Mike Collier - Chief Executive Officer

Mike was appointed as CEO in September 2023.  Prior to this Mike was Deputy CEO of the Trust and was previously Headteacher at Walker Riverside Academy for 11 years during which time he also undertook a part-time headship at the William Lovell Academy in Lincoln.  Walker is in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Newcastle and from this Mike has a passion for ensuring the Trust provides a highly inclusive education for all pupils attending TCAT schools.

Mike is committed to ensuring that TCAT provides the very best education for all children attending our schools.

Melissa Dobrianski - Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary

Melissa joined the TCAT central team as Head of HR & Business Operations in October 2020 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in September 2023.

In her role Melissa is the specialist lead across the Trust for all aspects of HR and provides strategic HR support and advice working in alignment and partnership with our academies.  In addition to shaping employment policies and practices, ensuring the Trust has robust recruitment and onboarding practices and supporting the Trust's culture, Melissa is also responsible for other areas of strategic leadership including being the Trust's Company Secretary and leading on business support and external SLAs and contracts.

Prior to working in the TCAT central team, Melissa worked in a smaller MAT as a Chief Operating Officer and previously held a role leading a team of HR staff providing HR services to schools within Sunderland Local Authority.

Melissa is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, has a degree in Business Studies and a Masters in Human Resources Management.

James Pedlingham - Chief Financial Officer

James has been employed as the Trust's Chief Financial Officer since August 2024, prior to this he led Business Operations and Finance at Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy and had vast experience in Multi Academy Trusts and the Further Education Sector including as a Teacher.  

Narinder is currently a Deputy Headteacher at Monkwearmouth Academy overseeing the Quality of Education and Personal Development and was appointed Partnership Coordinator in June 2024.

Narinder has a honours degree and a PGCE in history and has the NPQH qualification. Narinder has been a senior leader for 12 years and in that time she has led on pastoral, history, teaching and learning, assessment, quality assurance, appraisal and CPD. 

Narinder's Belief: 

"As a Teaching and Learning Lead, my core ethos is rooted in the belief that an exceptional education experience is the foundation for a life of opportunity and success.  Every student, regardless of their background or starting point, deserves access to an outstanding and equitable education. I am dedicated to developing a culture of high aspirations and continuous improvement, where every classroom is a space for both academic rigor and joyful discovery."

Amanda is currently Assistant Head of Science at Monkwearmouth Academy and a Partnership Facilitator from January 2024.

Amanda has a honours degree in biochemistry and a PGCE in Chemistry.  Amanda has been employed as a Teacher of Science, has acted as a mentor for ITT and ECT students and also has pastoral experience as a Head of Year and Transition Coordinator.

Amanda's ethos is:

"Science should be made accessible to all students.  Understanding science allows young people to explain phenomena in the world around them, develop an inquisitive mind and make responsible decisions in their everyday life."

Joanne is a highly experienced senior leader who has achieved the National Professional Qualification in Headship with a passion for pedagogy and quality teaching. 

She leads CPD, English and Quality of Education at North East Futures UTC and has had significant experience teaching and leadership at Walker Riverside Academy.