Dame Nicola Stephenson
Dame Nicola has been Executive Headteacher of 2 successful primary schools working in areas of challenge for over 20 years. 4 years ago she led the transformation from 2 softly federated schools to the creation of Valour MAT. Dame Nicola is highly effective in school improvement and has a proven track record in transforming schools and aims to be involved in school to school improvement for the good of the education system nationally.
In addition to CEO she is also a National Leader of Education supporting schools in the North of England. Dame Nicola is Vice Chair of Schools North East which provides a non-political voice for schools from all sectors in the North East, her role as a National Executive officer for NAHT enables her to further champion the work of leaders in the North East of England and try and find solutions to any regional problems that arise. She has worked in school improvement Nationally and Internationally and also been an advisor for the DFE. As a member of the Fellowship commission she has developed an interest in international educational research. Currently Dame Nicola works with the Regional School Commissioner on the CEO advisory board.
Dame Nicola enjoys a charity challenge, be it cycling across Madagascar or trekking the foothills of the Himalayas. She has a son at university, 2 cats and 3 cockapoos, one named Indiana Bones, another called Scrappy Doo and the recent addition of Boo. She believes childhood should be full of love, happiness and security, gathering memories to last a lifetime.