Helen joined Oasis Community Learning in 2011 as the Headteacher of an Outstanding school in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and a National Leader of Education (NLE). This role aligned with the opportunity for academisation within a Trust dedicated to community transformation. Prior to joining Oasis, Helen spent 11 years as a teacher and leader across two local authorities.
As a systems leader, Helen participated in the DfE Fellowship programme, supporting Local Authority improvement efforts over several years. In 2013, the academy under her leadership became a Designated National Teaching School, focusing on Initial Teacher Training, as well as Teacher and Leadership Development.
In 2018, Helen was appointed Regional Director for the Northwest Primary Academies, with additional responsibilities for secondary academies for a time. Passionate about empowering the next generation of exceptional leaders, Helen earned the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership and progressed to become the National Director for Learning & Development. In this capacity, she played a key role in advancing Oasis’s journey in systems leadership as a Founding Member of the National Institute of Teaching.
In the summer of 2024, Helen became the first-ever Chief Education Officer for Oasis Community Learning, a pivotal role that supports the CEO as Deputy and focuses on delivering exceptional education at the heart of the community.
