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  • Meet the Team

     The QUEST Trust team is dedicated to delivering high-quality education and support across all our academies. With extensive experience in education, finance, operations, and inclusion, our team works collaboratively to ensure every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment. Meet the passionate professionals driving excellence and innovation within the Trust. 

     

    Marc Doyle – CEO 

    Experienced secondary education leader driving excellence across Quest Trust. 

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    Marc is a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience, having held Headteacher and Executive Headteacher roles across six schools in Yorkshire and the Humber. He played a pivotal role in shaping school improvement strategies and previously served as Director of Education in a large Multi-Academy Trust. Marc is also a Trustee at Reach2, the UK’s largest primary MAT, bringing valuable insight and strategic oversight to QUEST Trust’s growth and success. 

     

    Nicola Richards – Deputy CEO 

    A versatile education leader with 25+ years’ experience across all school phases. 

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    Nicola has worked extensively across EYFS, primary, secondary, mainstream, and specialist settings. She has held significant leadership roles including Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, and National Leader of Education. Before joining QUEST, Nicola was Deputy Director of Education at REAch2, where she gained valuable experience leading education initiatives at scale, focused on improving outcomes for all learners. 

    Tonianne Hewitt – Chief Operations & Finance Officer

    Strategic finance leader with extensive experience in finance, HR, governance and compliance. 

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    Tonianne brings over 15 years’ experience supporting the financial and HR operations within education. Tonianne is a CIPFA Affiliate and holds a Level 7 Diploma in School Finance and Operational Leadership.  She has been awarded full membership of the association of accounting technicians MAAT.  Tonianne provides strategic advice on complex financial issues. Her expertise includes strategic and operational management of finance and HR and extends to the areas of facilities and operational management, governance and legal matters. 

    Tonianne supports with the academy conversion process providing comprehensive support to schools throughout the pre- and post-conversion stages ensuring financial health and operational sustainability. Tonianne is also a Director of PlayPals Childcare and the Trust Mental Health First Aider. 

    Laura James – Director of Inclusion & Vulnerabilities 

    Dedicated to removing barriers and fostering inclusive learning environments.  

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    Laura has more than 20 years’ experience in education, with over a decade spent at QUEST. She has worked in roles such as Learning Mentor and PSHE&C Development Officer, focusing on emotional well-being and personal development. Laura is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. 

    Stephanie Maloney – Head of Business and Operations 

    Experienced in admin, finance, and IT supporting business development and administration. 

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    Stephanie is an experienced finance professional working with QUEST since 2011. Her background includes extensive experience in finance, administration, business and ICT.  

    As Head of Business and Operations Stephanie is responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day running of all aspects of the schools. She also works closely with the School Leadership and Central Trust Team to accurately plan and control the school budget. Stephanie enjoys the breadth and diversity that the role offers and is particularly proud to have managed the implementation of the trusts new finance and MIS systems.   

    Debra Finch – Trust Compliance Lead 

    Trust Compliance Lead with broad knowledge of governance, data protection, and support services. 

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    Debra joined QUEST in 2016.  As the Compliance Lead, she is responsible for overseeing the Trust's centralised support services, including Estates and Facilities, Governance, and Data Protection.  Debra works closely with the Trust's IT Solutions provider to ensure that our systems and processes are secure and compliant with the relevant regulations. Her extensive knowledge ensures that the Trust meets statutory requirements and operates with integrity and transparency. Debra has significant experience across both primary and secondary education sectors.  

    Kate Eastwood – Director of Early Years 

    Early years education specialist committed to raising standards and improving outcomes.  

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    Kate has over 15 years’ experience leading early years education across Yorkshire and the North West. She has held various leadership and advisory roles, driven by her passion for improving children’s outcomes. Kate holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with Early Years Specialism, a Diploma in Achievement in Urban Schools, and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), combining academic excellence with practical leadership skills. 

    Vicky Klage – Head of SEND 

    Passionate SEND leader with nearly 30 years’ experience supporting children and families. 

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    Vicky is a qualified teacher with extensive experience working in the UK and internationally, supporting children with SEND from birth to 18 years. She holds the National SENDCo Award and Trauma Informed Diploma and serves as a deputy DSL for the Trust. Vicky is deeply committed to advocating for SEND students and their families, ensuring tailored support and positive outcomes. 

    Zohra Zaheer – Employer Engagement Lead 

    Experienced education professional specialising in building employer partnerships and supporting student placements.  

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    Zohra began her career working directly with students in both group and 1:1 settings before progressing to facilitate work placements, helping students gain valuable industry experience. She has forged strong, long-lasting relationships with employers and stakeholders, with a special focus on coordinating T-Level course placements to connect education with real-world opportunities. 

     

    Fiona Brown - Trust Early Reading & Writing Specialist

    Experienced education professional specialising in Early Years, with 12 years’ leadership experience across Wigan primary schools.

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    Fiona has 12 years of experience in primary schools in Wigan. She has successfully undertaken various leadership roles in both maintained and academy settings, with a particular focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

    In her current positions as Early Years Leader and Trust-wide Early Reading and Phonics Leader, Fiona leverages her extensive knowledge to enhance the educational experiences of young learners. With more than 9 years of experience leading schools in high-deprivation areas, she has a proven track record of driving standards and raising attainment in early reading. This commitment has resulted in a consistent year-on-year increase in the number of children exceeding the national expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check. In 2024, she led all four Trust schools to achieving and exceeding national standards.

    Hannah Leach - HR Business Partner 

    Experienced HR professional joining Quest Trust as an HR Business Partner.

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    Hannah brings over five years of experience in Human Resources, with the past three years dedicated to supporting Multi-Academy Trusts ranging in size from two to thirty schools. She began her HR career as an HR Assistant and has recently joined Quest Trust as an HR Business Partner.

    Hannah holds both CIPD Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications and is eager to progress to Level 7. She recognises the vital role HR plays within education, particularly in safeguarding and supporting young people and is committed to ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for both students and staff.

    Jonathan Lloyd – Trust Marketing Officer 

    Creative marketing professional driving communications and branding across the Trust.  

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    Jonathan joined QUEST in 2025, bringing experience from Wigan Council as a Content Creator. Skilled in video production, animation, marketing, and graphic design, he uses his creative expertise to enhance the Trust’s communications, branding, and community engagement across all schools. 

    Angelica Obeng – Trust Finance Assistant

    Skilled finance professional supporting primary schools across the Trust with financial operations. 

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    Angelica has held various roles within school settings and now supports all primary schools within QUEST Trust, managing purchase and sales ledgers. Proficient in IRIS Financials, she provides essential advice and assistance to individual schools while fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders. Angelica also has a AAT Level 2 qualification and has 10 years finance experience, including 4 years in an education setting.

    Tricia Cheung – Trust Admin Assistant 

    Experienced education professional supporting HR and administrative functions across QUEST Trust.  

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    Tricia brings over 20 years of experience in education, having previously worked as a teacher before transitioning into administration in 2024. She now supports the Trust with HR administration and wider admin duties. Tricia recently completed her Level 2 AAT Accounting qualification and holds a certificate in School Administration, further strengthening her contribution to operational support across the Trust.