Community and Youth Studies (Secondary).

Nadine Jackson-Sargent

BA (Joint Hons) Philosophy, Religious Education and Psychology, PGCE (Secondary), SPLD (Dyslexia) Dip.Ed., AMBDA. Over 20 years’ experience in teaching/education in a variety of different roles and settings. Previously a Local Authority advisor for SEND/Inclusion, leading a contract for Kooth.com (the UK’s leading mental health platform), and as a Dyslexia assessor and consultant. 

Miranda Cummings

Assistant Headteacher and Early Years specialist. Experience of school leadership across three local authorities, including work as an Assessment Lead. Holds NPQSL and currently studying for NPQH. Experienced lead practitioner on a successful nursery start-up, developing provision for 2-4 year olds. NQT Induction Manager and Lime Trust training programme coordinator.