Claire Marshall is Chair of Trustees at Think Differently Education Trust, where she also serves as Safeguarding and SEND link Trustee. She has over 19 years’ experience in school governance and has been involved with James Brindley Academy since 2007 and Rookery School since 2009.

Claire has extensive experience in leading governance through significant change. She chaired the Board at James Brindley Academy during its journey from Special Measures to Good, with governance during this period recognised nationally through the National Governance Association Outstanding Governance Award in 2019. She also played a key role in the creation of the Trust, chairing the MAT conversion sub‑committee and supporting Oscott Manor through its transition into the Trust.

Alongside her governance roles, Claire works for Arts Council England as a Relationship Manager for Children, Young People and Learning. She brings a strong background across the arts, voluntary and education sectors, with particular expertise in inclusion, SEND and working with culturally diverse communities. Her experience supports a broad understanding of strategy, educational performance, stakeholder engagement and organisational development.

Claire is motivated by a strong belief in the transformative impact of education and the importance of effective, ethical governance. She is passionate about ensuring children and young people, particularly those facing additional barriers, are supported to achieve their full potential. She values governance that provides both support and challenge, keeps children at the centre of decision‑making and works collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes.

Donna is Vice Chair of Trustees at Think Differently Education Trust and Chair of the Teaching Resources Committee. She brings over 30 years of experience as a qualified teacher and senior leader across a range of primary settings, including serving as Headteacher of a Birmingham primary school.

Donna has extensive experience in education and school improvement, including over six years as a serving member of Ofsted, where she has worked as both a leader and team inspector across primary settings in the West Midlands. She also works as a Literacy Specialist for the Department for Education’s Little Sutton English Hub, supporting schools to strengthen early reading practice, alongside her work as a School Improvement Consultant.

Donna joined Oscott Manor School as a member of the Interim Executive Board (IEB) in May 2025, before becoming a Trustee in December 2025 as the school joined the Trust. She continues to support the school’s progress as a member of the school committee and plays an active role in both supporting and challenging leaders across the Trust.

Donna is motivated by the Trust’s commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils and values strong collaboration and shared purpose. She is particularly passionate about creating environments where schools and communities can continue to grow and succeed.

Carissa Tabberer is the Governance Officer and Executive Assistant at Think Differently Education Trust, where she supports governance and executive operations across the Trust. She brings experience from further education, research operations and facilities management, with a strong focus on creating structure, improving processes and providing reliable executive-level support. Known for her calm, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, Carissa works closely with leaders and trustees to ensure effective communication, compliance and organisational efficiency.

Carissa is passionate about inclusion and is committed to supporting the Trust in ensuring that every young person feels valued, understood and able to thrive. She is motivated by helping to remove barriers to learning and is dedicated to contributing to a culture where all pupils are supported to achieve their potential.