MAT Central Leadership Team
Our MAT Central Leadership Team (MCLT) draws on the wide range of expertise we have across our Trust and reflects the extensive MAT capacity we have to drive system-wide improvement, in conjunction with the expertise we commission from external agencies and through strategic partnerships. Our MCLT operate under the guiding principles of:
Aspire – We set bold ambitions and lead with integrity to inspire excellence in ourselves and others.
Achieve – We pursue high standards through dedication, challenge, and purposeful practice.
Together – We build strength through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose across our community.
Our improvement leads work within and outside of our MAT, supporting other schools and Trusts in areas of need. However, these are not the only means by which we drive continual improvement.
Nicola licata
Chief Executive Officer
Nicola was designated as a National Leader of Education in 2018. Nicola Licata is the Chief Executive Officer of Amethyst Academies Trust (AAT). Nicola is the Accounting Officer and a Local Leader of Education for AAT. As an experienced Executive Principal she has led and supported a number of local schools including New Park BESD School and Dunstall Hill Primary School.
Nicola was also Principal of the founding school: Aldersley High School in Wolverhampton. Having worked in a number of schools. Due to the success of the school she formed the Amethyst Academies Trust in 2016.
Nicola has had a varied career that started in Primary education; she then went on to become a SENCO in Secondary school and an English teacher. Passionate that the trust places students first she is focussed on raising standards and transforming lives.
laura armato
Chief Operations Officer
Laura brings significant financial experience to the Trust and contributes to the corporate, strategic and operational leadership management. In particular Laura is responsible for leading the Trust’s finance team, accounting and delivering a financial strategy to support the Trust’s objectives.
Laura worked for the Local Authority for several years as a Schools Finance Support Officer providing and monitoring multiyear budget plans, and offering professional advice in a consultancy capacity on budgetary matters to around 19 schools and then progressed to becoming a Bursar for a Cluster of schools including, primary, Secondary and Special.
Laura was appointed as a Business Director for one of the Amethyst Academy Trust Academies schools and continues with this function at academy level. Laura has achieved the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting, Certificate of School Business Management through the NCSL and the CIPFA Financial Reporting for Academies.
Hana Cribb
Chief Financial Officer
Having worked across both single academy and multi-academy trust environments, Hana is passionate about continuous improvement and is committed to strengthening financial processes to support effective governance and long-term sustainability. Hana also places a key focus on developing and empowering members of the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
Above all, Hana is driven by the belief that robust financial management plays a vital role in enhancing educational provision and contributing positively to pupil outcomes across the trust.
Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
Jill Lines
Director of HR
Human Resources
I am an experienced HR Professional having provided a HR service in a number of organisations during my career. I started my working life at West Midlands Police before moving to the education sector where I have worked in HE, FE and a number of school establishments. My most recent experience has been working as a HR Business Partner for a larger MAT, based within theHead Office team.
I am passionate about ensuring staff are given every opportunity to be the very best, whether that be through support, wellbeing or development. I recognise that you, as a valued member of staff, have the biggest impact on the young people in our care. Therefore, my aim is to ensure Amethyst Academies Trust is providing an environment which allows you to be passionate and ambitious so you can thrive in the workplace.
Helen Zatte
Lead Governance Professional/Company Secretary
Tara Bryan
Director of School Improvement
Hello, I’m Tara Bryan, and I am excited to be working alongside your Headteachers and the Central Team. I want to assure you all that, like yourselves, I am committed to doing my absolute best for the children we serve. Every child within Amethyst deserves nothing less than the highest quality education. Together, we will make that happen.