
Jaz Paul (Chief Executive Officer)
As CEO, I am honoured to lead this trust with a deep sense of responsibility, excitement, and dedication to the success of our children and staff across our schools. Our mission is to provide an enriching education for all our primary children, guided by expert professionals in a nurturing environment where everyone thrives.
At the heart of our journey are four core values: Belonging, Flourishing, Collaboration, and being Evidence-Informed. We aim to create a supportive community where every individual feels valued and personal growth, well-being, and academic excellence are fostered.
My Story
Growing up in a working-class family, life wasn’t always easy, but my parents recognised that education would be my pathway to a brighter future. Their unwavering support, along with being a wife and mother of two, has shaped me into the person I am today. At 17, unsure of my career path, I volunteered at my former infant school. This experience reignited the joy, excitement, and love of learning I once felt there. Reflecting on the impact of the teachers who had inspired me and the difference they made in my life, I decided to pursue a career in education.
I earned my BSc Hons in Mathematics with QTS from Newman University, Birmingham, and began my teaching journey over two decades ago in a school where over 90% of children received free school meals. Throughout my career in both maintained schools and academies, primarily in high-deprivation areas, I have witnessed the evolving education landscape across the Black Country. With a Masters in Education and later the NPQH, I expanded my role by supporting schools as a Specialist Leader in Education, facilitating National Teaching School programs, and leading the LA statutory duties for KS1 and KS2 Assessment and Moderation with a team of over 100 moderators.
My involvement with Plymouth University on the UK’s first study on Growth Mindset deepened my appreciation for the power of evidence-informed research in driving educational improvement. Collaboration remains my core focus as I continue my work with the National Center of Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics as a Head Teacher Advocate, serving on the board. I strongly believe that everyone can flourish when the right environment is created—one where individuals feel safe to take risks, are heard and are valued for their strengths, with their individuality embraced, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
The quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” by Helen Keller, was shared with me when I secured my first Deputy Head Teacher role, and it has stayed with me ever since, inspiring my collaborative approach to leadership.