Dame Nicola Stephenson DBE

Dame Nicola Stephenson DBE – Chief Executive Officer

Valour Multi Academy Trust

Dame Nicola has been Executive Headteacher of 2 successful primary schools working in areas of high deprivation for over 15 years. 4 years ago she led the transformation from 2 softly federated schools to the creation of Valour MAT. They are also a teaching school working closely with 12 schools in Newcastle whilst also running initial teacher training. The teaching school is highly effective in school improvement and has a proven track record in transforming schools.  Dame Nicola 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, North Yorkshire and Humber regions. They have developed a manifesto to advocate for the needs of the North East and challenge the myth surrounding some of the narrative about the area. Dame Nicola’s 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 and the balance between leadership experience and educational data.