Cambrian Learning Trust welcomes three new senior leaders

This exciting development sees three of our schools welcoming new leadership:

• Tracy Gardiner – Head of School (Primary), St John’s CE Academy (SJO)

• Nick Hatcliffe – Head of School, Watchfield Primary School

• Lisa Barker – Headteacher, Faringdon Community College (FCC)

These appointments reflect our Trust’s commitment to our mission: "Nurturing growth and inspiring minds." 

Tracy Gardiner – Head of School (Primary), St John’s CE Academy

"I am joining St John's as Head of School - Primary after working in a range of schools across Oxfordshire over the past 30 years. I have previously taught across Primary and Secondary phases in mainstream schools, including a variety of leadership roles and led an Alternative Provision setting with a focus on work-based learning. For the last 8 years, I have been a Senior Leader in a local all-through 4-19 Special School, including a secondment as Acting Headteacher at a Special School in Oxford. I also work with ECTs across the county as a cluster facilitator delivering the ECF to colleagues working with SEND pupils in both Special and mainstream settings. I am delighted and looking forward to the opportunity of bringing my knowledge, understanding and experience to my role at St John's and working closely with the Head of School – Secondary. I am fortunate to be joining the SJO community as this new all-through 2-16 school enters its exciting next chapter, with a rising group of Year 2s and the first cohort of Year 7s sharing our lovely building until the Secondary site is ready for them.”

Nick Hatcliffe – Head of School, Watchfield Primary School

My name is Nick Hatcliffe, and I have been working in education for nearly 14 years, gaining experience across multiple key stages and developing a deep understanding of the different phases of a child’s educational journey. I am thrilled to take on the role of Head of School at Watchfield Primary School, with a clear aspiration to help our school grow and develop into a true Beacon of Excellence for our community.

Outside of school, I am a keen sportsman with a passion for sport and exercise. My wife and I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, and I am also an avid reader and enthusiastic cook—always eager to experiment in the kitchen!

At Watchfield, we live by the values of ‘SOAR’—being Successful, Original, Aspirational, and Resilient. I am committed to driving the school’s continuous improvement so that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive, achieve their potential, and succeed in all they do.”

Lisa Barker – Headteacher, Faringdon Community College

“My name is Lisa Barker, and I bring nearly 30 years of experience in education, having worked across a variety of secondary school settings. I am honoured to have been appointed Headteacher at Faringdon Community College (FCC).

Much of my career has been spent in Kent, where I held a range of leadership roles. Recently, I returned to Oxfordshire—my home county—to take on this exciting new chapter at FCC.

At FCC, our core values are Belong, Believe, Aspire, Achieve. We are passionate about fostering a culture where every member of our community feels valued and empowered. We believe in the potential of every student and are committed to nurturing the confidence and mindset needed to embrace new challenges and continually strive for personal growth.

My vision is to lead FCC in becoming a true Beacon of Excellence—delivering high-quality, inclusive education within a nurturing and supportive environment. I am deeply committed to driving school improvement and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Outside of school, I enjoy walking, running, gardening, and travelling, as well as spending quality time with my family.”

 Richard Evans, CEO of Cambrian Learning Trust, said:

"We are thrilled to welcome Tracy, Nick and Lisa to their new leadership roles this September. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, ambition and commitment to our values of Integrity, Kindness, Ambition and Unity. Their appointments strengthen our capacity to deliver on our mission of nurturing growth and inspiring minds, and will play a vital part in our journey to be a Beacon of Excellence across all our schools".

These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for Cambrian Learning Trust as we continue to invest in strong leadership, nurture growth, and inspire every learner to shine.