Born in Medway, with family in Devon and now living in Portsmouth, Lee has been fortunate to work within a Trust that spans each of these communities. Having missed out on a grammar school place following his 11+ results, he chose not to be defined by barriers, instead using them as motivation to shape his future. A commitment to reflection, growth and continuous improvement has guided his journey and closely aligns with the values of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust.
Lee joined The Portsmouth Academy (then City of Portsmouth Girls’ School) in 2009 as School Business Manager. Keen to better understand the classroom experience, he spent two years teaching Key Stage 3 Maths before becoming an Assistant Headteacher. Since then, he has become a respected system leader, supporting schools across the sector and helping to drive improvement where it is needed most.
In 2020, Lee was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to education, a recognition he describes as one of the proudest moments of his life.
Lee continually champions three principles in every leadership role:
A focus on building systems and structures that add value – things happen for a reason, for the benefit of the schools and pupils we serve. Everything we do has a purpose.
Empower people to be part of the system – We want people to support the development, challenge, lead and implement this system. A culture where there is greater accountability and everyone feels they can contribute.
Transparency – The ability for everyone to know how they are held to account and ensure that what Thinking Schools Academy Trust is doing is having a value on a particular school.
Michelle Smith is an experienced educational leader with more than 25 years' experience across secondary, selective, non-selective and all-through school settings. Originally trained as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher specialising in French, Spanish and Italian, Michelle has held a variety of senior leadership roles and is recognised for her work in school improvement, leadership development and raising outcomes for young people.
A Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT), Michelle holds both the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). She is also an experienced governor and is passionate about developing ambitious leaders and high-performing schools.
Michelle joined Thinking Schools Academy Trust in 2021 as Principal of The Victory Academy, leading the school through a significant period of improvement before being appointed Regional Director, overseeing schools across the South and South East. She has successfully led school transformation, strengthened leadership capacity and supported sustainable improvement. In 2024, Michelle was recognised as Kent and Medway Secondary Headteacher of the Year.
Alongside her Trust responsibilities and role as an Ofsted Inspector, Michelle brings extensive expertise in curriculum development, assessment and evidence-informed practice. As Interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer, she is committed to strengthening educational standards, developing outstanding leaders and improving life chances for every young person served by the Trust.
Originally from Northamptonshire, Jay qualified as a teacher with a BA(Ed) Hons in Physical Education from the University of Exeter before beginning his career in secondary education. Over more than two decades, he progressed through a range of leadership roles including two headships and significant Governor experience. On this journey he developed expertise in teaching and learning, curriculum design, leadership development and school improvement, achieved the NPQH, became a Fellow of the Chartered College (FCCT) and was recognised in 2021 with a Certificate of Excellence in the National Teaching Awards – Headteacher of the Year, .
Following his Headships, Jay established a successful coaching and leadership development business, supporting schools, trusts and organisations beyond education. He gained a Level 5 Coaching Qualification and the NASENCO qualification, enabling him to work extensively with leaders on professional growth, organisational development and the reimagining of SEND provision.
In January 2024, Jay joined the Thinking Schools Academy Trust as Regional Director for the South West. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening our Trust’s infrastructure across the region, building a strong family of schools and securing a growing track record of school improvement. He also contributes to Trust-wide strategic development, particularly in leadership, curriculum and Thinking Teaching and Learning. Jay now looks forward to extending this impact further through his role as Interim Deputy CEO.