Mrs Rachel Kirk
CEO
Rachel’s training and background is in primary education, having graduated first with a music degree from Cambridge University and then subsequently from the Institute of Education, with a PGCE and later a Master’s. Her passion for excellence in education for all began in Hackney, East London, where she taught in a number of settings, also supporting outreach as an Advanced Skills Teacher. Following extensive senior leadership experience, she became a headteacher at Alban Wood Primary School in Hertfordshire, leading the school to an Outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2017.
Always outward facing, Rachel has worked as a school effectiveness advisor for Hertfordshire for over 10 years. Rachel’s enthusiasm and dedication to school leadership led her to Simon Balle All-through School in 2019 where she is now co-headteacher with Mr Michael Moss, and where an Outstanding Ofsted judgement was received in 2024. Her values-led and strategic leadership remain at the heart of her work where she continues to enjoy leadership and learning with students and colleagues alike, at and beyond Simon Balle. The launch of the Laurel Education Trust in September 2024 coincides with Rachel also becoming an Ofsted inspector.
Mr Michael Moss
Deputy CEO
Mike's background is in secondary education, having a History degree from Leicester University. He has a PGCE and later achieved the NPQH. With extensive experience in both pastoral and curriculum leadership roles, he has been instrumental in leading a school to two consecutive Outstanding Ofsted judgments, the last as co-head in 2024.
Mike has extensive experience at teaching in a wide variety of subjects at both GCSE and A-Level and in 2017 led the school to the top 10% of schools nationally. Mike has served as a Behaviour and Teacher Consultant for Hertfordshire, a history exam marker, and has earned a Diploma for Teachers of Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties, showcasing his commitment to supporting diverse learning needs. His leadership is marked by a passion for fostering excellence in pastoral development, teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Mr Haydn Walsh
CFO
Haydn graduated from Durham University with a BSc in Biology and began his career in the financial sector in 2010, working in a risk and control role in NatWest. This foundation paved the way for his transition to the education sector, where he took on his first CFO role in 2014.
In 2021, Haydn joined The Laurel Education Trust (then known as Simon Balle Academies Trust), overseeing the company's finance and operations functions and supporting the trust’s mission to create tomorrow's citizens today. Motivated by the tangible impact his work has on improving students' lives, Haydn is equally committed to advancing sustainability initiatives, striving to make the organisation greener and more environmentally responsible.