Sinead Smith

Having worked as a Catholic Headteacher within a multi academy before becoming the Senior Executive Principal of the Holy Spirit Catholic Multi Academy Company in North Warwickshire, I understand the importance of getting it right when it comes to making decisions about academisation. At the heart of all decision making needs to sit a firm commitment to improving the educational deal for children and young people and an understanding of the impact academisation can have on the lives of the children, staff and families in our school communities.

As an NLE, I have supported schools when they are at their most vulnerable. I understand the trauma communities can experience when a school is in difficulty and I have seen first-hand how communities and the life chances of children can be transformed when the academy structure is at its best.

If elected to the Advisory Board, I commit to ensuring that my advice will put children, families and communities first and politics second. I will use my experience of successfully leading and improving schools in challenging circumstances to offer appropriate challenge to the Regional Schools Commissioner about the decisions they make, and I will do so impartially and with humility.