Affinity Learning Partnership appoints new Head of Education

Affinity Learning Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Hawker-Smith as Head of Education. Charlotte will join the Trust in January 2027.

Charlotte brings more than 20 years of experience across teaching, school leadership, professional development and trust-wide school improvement. Most recently, she has served as Director of Teaching and Learning at Brooke Weston Trust, where she has led work across six secondary schools, supporting the development of teaching, curriculum, assessment and professional learning.

Her career has focused on strengthening educational standards, developing leadership capacity and creating collaborative approaches to sustainable school improvement. She has extensive experience of working across schools to connect expertise, develop leaders and ensure that evidence-informed practice leads to meaningful improvements for pupils.

Commenting on her appointment, Charlotte said:

"What attracted me to Affinity Learning Partnership was its commitment to collaboration, its strong sense of values and the opportunity to work alongside school leaders to build on the strengths and expertise already across the Trust.

I believe the strongest school improvement comes from combining high expectations with genuine trust, collaboration and the collective expertise of our schools. I'm excited to bring my experience of working across schools to Affinity and helping to create the conditions in which every school can thrive."

Graeme Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Learning Partnership, said:

"Charlotte's appointment represents is key in developing our educational leadership capacity. She has significant experience of leading school improvement across multiple schools and a track record of developing leaders and strengthening collaboration. This places her well to build on the strong foundations we already have in place.

We are delighted she will be joining us and look forward to the impact she will make across the Trust as we continue our mission of securing the very best outcomes for every child and young person."