Meet our Team
Gill Denham
Executive Headteacher and CEO, Marish Academy Trust
It’s my privilege to be the Executive Headteacher and CEO at Marish Academy Trust, leading an evolving ‘dream team’. My teaching career spans three decades and half of that time I have spent at Marish. No two days are the same here, but as a teacher and a leader, every day provides an opportunity to make a difference, which is why I am still here.
Amanda Court
Substantive Headteacher
I have been the Substantive Headteacher at Marish Academy Trust for 5 years now. I joined Marish Primary as an NQT 18 years ago and have worked in the senior leadership team across both schools for the best part of 11 years. I am passionate about inclusivity and my strengths lie with data, outcomes and the progress of our disadvantaged groups. I continue to teach daily to ensure I maintain positive relationships with staff and children when driving school improvement.
I have been fortunate enough to be part of Marish’s journey from inadequate to good during my time here and I love watching the Trust go from strength to strength, doing whatever it takes to build bridges in our community and empowering every child to ‘strive for the heights!’.
Natasha Gentles
Director of Inclusion
I taught in northern Canada for six years, before emigrating to the UK in 2004 to accept a job as an oversees trained teacher at Marish Primary School. Over the past 21 years, I have had roles in the school as a class teacher, EAL coordinator, AHT, DHT and SENCO and I’m now the Director of Inclusion. I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to engage with children, parents, colleagues and external professionals to find solutions and improve life chances for all of our children.
Lyndsey Howe
Deputy Headteacher and SENCO
With 23 years of teaching experience, I have served as a Deputy Headteacher at Marish Academy Trust for the past 11 years. I am passionate about Early Years and Key Stage 1 education, focusing on creating strong foundations for lifelong learning. My work is driven by a commitment to nurturing young learners and supporting staff development.
Shabana Quadir
Deputy Headteacher
I joined Marish Academy Trust over ten years ago, starting as a Year Lead and am now a Deputy Headteacher. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, passionate leaders, and – most importantly – incredible children. What keeps me motivated is the belief that every day brings the chance to make a meaningful impact. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that every child leaves our school with a love for reading, as it unlocks doors to lifelong learning, confidence, and future success.
David Sinclair
Deputy Headteacher
I have been at Marish Trust for ten years, first as an Assistant Head and laterally as a Deputy Head Teacher. I initially decided to become a primary school teacher as I wanted to help lay the foundations – morally, socially and academically- that would enable children to flourish later in life. This is something that I feel Marish excels at and I am proud to contribute towards. I am passionate about Literacy and, in particular, enabling young writers to find their voice.
Alka Rajput
HR Lead
I started working for the Trust in March 2012, initially as Pupil Roll Manager, then Office Manager, and now in my current role as HR Lead. I have a degree in Information Systems and was an IT Consultant in my previous life before children. I have two grown-up children who both attended Marish so I have a long-standing relationship with the school, both as a parent and staff member.
Clare Anand
Finance Lead
I have been working in the Trust since July 2021, before this I spent 13 years working at Barclays Bank as an Operations Manager. I have been working as a Finance Lead, where I manage budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the smooth operation of the Trust. Working in a school environment has allowed me to combine my skills and experience with my genuine enjoyment of being around children.
Brendan Rossiter
Facilities Lead
I started working at the Trust as the Head of PE in February 2012. In 2021, I became the Facilities Lead where I manage building, maintenance and health and safety across all the Trust schools. I am also the Sustainability lead and do whatever it takes to ensure all schools are contributing to the World becoming more eco-friendly.
