South East Essex Academy Trust

SEEAT Executive Team

SEEAT Executive Team (ID 1035)

  • Andrew Cooper
    CEO

    Andrew Cooper

    Andrew joined SEEAT as CEO in September 2021. As a Headteacher, he successfully led four schools and, for the past twelve years, he has led groups of schools with provision ranging from nursery to sixth form.

    Andrew has previously worked in a diverse range of schools, from Cumbria to Suffolk and in schools and Trusts serving areas of high deprivation in Sheffield, Luton and Bolton. You can find out more by going to his Linkedin Page.

    Andrew fulfils the statutory role of Trust Executive Leader and Accounting Officer. His key strengths are:

    • Strong track record of raising standards across organisations of varying size and complexity.

    • Skilled at providing mentoring, challenge and support to Headteachers & Senior Teams

  • Jade Blackburn
    Deputy CEO, Director of People & Operations

    Jade Blackburn

    Jade joined the Trust in November 2022 as Director of People to lead the development and delivery of SEEAT's People Strategy. Jade is an experienced HR leader having worked in the education sector for over a decade, most recently as Director of HR in an East London FE College and having previously worked in the NHS and legal recruitment sector. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and holds a postgraduate qualification in employment law and practice.

    Since September 2025, Jade has been the Director of People & Operations, with oversight of HR/People, Estates, IT and Compliance.

  • Louise Davy
    Director of Finance (CFO)

    Louise Davy

    Louise joined SEEAT in 2015. She is a Chartered Accountant with a wealth of knowledge of the education sector. Before joining SEEAT she worked with the Essex School Finance Support Team and has worked with scores of schools across Essex, both primary and secondary. Louise leads the finance function, external audit and internal scrutiny across the trust and also leads the Essex Academies School Business Managers Network.

  • Sophie Roberts
    Executive Assistant to the CEO

    Sophie Roberts

    Sophie joined SEEAT as Executive Assistant in May 2025. With over 12 years' experience supporting senior leaders, Sophie brings energy, efficiency, and professionalism to the role.

    Sophie supports the CEO and Executive Team.

 

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