Mr Chris King
Executive Principal

An accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of experience in transforming educational organisations, including the founding and development of multi-academy trusts. A proven track record of guiding schools to ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ inspection outcomes, demonstrating strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to school improvement.

As a former Secondary Headteacher and National Leader of Education, successfully led the establishment of a National Support School and a Teaching School Alliance, driving system-wide collaboration and professional development. A highly experienced system leader, with extensive expertise in school-to-school support, school-centered initial teacher training, and stabilising schools in challenging circumstances.

Bringing a decade of experience working with Ofsted, leading inspections across the sector, providing invaluable insights into educational standards, leadership effectiveness, and sustainable school improvement.

Mr Hugh Derry

Principal

Mr Derry has worked in education since 2010, training to teach at Waverley School as part of the TeachFirst programme in 2013. He is trained as a Computer Science teacher and also teaches Law and Criminology.

He has held several leadership posts in schools within inner city Birmingham, including Subject Leader, Assistant Headteacher and Vice-Principal. He has also held the position of Director of Communications and Chief Operating Officer across the trust.

Mr Derry was appointed to the post of Principal of Waverley School – Secondary & Sixth Form in October 2023.

Ms Satnam Dosanjh

Principal

Satnam Dosanjh has worked in the Education sector since 1997. Her experience has been in large inner city schools across Birmingham, where she thrives to support disadvantaged communities. Her teaching experience has included roles such as Leading Literacy teacher, Advanced Skills teacher and Lead Practitioner, all of which have allowed for a wider impact across many schools. Satnam has over 20 years’ senior leader experience and has a drive for school improvement and raising standards so that all pupils reach their full potential.

Ms Jacq Kler

Principal

Ms Kler started her teaching career as a teacher of Physical Education in September 2000.

Over the last 23 years, Ms Kler has remained within Waverley Education Foundation Trust holding many management positions, including Head of Performing Arts, Assistant Head Teacher and Vice Principal.

Ms Kler has a passion for Safeguarding and is currently the Director of Safeguarding across the trust, a post she has held for the last 6 years.

Ms Kler was appointed to the post of Principal at Waverley Studio College in February 2023.

Michael McCulley

Trust Director of School Improvement

Mr McCulley is Trust Director of School Improvement, bringing extensive experience in headship, system leadership and national education policy. He previously served as founding Principal of an all-through school in Warwickshire, leading the academy from its inception to a thriving, oversubscribed community recognised for its strong culture, personal development and quality of education.

Mr McCulley’s career spans senior leadership across a wide range of settings, alongside work with the Department for Education and national programmes supporting improvement across multiple schools. He has a strong track record in raising standards, developing high-performing teams and building inclusive, values-driven cultures.

Working in partnership with leaders at all levels across the trust, Mr McCulley works to strengthen the quality of education, leadership and outcomes for all pupils, ensuring that the trust’s commitment to education, care and opportunity is realised across every setting.

Jennifer Copestake

Trust Director of Safeguarding and Attendance

Jennifer has over 17 years of experience working in education, with a career rooted in safeguarding, pastoral leadership, and improving outcomes for young people. She began her journey teaching in Hackney, London, before progressing into pastoral leadership as Head of Year, supporting two full cohorts through to their GCSEs.

Jennifer has since held a range of leadership roles across London, specialising as Lead DSL and pastoral lead. She has a strong track record of developing behaviour systems, leading attendance initiatives, and strengthening PSHE, personal development, and compliance processes across school communities.

In September 2025, Jennifer joined Waverley Trust as Director of Safeguarding and Attendance. She now leads trust‑wide safeguarding strategy, attendance improvement, and culture development, ensuring every child is safe, supported, and equipped to thrive.

Rita Sohal

Chief Finance Officer

Rita Sohal has worked in the finance sector for 34 years.

Rita started her career working with Birmingham Local Authority offering finance support across a range of local authority services and all school sectors.

Rita joined Waverley School in 2009 and is currently the CFO of the Trust and part of the Trust’s Executive Leadership Team.

Rita has a range of experience in:

HR, premises management (Including PFI), Health and Safety, financial accounting, ICT strategy management, capital projects, contract management, project management and grant administration.