Introducing our new Chief Financial and Operating Officer

Stacey Kearns has joined the Horsham Learning Alliance as Chief Financial and Operating Officer, bringing over 18 years of senior leadership experience in school business management and trust operations. Her appointment strengthens our capacity to deliver effective, long-term support to the schools within our growing multi-academy trust.

A background in school and trust operations

Stacey began her career in education in 2007 as a School Business Manager and went on to lead a £37 million new build project while overseeing trust-wide financial and operational development. She has held executive-level responsibilities across multiple school sites and understands the challenges and opportunities within multi-school environments.

She holds both the Diploma of School Business Management and the CIPFA Level 7 Diploma in Schools Financial and Operational Leadership, which supports her work in driving sustainable school operations and financial planning.

Before moving into the education sector, Stacey spent 12 years in legal finance, managing the accounts departments of two major solicitor firms.

Supporting the Trust’s long-term vision

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the trust as we move into our founding year. With a clear focus on operational excellence, Stacey’s expertise will be instrumental in building the systems and infrastructure that enable schools within the HLA to thrive.