Damian joined Dales Academies Trust as CEO on its incorporation in 2017, having previously held a senior role in a similarly sized faith‑based Multi Academy Trust. A former secondary science teacher, he completed his PGCE at the University of York and spent 17 years in middle and senior leadership positions across schools in Yorkshire. He later led a cohort‑one Teaching School, establishing a successful School Direct ITT programme and delivering a range of DfE‑funded projects in Early Years, SEND, Children Looked After and succession planning.
In his current role as CEO of Dales Academies Trust, Damian leads a family of fifteen schools committed to strong inclusion, evidence‑based practice, and the wellbeing and development of staff. He is also an active member of the National Small Schools Group (NSSG), contributing to national policy discussions and championing the needs of small and rural schools.
Damian also co-designed and led on the Catterick Garrison Assist Project (GAP), GAP+, and GAP Embed, supporting pupils with SEND from highly mobile families, through more coordinated provision and effective transition. Regionally, he Chairs North Yorkshire’s Hambleton / Richmondshire Locality Board, which comprises local education leaders, and focuses on meeting local Inclusion needs. The Board is currently running a project aimed at supporting improved SEND transition from Year 6 to Year 7 and from Nursery into Reception, in all nine of its local secondary schools.
Damian is committed to building strong partnerships, championing inclusive practice, and ensuring that all children, especially those with additional needs and / or experience high mobility—benefit from high‑quality, stable and ambitious education.