Q: What is Four Hills Education Trust, and why was it created?
A: Four Hills is a values based multi academy trust, formed to bring together schools under a shared purpose — one that reflects the values we hold dear and aligns closely with the ethos of Millbrook Primary School, where I previously served as Headteacher. Our Governors explored existing trusts but couldn’t find one that truly reflected our vision and principles, so we made the decision to build one ourselves. We held an open event to gauge interest in a new trust, and were overwhelmed by the positive response. Fast forward, after a great deal of collaboration and commitment, we now have our five founding schools: Albrighton Primary School & Nursery, Albrighton, Meadows Primary School & Nursery, Ketley, Millbrook Primary School & Nursery, Leegomery, and William Reynolds Primary School & Nursery Woodside, in Telford.
Woodlands Primary School & Nursery, also based in Woodside, is currently partnered with the Trust and is committed to joining as soon as the final legal paperwork is completed — further strengthening our shared vision for collaboration and excellence.
Q: What are the core values of Four Hills, and how did you choose them?
A: Our four core values are Critical Thinking, Aspiration, Resilience and Empathy. They aren’t just buzzwords – they guide everything we do. I chose critical thinking deliberately – I don’t know of many trusts that name it explicitly. We’ve brought in partners like Dr. Rob Bowden, Lead Practitioner & Co-Director Lifeworlds to help us embed it through research and global learning. Resilience is about equipping children to thrive even before challenges appear, and empathy extends to wellbeing, care for our communities, and environmental stewardship. Aspiration is about giving children hope and exposure to possibilities.
Q: How do these values show up in practice, especially during your launch event?
A: For our launch, we designed an experiential journey up a hill. Children were split into groups, each carrying a symbolic rucksack tied to a value, tackling activities that brought that value alive. At the top, they collected wooden medals, and we linked the event live to schools so everyone could join in. It’s a way of bringing the values into action, not just talking about them. One of my favourite lines is: “Our values aren’t just words on a wall. They are actions, decisions and experiences.”
Q: What benefits do children and staff gain by joining Four Hills?
A: Joining our Trust brings strength in collaboration, shared resources and a consistent values culture – it means a network with shared expertise and a collective mission. The Trust supports specialist roles (for example SEND support across schools), shares professional development and ensures values are aligned across every classroom and staff team.
Q: How do you ensure each child’s voice and community perspective are heard?
A: Being truly values‑driven means involving stakeholders in decision-making – children, parents, communities. Decisions take longer, but they’re better decisions when they reflect lived experience. I’ve often said: “We want children to leave our schools not just academically accomplished but inspired and resilient, with curiosity to explore the world and creativity to shape it.”
Q: What’s your vision for the future of Four Hills?
A: I want Four Hills to become synonymous with purposeful, values-rooted education. Over time, as we build trust and reputation, I hope parents see choosing a Four Hills school as choosing an environment that cares deeply about who a child becomes. We will grow thoughtfully – recruiting specialists, keeping our central team agile and outsourcing where it makes sense so it does not distract from our mission.
Q: Finally, what personally motivates you in this work?
A: My story is part of why I care so deeply. I’m a mother to premature twins, who have needed extra support. I also have dyslexia – experiences that taught me resilience and the value of a different perspective. I often tell my son: “My superpower is how my brain works.” If I can build a system where children like him feel seen, capable, and proud, that is everything to me.