A growing education trust has announced three major leadership appointments as it looks ahead to its next phase of development across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Four Hills Education Trust has appointed Joseph Piatczanyn as director of vision and strategy, Darren Lennon as director of school flourishing and Julie Marriott as director of school development.
Trust leaders say the appointments will strengthen support for schools, staff and pupils while helping to ensure the trust’s values remain at the heart of everything it does.
Kirsty Osman, chief executive of Four Hills Education Trust, said the appointments reflected the trust’s ambition to build a strong, values-led organisation capable of delivering exceptional opportunities for children.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have attracted three highly-respected educational leaders whose expertise, experience and values align so closely with our vision for Four Hills Education Trust,” she said.
“Each appointment brings something unique to our leadership team, but they are united by a shared commitment to ensuring every child receives the very best education and support.
“As we continue to grow, it is vital that we invest in leadership capacity that will strengthen our schools, support our staff and ensure our CARE values of Critical Thinking, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy remain central to every decision we make.”
Joseph Piatczanyn, who will continue as headteacher of Meadows Primary School, has been appointed director of vision and strategy. The role will focus on ensuring the trust’s vision is clearly articulated and sustained across all schools.
“Vision and values have always been central to my work in education,” he said. “Being born and raised in Telford, it means a great deal to me to give back to the community and wider Shropshire area that shaped me.
“Four Hills Education Trust reflects the very best of what our region stands for: collaboration, CARE and ambition for every child, no matter their circumstance.”
Joining the trust in September as director of school flourishing will be Darren Lennon, current headteacher of The Linden Centre and a practising Ofsted inspector.
Darren brings extensive expertise in SEND, behavioural support and alternative provision, with the new role focused on helping schools create cultures where both children and adults can thrive.
He said: “I am incredibly proud to be joining Four Hills Education Trust as director of school flourishing.
“This is a trust with a clear moral purpose, rooted in community, collaboration and a genuine commitment to inclusion and belonging.
“Schools flourish best when people do – when children feel safe and valued, when staff are supported and trusted, and when leadership focuses on culture as well as outcomes.”
Also joining the trust in September will be Julie Marriott as director of school development.
Julie is the former headteacher of William Reynolds Primary School, where she led the school to achieve and sustain outstanding Ofsted judgements, and currently works as a school improvement adviser with Severn Training and Schools Alliance.
In her new role, Julie will work closely with school leaders to strengthen curriculum quality, teaching and learning, leadership development and school improvement across the trust.
Julie said: “What excites me most is the shared sense of purpose that runs through Four Hills. There is a genuine willingness to reflect, to learn from one another and to keep getting better for the children we serve.
“I am looking forward to continuing to support each school on its journey, building on what is already strong and working alongside leaders and teams as they strive for excellence for every child.”
Four Hills Education Trust includes Millbrook Primary in Leegomery, Meadows Primary in Ketley, William Reynolds Primary in Woodside, Albrighton Primary and Woodlands Primary in Madeley.
For more information, visit www.fourhillseducationtrust.org.uk
