Kate French

Kate French

  • Co Vice-Chair of the Trust Board

 

Areas of Expertise/ Specialisms

Primary Education

Teaching and learning:

  • Observation and feedback
  • Improvement strategies and advice
  • Professional reflection and development

Leadership and management:

  • Headteacher challenge, advice and support
  • Identification of school priorities
  • School improvement and financial planning

Details of your last three roles

Name

Freelance Education Consultant

Dates

2011 - 2018

Responsibilities

Commissioned school support and challenge (as noted above)

Name

Senior Officer, Doncaster MBC

Position

Principal/Senior Primary School Improvement Adviser

Dates

1998 - 2010

Responsibilities

School improvement roles, including:

  • Primary Strategy Manager and team leader
  • NQT induction
  • Music Service Line Manager
  • Leader in school improvement for range of schools
  • Governor support
  • Ofsted inspection
  • Review leader
  • Headship appointments
  • NPQH trainer and assessor

Name

Copley Junior School

Position

Headteacher

Dates

1992 - 1998

Responsibilities

Leadership and management of a primary school

General Areas of Expertise to Support a Trust Board

Areas outlined above, with, in addition:

  • Experience of committee membership and leadership
  • Experience as a school governor and chair of board
  • Experience of school financial management
  • Ability to establish trust and respect in professional relationships
  • Ability to make clear judgements and write unambiguous reports

Education Improvement Specific Experience and Skills

My whole career has been in teaching, school leadership and strategic school improvement. I have proven skills, experience and expertise across all these areas. I maintain a strong interest in education and educational development.

Specific Leadership and Skills Experience

Please see above.

HR and Data Handling Specific Experience and Skills

  • Experience in handling and interpreting school progress data.
  • Wide experience in staff appointments.
  • Experience in handling complaints and disciplinary processes.

Finance Specific Experience and Skills

  • Direct management (as headteacher) of school budget.
  • Membership and leadership (as governor) of school finance committees.
  • Understanding of school finance processes and procedures.

Brief comments on why your previous experience is relevant

After a long career in education, covering a wide range of experience, I feel I am able to support the Trust’s work and development through being an active Trustee. I enjoy being part of discussions around vision and strategic development; and being involved in practical support. I am an active member of the Standards and Outcomes Committee. As such, I enjoy visiting schools and talking to school leaders, governors, staff and children. I have also been involved in interviews and performance management, as well as disciplinary panels. I am committed to supporting the Trust in achieving its ambition to do the best we can for the success of our students.