Epworth Education Trust

The Team

The foundation of our Trust is built upon an unwavering commitment to being a place where schools, staff and pupils can succeed and thrive, where collaboration is at the heart.

We truly are a "family of schools" that continually help each other to become even better.

The Epworth Education Trust Executive Team comprises of established and experienced education leaders, all of whom have an outstanding track record in school leadership, education management and business.

The Executive Team supported by the central team is responsible for the strategic development and leadership of Epworth family of schools and its nurseries. They promote a culture of excellence in everything the Trust does. Please click on the different team members to findout more.

Executive Team

Meet the Executive Team (ID 1000)

  • Julie-ann Hewitt
    CEO

    Julie-ann Hewitt

    Julie-Ann Hewitt is the Chief Executive Officer of Epworth Education Trust, serving the Methodist Trust in the north of the country since 2013. With nearly 25 years in school leadership, she has held various roles, including deputy headteacher, headteacher, and executive headteacher of an outstanding school. Her leadership experience extends to Sure Start and Start Well centers, where she provided strategic direction for a significant period of time.

    She has been involved in Methodist education for over 15 years, founding and leading the Epworth Education Trust and previously the Acorn Trust. Her leadership has focused on academic success and building cultural capital for all pupils. Julie-Ann has been a system leader supporting other schools and Trust, and assisting vulnerable schools achieve rapid progress through this work .

    Julie-Ann is deeply committed to her civic duty, offering school improvement support beyond EET, and contributing to system leadership at a local and national level through the Wigan Education Partnership Board, interim CEO roles and Methodist education. Nationally, she plays a significant role in Methodist Education, including being seconded to the Co-Head of Service role for Methodist Academies and Schools Trust (MAST) from 2021 to 2023, leading on school improvement, academisation and pastoral care.

    Her governance experience is wider ranging having served as a trustee in the education sector and beyond. She is currently a Trustee for St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust. Julie-Ann is passionate about creating a culture of opportunity and success within her community, giving all members every opportunity to flourish and succeed.

  • Sharon Joseph
    Chief Finance Officer

    Sharon Joseph

  • Amy Burkes
    Executive Education Lead

    Amy Burkes

    Amy Burkes is the Director of Education for the Trust.

    Amy has over 20 years of experience in primary education and holds a master’s degree in education. She has significant leadership experience in primary schools and is dedicated to promoting innovative educational practices that help both teachers and pupils’ flourish.

    Her responsibilities encompass leading school improvement strategies, ensuring quality assurance, developing teaching and learning initiatives, and collaborating closely with individual schools to enhance pupil achievement. Additionally, Amy serves as the Trust’s Safeguarding Lead and is responsible for overseeing and ensuring effective safeguarding practices throughout the organisation.

  • Julie Whittaker
    Executive Education Lead

    Julie Whittaker

  • Joanne Buckley
    Chief Operations Officer

    Joanne Buckley

    Joanne has been a part of Epworth Trust since September 2014 and covers general aceny operations and HR within her role. She has over 15 years’ experience in education operations and finance at various education levels (SEND secondary & sixth form, primary and further education). Whilst at the Trust, Jo has supported the Trust’s strategic growth, growing from 2 schools to 11 schools.

    Joanne is the Data Protection Officer for the Trust and has achieved the IBITG certified EU General Data Foundation and practitioner qualification. Other qualifications include ia degree in Operations Management, Level 3 AAT, Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate in school Financial & Operational Leadership, CIPFA Financial reporting for Academies 2016 and Nebosh National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety. Joanne also has previous experience in the private sector delivering retail construction projects where skills in planning, health & safety, contingency, and risk management were essential.

Central Team

Meet the Central Team (ID 1211)

 

 

 

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