Senior Leadership Team
Sarah is a strategic and values-led Executive Leader, committed to driving school improvement and delivering high-impact outcomes for every learner. With a deep-rooted passion for inclusion and SEND, she ensures that equity, ambition, and excellence are at the heart of every decision — securing “the best for everyone, the best from everyone.”
Sarah’s career to date reflects a strong track record of system leadership, including leading school-to-school work ( NLE & SLE). Her leadership at Cedar Mount Academy has been instrumental in driving rapid school improvement resulting in strong progress that is reflected in student outcomes. She has led a significant cultural transformation at the school. Alongside her role at CMA, Sarah generously provides leadership coaching to leaders in and beyond the trust.
Prior to Bright Futures, Sarah successfully led the growth of a new 1,500-place thriving secondary academy from inception to becoming the area’s school of choice, achieving a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgment across all areas and sustained strong progress scores. Sarah has significant cross phase experience and is passionate about the difference education can make. Additionally, Sarah has a range of Governance experience and currently serves as a co-opted governor at Ludworth Primary School. She recently completed the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and also has extensive experience facilitating NPQs across the country. Sarah continues to champion inclusive, high-performing school culture across all phases of education.
Stephen Garvey is an experienced educational leader committed to supporting schools serving communities facing economic inequality. He creates inclusive environments where every pupil feels valued and develops school cultures balancing high standards with care and compassion. As Cedar Mount Academy’s Principal, Stephen focuses on student achievement, striving for the best outcomes for all young people.
In his previous role as Founding Principal at Dixons Newall Green Academy, he launched a new free school, setting strategic direction and shaping an ambitious curriculum with innovative teaching approaches. As Regional Vice Principal across Liverpool and Manchester academies, he raised standards, developed curriculum, and coached leaders at all levels, driving improvements in teaching, behaviour, attendance, and student achievement. At All Saints Catholic College, Stephen served as Deputy and Assistant Headteacher, helping to lead the school out of ‘special measures’ within 18 months through targeted teacher development and community engagement, achieving significant improvements in Attainment 8 and Progress 8 outcomes.
Stephen holds degrees from The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University and has also completed Nation Professional Qualifications for Senior Leadership and Headship. He speaks at national events, serves as a Religious Studies examiner, and facilitates Diana Award Anti-Bullying programmes.
With transformational leadership skills and a deep commitment to social justice, Stephen continues to learn from and work alongside colleagues, students, and communities.
Liam earned a Combined BA (Hons) degree in Physical Education and History from the University of Liverpool and completed a PGCE (Secondary) at the University of Birmingham. He began teaching at Ashton on Mersey School, one of the first Specialist Sports Colleges, where he worked closely with the Youth Sport Trust (YST) on sport leadership programmes, including the delivery of Top Sport Training to leaders from the Malaysian Girl Guides Association.
He led Key Stage 4 and 5 GCSE and A Level PE, teaching a combined cohort of Sale Grammar School students and Manchester United trainees. Liam then became Partnership Development Manager for the Warrington School Sport Partnership, working with 45 schools to deliver the local sports strategy and secure significant lottery funding, before returning to Ashton on Mersey.
He led post-16 PE and the Manchester United FC Scholarship programme and was promoted to Director of Specialism, overseeing vocational and applied learning across Trafford. He led borough-wide bids for Construction and Sport Diplomas.
Liam later served as Assistant Headteacher at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, where he led on curriculum, timetable, careers education, 14-19 education and applied learning, followed by a Vice Principal role at Manchester Academy where he was Designated Safeguarding Lead and contributed to the school’s ‘Good’ OFSTED outcome.
Outside school, Liam is a husband and father, and he is a former professional rugby league player for Salford RLFC and Ireland. He’s an avid sports fan, Manchester City supporter, and music lover – he was thrilled to see Oasis reunited at Heaton Park in 2025.
Lydia Grellier is an experienced school leader and Specialist Leader of Education, with a strong track record of improving teaching, curriculum and outcomes in schools.
With over 15 years in education, she has helped to lead two schools on their journey to Ofsted Good and played a key role in raising achievement through evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.
Most recently at Little Lever School, Lydia led on Quality of Education during a period of rapid improvement, with the school recognised nationally for its improved progress. Her leadership in curriculum design, instructional coaching and professional development has driven sustainable change and empowered teachers to improve their practice.
Lydia also works closely with schools across Greater Manchester to support improvement in curriculum and pedagogy. Her model of effective teaching has been widely adopted, and she regularly delivers CPD to subject leaders and senior teams.
Committed to social justice and raising aspirations, Lydia brings clarity, empathy and a strong moral purpose to leadership. She is driven by the belief that every child deserves a high-quality education, and that improving teaching is the most powerful way to secure better life chances.
Janine brings a wealth of skills and expertise in school improvement and leadership, having previously worked in a large inner-city school where she played a pivotal role in guiding the institution on its transformational journey to achieving a ‘Good’ rating. With a strong background in teaching and learning, she has supported schools across Greater Manchester in raising academic standards and securing improved outcomes at GCSE level.
Driven by a strong moral purpose, Janine is deeply committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to the highest quality education. She does not believe that circumstance should limit aspiration and is passionate about creating opportunities that enable young people to achieve their potential. Her belief in education as a powerful force for social mobility underpins her dedication to helping pupils grow, not only academically but also as confident and responsible global citizens.
