Senior Leadership Team
Trevor Orchard – Executive Head
Trevor is the Executive Head for James Marks Academy Trust, including the Roman Fields Academy, Forest House and from Sept 2023 the James Marks Academy. He has over 25 years in Education in a variety of roles, including almost 10 years at Roman Fields, as Headteacher. He has led Roman Fields to being rated Outstanding by Ofsted and winning the NAS 2018 Excellence award.
Prior to working in education, he was a Project Manager in the construction industry. He has experience in leadership, finance, SEND, strategic planning and delivery.
Trevor took on a significant amount of responsibility fairly early on in his teaching career as a Head of Year from his second year of teaching, which has provided the opportunity to learn from and work closely with 5 Head Teachers over his early career. In his last post, Trevor was a mainstream Deputy for 8 years and built strong teams of entirely committed individuals, leading the SEND and behaviour teams and all staff in the Autistic Resource Provision alongside the Heads of Year.
He believes that great schools are built on relationships, creativity, positivity, and trust. He learned that the leader of an organisation can really impact on the culture, results and inclusively of an organisation; and that accountability directly affects outcomes.
Mandy Crow – CFO/Company Secretary
Mandy is the Chief Finance Officer/Company Secretary for James Marks Academy Trust, including the Roman Fields Academy, Forest House and James Marks Academy. Mandy has worked in education for 14 years and has spent the majority of her time leading the business and finance areas; firstly, as Business Manager for Roman Fields and then as the Chief Financial Officer of James Marks Academy Trust.
Mandy has had a long and varied working life, including working in a primary Speech and Language unit in a mainstream school, supporting pupils to integrate back into the classroom.
Before moving into education, she worked for a large financial institution within the central HR department and, prior to that, as a PA for a Company Director.
Mandy finds her role extremely rewarding and is particularly keen to establish efficient methods of operation to maximise cost savings, thereby enabling more funds to be utilised in the enhancement of the education of the pupils of the Trust.
Ashley Purser - SENDCo/Humanities Teacher
Ashley is the SENDCo of the James Marks Academy Trust based at Roman Fields site. Ashley holds an MA in Autism and has a wide range of experience in leading on pastoral and academic areas; and works extensively in mental health, liaising with outside agencies to get the best care and support for our pupils and their families.
Ashley is primarily a Geography teacher and an excellent mentor. Ashley has driven forward many new initiatives within the provision leading to outstanding outcomes; he puts the pupils at the centre of all of his practice. Ashley is a great support to staff and parents and carers alike.
Above all else, Ashley is personable, friendly and approachable. He is always willing to go the extra mile and look for solutions which have tangible benefits.
Scott Martin – Deputy Head/CLA Lead
Scott joined the James Marks Academy Trust as Deputy Head in September 2023. Scott has extensive experience as a Senior Leader and prior to joining the Trust he has worked in secondary schools across Hertfordshire for over 25 years.
He initially trained as a PE teacher and has taught psychology for the last 15 years. He has held numerous responsibilities throughout his career and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Trust. He has a Master's degree in teaching and learning and is a qualified SENCo.
Scott leads on behaviour, attendance and looked after children. He is also the deputy designated lead for safeguarding and supports the SENCo and integration of new pupils.
Mark Reynolds – Assistant Head
Mark Reynolds became the Assistant Head of James Marks Academy from September 2023. Mark has worked for the James Marks Academy Trust for a number of years, previously as the Head of the Technology Department at Roman Fields Academy and Data Assessment Lead.
His teaching time is mostly spent with GCSE Mathematics, but he has also taught A Level Economics, GCSE English, and has occasional forays into History when the timetable allows.
Mark runs the school Dungeons and Dragons club, and likes to play football and rounders with the pupils so long as the odds are stacked in his favour.