Ascend Learning Trust celebrates International Women's Day 2023

As International Women’s Day is a global holiday the Ascend Learning Trust feels it is important to celebrate the women within the Trust.

Within the Trust, four of its seven schools are led by female Headteachers and the Trust's Executive team is 50% female.

A spokesperson from the Trust said: "All our staff have worked extremely hard to get into their current roles and felt it important to celebrate them on such an important day."

Hilary Macmeekin Headteacher at Noremarsh Junior School joined the school in September 2021.

She has been teaching for over 20 years after graduating from King Alfred’s College with a BA(Ed) in Geography with Hons in Upper Primary. She later went on to receive her NPQH, which she completed in 2013. In her career, Hilary has worked in various roles such as Heads of Subject, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher in  a range different schools, which have all led to her career at Noremarsh.

Susan Brobyn Chief Finance Officer at Ascend Learning Trust joined in July 2021.

In her role in the Executive Team within the Trust, she ensures all central staff have the access to any professional expertise needed and that the finance systems meet the demands of the growing organisation to maximise effectiveness across the trust. Sue has an MBA, is a fellow Institute of School Business Leaders and is an accredited School Resource Management Advisor.

Esther Newman Director of HR at Ascend Learning Trust and joined in 2017, having previously worked in Lawn Manor Academy.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and leads the team of HR professionals to support the Headteachers and senior leaders within the trust. As a member of the Executive Team, Esther works to provide an excellent HR, Marketing and PR service to the schools within Ascend Learning Trust.

The Ascend Learning Trust say International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness on discrimination, take action to drive gender parity, the day belongs to everyone, everywhere to celebrate.