Meet Helen

Helen Arya has led every phase of education—from Pre-Nursery and Foundation Stage through Key Stages 1–5, apprenticeships, Initial Teacher Training, and leadership development up to CEO level. Her work has impacted schools, leaders, and systems across the UK.

Key highlights

Executive Director with strategic, systemic & localised leadership experience
Dynamic educator who has led and influenced schools and Trust leaders
Highly effective communicator with all stakeholders
Community focussed
Proven history of immense success in areas of challenge
Keen system innovator – pushing the boundaries and influencing the sector.
Successful leader and motivator of people

Career Timeline

2024-2025: Chief Education Officer
2022–2024: National Director of Learning & Development / systems leadership
2018–2022: Regional Director, Academies
2015–2018: Executive Principal & Teaching School Alliance Founder
2003–2015: Headteacher, Principal, Lead Principal
1990–2003: Teacher, Deputy Headteacher, Local Authority Lead

Additional roles include

Founding Executive Leader – National Institute of Teaching

National Leader of Education & National Support School Headteacher

Director of local community integrated services board

Member – Local Authority Learning Board

Governor / IEB Chair

Teaching Commissioner

NPQ and CEO programme facilitator and coach

Education & Credentials

NPQEL – National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Study in Education – University of Manchester

NPQH – National Professional Qualification for Headship

Certificate in Education Management – Manchester Metropolitan University

B.Ed (Hons) – University of Sunderland

Programme for High Value Managers – Manchester Business School

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