A recognised specialist in staff development, Janine has delivered pedagogical CPD at national level, supporting teachers at every stage of their career. She leads with a collaborative and values driven approach, encouraging those around her through her integrity, high expectations, and unwavering belief in the potential of both staff and pupils. Janine’s leadership continues to shape learning communities where ambition, equity, and inclusion go hand in hand.
Louise has built a diverse, accomplished career across five schools and three local authorities. With over twenty years in senior leadership, she has held strategic roles, including Director of Pennine Lancashire SCITT (Ofsted Good), where led international initial teacher training, enabling mentors to observe global best practices abroad.
As Director of the East Lancashire Teaching Schools Alliance, Louise facilitated professional development programmes across the region, including NPQ delivery and the ‘Train the Trainer’ programme for ‘Leading a Mentally Healthy School’.
Louise supports Dylan Wiliam’s view that ‘Every teacher needs to improve, not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better’. She believes high-quality, evidence-informed CPD is essential to improving teaching and learning and is committed to fostering a culture where professional growth is valued at every career stage. Her work has consistently focused on developing others, building leadership capacity, and ensuring that all colleagues have access to meaningful development opportunities.
A long-standing advocate for inclusive education, Louise spearheaded a number of vocational programmes during her career. Additionally, she served eight years as Vice Chair of Governors at a primary school and is a proud Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Leyton Thompson is a committed and experienced school leader with a strong track record of improving behaviour, attendance, and personal development across secondary schools. With over a decade of experience in education, Leyton brings a wealth of expertise in pastoral leadership, safeguarding, and cultivating positive school cultures that support every student to thrive.
Prior to joining Cedar Mount Academy, Leyton served as Assistant Principal at Haberdashers’ Knights Academy in South-East London, where he led on behaviour and attendance, personal development, and inclusion. His work in embedding values-driven approaches, data-informed interventions, and restorative practice has delivered measurable improvements in student behaviour, punctuality, and school attendance.
Leyton is passionate about equity, inclusion, and ensuring that all young people – regardless of background – have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. His leadership is rooted in high expectations, consistency, and a belief in the power of strong relationships.
In recognition of his impact on young people, Leyton was honoured with the ‘Inspirational Teacher of the Year’ award by ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Leyton is proud to be part of the Cedar Mount community and is excited to contribute to the school’s continued journey of improvement.
Alison has been dedicated to the field of education for over 20 years, when she began her career as a Drama teacher. She is deeply committed to ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to realise their full potential and access equitable opportunities. Her core values of compassion and empathy underpin her mission to cultivate a school culture in which every student can thrive.
As Assistant Vice Principal for Quality of Education at Cedar Mount Academy, Alison takes immense pride in being part of the school community, where students continually inspire her through their resilience, character, and ambition.
Alison earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Manchester. She later completed her PGCE at The University of Leeds and has achieved the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership. Prior to joining Cedar Mount Academy, Alison dedicated 21 years to Burnage Academy for Boys.
A passionate advocate for the arts, Alison has a particular love for theatre and film – though she prefers working behind the scenes to being in the spotlight. She has played an active role in numerous school drama festivals, championing both the works of Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights to inspire a lifelong appreciation of theatre in students.
With over 26 years in education, Emma Breen brings extensive experience, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of purpose to her role at Cedar Mount Academy. Her career spans three secondary schools, where she has consistently championed students’ holistic development.
Emma began as a PE teacher and remains deeply passionate about health, fitness, and physical activity’s lifelong benefits. She continues to advocate for the role of sport and wellbeing in supporting students’ mental, emotional, and physical development, believing strongly in its power to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
Emma leads on key areas central to Cedar Mount Academy’s culture and ethos. She has worked to embed high-quality Personal Development and Character Education programmes that help students grow into confident, reflective, and socially responsible individuals.
Emma also serves as the school’s Careers Lead, overseeing a comprehensive programme, ensuring every young person has access to guidance, experiences, and opportunities needed to aspire, plan, and succeed in their future pathways.
At the heart of Emma’s work is a belief that education should develop the whole child. She is committed to creating an environment where every student feels safe, supported, valued, and empowered – to not only succeed academically, but also to thrive personally and socially. Through a values-led approach, she cultivates positive school culture, inspiring students to live those values in all they do.
Christine Reid joined Cedar Mount Academy as Head of English. She has held strategic responsibilities including leading literacy and reading initiatives, overseeing the Early Career Framework, managing new staff induction, and serving as Designated Teacher for looked-after children.
Deeply committed to the Gorton community, Christine is passionate about improving students’ life chances through reading and literacy, believing high-quality education should be accessible to every child.
Christine studied BA American Studies at the University of Kent and completed her PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University after which she worked at The Howard School in Kent, progressing from trainee to Head of English.
A highly experienced English examiner for almost two decades, Christine brings deep insight into curriculum design and assessment. She has also worked as a Development Partner with The Prince’s Teaching Institute, supporting English leaders nationally in building knowledge-led curricula.
Committed to lifelong learning, Christine achieved a master’s degree in creative writing and uses her creative expertise to inspire students’ engagement with writing, poetry, and spoken word. She holds National Professional Qualifications for Middle Leadership and for Leading Teacher Development, while currently pursuing the NPQ for Leading Literacy.
Christine’s leadership is defined by her passion for literacy, dedication to teacher development, and belief in education’s transformative power.
Gorton Education Village
50 Wembley Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7DT
Call us: 0161 248 7009
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