Executive Team
Neill Oldham
Chief Executive Officer
Neill has worked in Education in Blackpool for 22 years, as a teacher, faculty head, and senior leader. Neill is a qualified and experienced SENDCo who works on a national level as an advisor and consultant for SEND, Inclusion and school improvement. In his free time Neill is a keen musician, working with local festivals for music and a national summer school for music as a course director and pianist.
Suzanne Hamilton
Director of Education (Deputy CEO)
Suzanne has worked in education for 26 years, as a teacher, Local Authority Consultant, Senior Leader, Headteacher and Executive Headteacher. Having spent 18 years working in various schools within Oldham, the last 8 years have been spent as Headteacher of Boundary Primary School Blackpool. Whilst in Blackpool, Suzanne has provided school improvement support across the Fylde area, particularly around developing Behaviour Management in schools. In her free time Suzanne enjoys the arts and particularly going to the theatre.
Hilary Wood
Chief Financial Officer
Hilary started working with Synergy in September 2023, and leads on finance and project management of the Trust's establishment and growth plan. She has almost 30 years of experience as a qualified accountant, 21 of which were spent at Blackpool Council, where she led on school finance and funding for most of that time. Hilary is Blackpool born and bred, and is passionate about getting the most out of the funding available to help children thrive at school. She spends her spare time holidaying in the sun, relaxing with her husband and four grown-up children, practising yoga, and trying to improve her golf.
Lisa Tupman
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa has worked in education for the past 8 years as a School Business Lead. During this time she gained a first class BA Hons Degree in School Business Leadership and has recently completed her CIPFA Diploma in School Financial and Operational Leadership. Previous to this she worked for 10 years in a local authority as a Business and Finance Manager, across 8 Sure Start Children's Centres in Wyre and Fylde. Lisa is passionate about supporting schools and academies in providing high quality education for all through operational and strategic leadership.