Meet the Team

Catherine Burnham joined Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust in September 2025, having previously worked as an Executive Headteacher in a large Catholic Academy Trust in Surrey. Catherine is also a Lead Inspector for the National Inspectorate for CSI, and has visited Catholic schools across the country to celebrate their good practice.

Catherine has extensive experience in the education sector, having worked for 30 years across primary, secondary and university levels. Catherine has taught every year group from Primary reception class to Master’s degree classes at university and volunteered at a nursery school when her children were younger.    

“For me the most important thing is to make a difference to the lives of the children and families – whatever their age and their circumstances. It is essential that we listen and learn from the whole community. Our strength lies in working together as a team and planning with confidence to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children and families. Our OLICAT community can then continue to flourish, love and aspire to be who God has called us to be”

Christopher is a Barrister who practices mainly in Criminal Law. He became a Governor of St Thomas More over 20 years ago, and has continued as a Governor and Director as the Bedford Catholic Schools came together as the Federation of Bedford Catholic Schools and converted to St Francis of Assisi Academies Trust in 2013.  “I am a Governor because I believe that a good education is essential for every child. Through the best education that we can provide in our schools we give to each and every child the opportunity to achieve of their best and to have aspiration for their future."

Ilona has always been passionate about education and the importance of empowering young people to be aspirational in life and to aim for ‘the higher gifts.’ Ilona believes that education should offer a breath and variety of learning experiences but must also develop high standards and values. Ilona has a strong Catholic faith which is very important to her, and this has helped her to lead through service and example.

Ilona qualified as an English and PE teacher in 1976 and went on to teach in secondary schools in London, Birmingham and Bedford until she retired in July 2015. Ilona held the posts of Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and Acting Headteacher and in all these roles she led through collaboration and a desire to ensure the very best opportunities for all the young people in her care.

Through Ilona’s senior leadership roles, she has worked closely with Bedford and Central Bedfordshire Local Education Authorities; especially in the areas of, inclusion, behaviour and safeguarding.

Ilona also has extensive experience in governance both at school level and academy trust level. As well as being a Director of OLICAT she is also Chair of Trustees at BEST Multi Academy Trust and says it is a privilege to serve in these roles to support the strategic leadership of all our schools.

Catherine originally trained and qualified as a radiographer. After 12 years Catherine moved into the commercial industry of medical radiography for the next eight years. After studying law Catherine then trained as a solicitor.

All three areas of work have experienced growth and mergers, working in leading edge hospitals, commercial industry and legal firms which gives a great perspective to the increasing size of the multi academy Trust on adopting best processes in an expanding organisation that has grown by acquisition and potential for organic growth. 

Catherine likes to encourage hard working, positive and passionate attitudes not forgetting to bring enjoyment and smiles to those she works with. A strong belief in justice ensures that success comes from knowledge, so it is an honour to be part of the education system in the role as a director of the Trust. Catherine is a Visiting Lecturer at Southbank University.

Prior to this Director Role with OLICAT, Catherine worked as a Director with STCCAT (St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Academies Trust), 

Bill benefited immensely from what many regard as a somewhat unconventional Catholic Grammar School education, which blended, seamlessly, language based academic studies with his enduring love of metalwork and engineering. “Informs the mind and builds the character” is a phrase he remembers that was offered then as a definition of education. Besides having his own businesses for over 50 years, Bill has held senior posts and qualified in a number of industries and sectors, always underpinned by a belief in learning new subjects and methodologies and sharing that knowledge with others. Thus, by stint of private study, he achieved a PGCE just a few years before undertaking an Executive MBA. These days Bill’s main focus is on training and coaching and mentoring individuals of all ages and transforming business performance. Retirement is a totally alien concept.

He feels honoured and privileged to be connected with the highly motivated and dedicated Team that Divine Providence has assembled in OLICAT and with the difference we can all and together make to the chances and prospects our children deserve.

William is a life long Catholic and parishioner at the Northampton cathedral.

William has over 35 years’ experience working alongside some of the UK’s best‑known brands. He now focuses his time on three things he cares deeply about: improving business performance, supporting young people as they take their first steps into the world of work, and creating stories that inspire children to learn and explore.

William is the creator of The Shoppa Squad, the world’s first series of illustrated children’s books about a brilliant team of autonomous delivery robots. Through these stories, he aims to spark imagination, encourage teamwork and community spirit, and ignite curiosity about future robot technology. A percentage of all book profits supports CRISIS UK in their mission to end homelessness.

William is Co‑Director of My Great First Job, he works with schools, students, and parents to demystify the world of work. Through talks, mentoring and practical guidance, we help young people build confidence, understand what employers value, and make informed choices about their future.

William leads Deegan Consulting Ltd, where for more than two decades he has delivered measurable improvements in sales, customer experience, training, compliance, and operational performance for national and global organisations.

Williams focus is simple: empower people, unlock potential and make a positive difference.

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A lifelong Catholic and parishioner of St Edward’s, Kettering, Joe has been involved in school governance in a number of schools, primary and secondary, including supporting schools in challenging circumstances, since 1993.  Most recently, and prior to joining the Board of Directors for OLICAT, he was a governor at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Kettering and is currently also providing governor support to Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Wellingborough.

Joe is a retired Headteacher, with 35 years’ experience of (mostly) secondary education roles in schools around England and Wales, having spent a substantial amount of that period working in Catholic schools at Senior and Headship level.  As a schoolboy, Joe attended a junior seminary for five years, run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, before deciding that he was better suited to secular life.  His time with the Salesians heavily influenced Joe in his choice of career, however, and in specific areas of focus as a teacher, working to improve the life chances of the young people who came within the remit of his care.  With that in mind, Joe undertook a number of pastoral and lead safeguarding roles in schools over the span of his career.  His role as Safeguarding Director for OLICAT allows Joe to provide support for the Trust in the fulfilment of its Mission.

Andrew comes from a background in professional education and operations management. He provided support for the Bedford Catholic Schools' governing body in achieving its strategic aims and acted as company secretary and clerk to the governors. Andrew, based in Bedford, is now Company Secretary for the OLICAT Schools