Our Directors

Peter BallardChair of the Board of Directors

Richard PettyChair of School Improvement Committee and Responsible for Safeguarding

Career Summary: I have worked in education since 2000, initially as a History teacher and Head of PSHE/Careers, before taking on various Head of Department and pastoral roles in schools in London and the South-East of England.  As Headmaster of Berkhamsted Sixth, one of six schools in the Berkhamsted Schools Group in Hertfordshire, I enjoyed being on the Executive team leading six schools ranging from a Nursery to a sixth form, including three primary schools.  I am a governor of Orton Church of England Primary School, having previously served as a Governor of three schools ranging from 4 to 18 in age.

I work for the University of Oxford, engaging students and staff in a wide range of schools across the three northern English regions in the opportunities offered by Higher Education, and forming strategic partnerships ultimately aiming to raise the number of applications to universities from students in northern England.

I joined the Trust because I would like to help develop education in Cumbria and raise aspirations for all pupils.

Personal Details: I was brought up in Newcastle upon Tyne, have lived in London for most of my adult life and moved to Cumbria in 2017 on the birth of twin sons.  My interests include spending time with my family, walking, fell running, and supporting Newcastle United;  the latter in particular requiring resilience, realism and a sense of humour.

Relevant Experience: Governance, Leadership Development, Organisational Management, Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Administration, Business Development, Change Management, Conflict Resolution, Ethics & Ethos, Fundraising, Financial Management, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Marketing, Media & PR, Research & Evaluation, Teaching & Learning, Early Years Education, Primary Education, School Improvement, Secondary Education, Special Education

Mark ChaterChair of Business Development and Communications Committee

Career Summary: Over 35 years as a teacher of RE, teacher trainer, researcher, policy maker, and charity director have given me insights into primary and secondary teaching, curriculum design, the professional development needs of teachers, national issues on RE and church schools, and strategy in the charity sector, with a particular interest in grant impact and funding for change. I have written or edited eight books on education, RE or theology. 

Personal Details: I love walking, reading and writing, creative cooking, singing, and travelling. 

Relevant Experience: Governance, Leadership Development, Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Change Management, Ethics & Ethos, Research & Evaluation, Primary Education, Secondary Education, Initial Teacher Education 

Louise Blake

Charlotte TudwayDirector - Board of Education, Diocese of Carlisle

Career Summary: After studying law at the University of Oxford, I started my career as a solicitor in the banking and finance department of a London law firm. Following the birth of my second child, I retrained as a teacher. I spent 13 years in Church of England primary schools in various capacities, including as Inclusion Manager, working with pupils with special and additional needs. Before moving to Cumbria from Hertfordshire, I was Headteacher of a village school. 

I joined the Carlisle Diocesan education team in 2019, first as a Schools Adviser. In 2020 I took on the role of acting Deputy Director of Education, before being appointed to the permanent position later that year. In 2022, I was appointed as Director of Education and have the privilege of supporting 104 Church of England schools across Cumbria. I also inspect for SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) which affords me the opportunity to spend time in schools in neighbouring Dioceses. I am a member of various local, regional and national educational networks and working parties and hold roles on a range of boards.

As the educational landscape continues to change, I am delighted to play my part in leading this strong, collaborative, multi-academy trust, offering life in all its fullness to the pupils and staff members of each of the schools in its growing family.

Personal Details: Married to a vicar. Mum to two grown up children. Avid reader and watcher of films. Very amateur musician, singing in various groups and playing various instruments badly. Enjoy crafts including sewing, gardening and all kinds of DIY. Love holidaying in France, good food and red wine.

Relevant Experience: Solicitor, company secretary, company director, teacher, safeguarding lead, SENCo, school leader, consultant headteacher, school governance in various contexts, Director of Education, SIAMS inspector.

Daniel Dennis