Meet the Zenith Team

Our strong commitment to CPD and professional learning is empowering teachers, support staff, and school leaders to achieve the very best possible outcomes.  Dan Steel, Headteacher, The King John School

• Andy Hodgkinson
  Chief Executive Officer
  Andy Hodgkinson

  I started teaching modern languages in 1994 and then became an Advanced Skills Teacher for Essex.   Having held various senior leadership positions, I became secondary Headteacher in 2006 and then CEO for a small Trust in 2017.   As a National Leader in Education I have supported many schools and recently completed an MBA in Educational Leadership. I still try make time to teach in my new role as CEO.

• Cristina Portoles
  Headteacher - Laindon Park Primary School
  Cristina Portoles

• Steve Durkin
  Headteacher - Castle View School
  Steve Durkin

• Tammy Nicholls
  Headteacher- The James Hornsby School
  Tammy Nicholls

• Daniel Steel
  Headteacher - The King John School
  Daniel Steel

• Sarah Hanmore
  Chief Financial Officer
  Sarah Hanmore

  As a qualified accountant I have over 20 years of experience in Finance. I have moved from the private sector into Education in 2018. I find the role of Chief Financial Officer exceptionally rewarding and very much enjoy working with our dedicated school finance teams.

• Alan Mechem
  Director of Marketing and Communication
  Alan Mechem

  I joined Zenith after 16 years of working in education. As a parent I know the importance and value of good home/school relations and, as such, it is an absolute pleasure to oversee communication for the Trust as there is so much to share and celebrate across the schools. My knowledge and experience of being involved in school leadership complements the strategic output of the Trust, as well as my degree and wider understanding of the media.

• Leigh Christensen
  Director of HR
  Leigh Christensen

  Prior to joining the Trust I had a 20 year career in recruitment and compliance before moving into educational HR. As HR director, I enjoy supporting the schools in all elements of HR and payroll, as well as overseeing recruitment across the Trust. My particular passion is for staff well-being, development and benefits, I am excited about the programme the Trust have already implemented and exploring new  initiatives for the future.

• Sean Goodwin
  Director of ICT Services
  Sean Goodwin

  After I completed my apprenticeship in IT I worked as an ICT technician before becoming Network Manager for the King John School. From here I became Director of ICT Services across Zenith. I have a passion for all aspects of IT development, including software and hardware, and appreciate that I can use this knowledge in my role to improve our ICT provision for students and staff alike.

• Claire Day
  PA to the CEO & Governance Professional
  Claire Day

  I have worked in education since 2005, both as a personal assistant to headteachers and CEOs.   I also have extensive experience as clerk to governing bodies and trust boards and currently provide additional support to our Trust in relation to governance matters.