Steve is the CEO of North West Academies Trust (NWAT), overseeing the management of the Trust’s primary and secondary schools across Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Shropshire. Previously, he served as Headteacher at Delamere CE Academy, where he led its transformation from a small school under threat of closure into the first primary academy in Cheshire West and Chester in April 2011.

Steve has held three headships and, as CEO of NWAT, has led the Trust’s development over the past decade. This has included the opening of St Martin’s Academy, the first primary free school in Chester, and the successful transformation of a number of failing schools.

He has also worked as a National Leader in Education and spent several years as an additional inspector for CfBT.

Steve lives with Wenda Smith, Head of St Martin’s Academy, their two children, Frankie and Nancy, and Hugo, a much-loved one-eyed Weimaraner. He is an avid supporter of Liverpool FC and still dreams of managing the club one day.