Meet the Directors

Nick Catt – Chair of Directors 

After three years as a co-opted governor for the Inspire Federation, Nick became the first Chairman of Inspire Academy Movement and currently sits on the Finance & Resources and Personnel & Pay Committees. Nick has run his own web development agency for over 20 years, specialising in developing online learning and CPD / CME systems. His company also develop and maintain websites for schools in the independent and state sectors. His previous experience has been in both the private and public sector, for blue chip organisations including BP and IBM, for The Lord Chancellor’s Department (now known as the Ministry of Justice), and in music education at The South Bank Centre. 

Jamie Ward – Vice Chair of Directors  

Jamie has served as a co-opted school Governor since 2019 and currently chairs the Finance, Resources, Audit & Risk Committee of the Inspire Academy Movement. Whilst a governor at Maypole School he sat on the Curriculum Committee and held the role of vice chair for a period. Jamie runs his own Business and Management Consultancy supporting operators in the Social Care sector. Jamie’s previous experience consists of 20 years in Corporate and Commercial Banking in London. 

Paul Rickard – Director 

Paul Rickard, a teacher with 13 years of experience, currently serves as the Head of Science at Woldingham School. He has a passion for promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) education. Paul has two children, one of whom currently goes to Four Elms School. In 2023 he joined Inspire Academy Movement as a Director and currently chairs the Curriculum and Standards Committee.  

Graeme Lawrie – Director 

Graeme is a qualified teacher and has been teaching for 22 years specialising in Technology, Computing, Electronics and Design. In 2009 he accepted the role of Head of Faculty for Science, developing the largest free Science event in the UK at the time, before progressing to the position of Director of Innovation and Excellence in 2012, which evolved into the role of Director of Outreach and Innovation in 2016.

Graeme has held several other roles during his teaching career: working for OCR, AQA and the IB authoring guides, exams and other materials, and a yearlong secondment at Buckingham palace as a Special Advisor in 2015. In September 2023 he joined Inspire Academy Movement as a Director. 

Graeme has been awarded an MBE for his ‘services to education’ as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020. 

George Mitchell - Director 

George is a Headteacher of an Independent SEN school and has worked in the sector for over ten years. He brings experience in educational leadership with a passion for creating inclusive, holistic learning environments. 

George joined Inspire Academy Movement as a Director in September 2023 and is keen to share his experience in order to help the Trust and support the local community. 

Tom Lazur - Director

Tom is a barrister specialising in construction and engineering disputes internationally and domestically. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), an adjudicator, and a mediator.  He brings a unique and wide perspective to the board on legal issues and issues that concern the upkeep and development of the schools within the Trust.  

Tom has previous governance experience as a local authority appointed governor of a primary school in Wimbledon. He was appointed as chair of governors as the school community struggled with the impact of a controversial decision to expand from one from to two form entry. He managed the governing body through that challenging environment. He left the school when he moved to Kent, shortly after it obtained its first Outstanding rating from OFSTED.

Lorraine Butler – Director

Lorraine was a Head of School within the Inspire Federation for 5 years and took early retirement in July 2023. Lorraine has a good understanding of the unique needs of all students and is committed to addressing educational inequalities and ensuring that every student has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

Lorraine has an extensive knowledge of the Inspire Curriculum and its values. She has worked with teachers and leaders to drive improvement. Lorraine has taken on a new challenge in the form of a School Improvement Consultant and continues to work with educators to ensure pupils have the very best opportunities.

Paul Skuce - Director

Paul is currently an auditor with the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) which is part of the Department of Education (DfE).

His career has primarily been in the civil service with the last 30 years working in various roles in the education sector. Former educational roles include Secretary to the Chief Schools Adjudicator, Team Leader responsible for three northern local authorities and Team Leader Senior Advisor on Sponsored Academies. He is an experienced auditor but has extensive knowledge and skills in project management, budgeting/finance and management.

Paul is a Member of another academy trust and his main leisure time is spent as a playing member of a brass band, whilst also acting as the band secretary. He is therefore very keen on music playing a large part in the education and welfare of students.