I am a dedicated mum of two young children, both of whom are adopted, and I bring 26 years of experience from my career in banking, where I honed a diverse set of skills. I am passionate about advocating for Looked After Children, ensuring they have equal opportunities and feel safe and supported at school. Currently working as a lunchtime assistant at my local school, I am eager to use my knowledge and personal experience to contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and well-being for all children.

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports—especially football—traveling, listening to podcasts, and spending quality time with friends and family. My enthusiasm for creating positive change drives my commitment to making schools a welcoming place for every child, no matter their background. 

Our vision is to create a group of exceptional schools that radically improve students’ life chances. We seek to widen their aspirations; to reach destinations that are attainable and fulfilling. We work to raise attainment and provide exceptional teaching and learning for all our students through high expectations of academic success and behaviour.

Cockburn Multi-academy Trust comprises of five schools; three secondary, one primary and one infant school.  The Trust is medium sized and all our school are located within the south Leeds area.

I know that there is something unique about the schools in our MAT.  Whilst they are at different stages of their journey of ‘Transformation to Excellence’ it is without doubt, the incredible staff teams that make the difference. 

I have been the headteacher of Reach for eight years and love working with our pupils, their families, staff team and community.  I am passionate about ensuring every child is able to access education so after five years in a mainstream school in Bradford, I moved into specialist provision where I have now worked for twenty years. Reach is a fabulous school and a place I am proud to say I work in! 

I have always loved working with children and have previously run a Resource Provision, taught in a Special Education School in Australia and finally here at Reach. I enjoy supporting the pupils achieve both academically and personally. My approach is very hands-on and focuses on building strong relationships with the pupils and families. Out of school I have 2 daughters who keep me very busy. I am looking forward to being part of the next steps for Reach. 

My name is Sarah Tissiman and I am the Headteacher at Middleton Primary School.  I have worked in South Leeds for over 12 years, and I am committed to the children and the community.  I also believe strongly in collaboration and teamwork, and I am excited about working closely with Cockburn Reach Academy on their journey.

I’m passionate about thriving families, improving social emotional well being within communities and offering space for people to be heard, seen and valued.

Following my Psychology degree at Leeds University I trained as an Art Psychotherapist. For 16 years, I worked therapeutically within South Leeds education provisions. I enjoyed supporting families and staff to see change, to enhance knowledge and build in capacity through a trauma informed lens.

I’m currently employed by the South West Yorkshire NHS Trust Perinatal team as a Parent Infant Psychotherapist. I enjoy green spaces, cake, creativity and connecting with  people. 

I have worked in schools for nearly 20 years, including over 15 years as a School Business Manager in both Primary and SEN settings. More recently, I have transitioned into a Fundraising and Communications Manager role, focusing on securing resources and opportunities for schools and communities.

I am a CIPD Associate Member and I have completed several qualifications in school financial management and leadership, including a Level 7 CIPFA Financial and Operational Leadership Certificate.

In January 2025, I became a school governor and am excited to contribute to shaping an inclusive, challenging, and engaging school experience to ensure the best possible outcomes for pupils.

I have worked at Beeston Primary School for 15 years now. When I first arrived, I taught Year 6 for several years and have since taught across school, in both Key Stages 1 & 2.

I have played an instrumental part in leading Curriculum, Computing and English across the school and have worked closely with many key advisors across the Local Authority.

I am currently in my sixth year as Deputy Headteacher and was Assistant Headteacher in KS1 and KS2 for a number of years prior to this. I have recently become Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and believe it is imperative that all pupils feel happy and safe in their educational setting. I am excited to join the Governing Board at Cockburn Reach Academy and supporting their pupils through my Governor role.