Our Team

Senior Central Team

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  James Freeston

  Chief Executive Officer

  James has worked for Aurora since the trust was formed in September 2012, initially as Headteacher and Executive Headteacher before taking on the role of Director of Education. James was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in May 2023. Before working with Aurora James held senior leadership positions in a number of schools and has taught internationally. He has a strong record in bringing about rapid school improvement and building sustainable and successful schools. James has also led and been a member of a variety of school-to-school support partnerships working across the maintained and academy sectors.

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  Laylee Pocock

  Director of School Improvement - Provision

  Laylee joined Aurora in September 2019 as head of school at Glenleigh Park Academy, bringing with her extensive experience from various teaching and leadership roles across East Sussex. She has since held Head and Executive Headteacher positions within Aurora before being appointed to lead the provision strand of Aurora's school improvement strategy in July 2024. With 25 years dedicated to education, she is deeply passionate about all aspects of teaching and learning. Laylee is determined that all children within Aurora receive high-quality teaching and make excellent progress. Her commitment to fostering excellence in education drives her ongoing efforts to support and improve provision across all Aurora schools.

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  Thomas McMorrin

  Director of School Improvement - Assurance

  Thomas joined the City Academy Whitehawk team as Deputy Headteacher in 2017, the school’s first year as part of Aurora Academies Trust. Thomas utilised his years of school leadership across a number of local authorities, leading on teaching and learning, curriculum, assessment and behaviour. Thomas became Headteacher of City Academy Whitehawk in 2019 and delivered sustained school improvement, leading the school to multiple outstanding Ofsted grades in 2024. During his time as Headteacher, Thomas also supported other Aurora schools across the primary and secondary phases in an executive role. Thomas is passionate about tackling the challenges faced by disadvantaged pupils and has a national profile in his work with colleagues to help schools ensure best practice in this important area. 

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  Rich Barrett

  Director of Estates

  Rich joined Aurora in September 2023 as the Director of Estates, with a remit to target continuous improvement, and best practice, in how we manage and maintain the school estate. Rich is a qualified Building Surveyor and accredited Facilities Manager with over 30 years’ experience in the property management industry. Previous experience includes the Head of Estates at the Natural History Museum, Head of Housing for the Church of England London Diocese and Estate Manager for the Howard de Walden family. Rich brings a wealth of knowledge that will help drive the future development of an estates strategy that delivers an effective learning environment for our pupils.

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  Alex Graham

  Director of Finance

  Alex started her accounting career in the NHS in 2000, and qualified as a CIMA accountant in 2005. After 18 years working in a large NHS Trust, she decided to venture into the education sector and joined Aurora Academies Trust in 2019. Alex works closely with the Headteachers and Business Managers to ensure that Aurora receives excellent value for money for goods and services purchased, whilst maintaining effective and robust financial systems.