CEO,Tees Valley Education
Tees Valley Education (TVEd) is a leading multi-academy trust, dedicated to providing high-quality education and expanding life opportunities for children and young people. With its schools at the centre of their communities, TVEd integrates a range of developments pastorally and with cultural capital into their curriculum. This now includes work around career development especially at primary and the will to foster strong industrial partnerships. Central to this offer, are the Trustees and the leadership of Katrina Morley OBE. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and community collaboration has driven meaningful change across the area for the last 26 years and is now growing in reach.
Sustainable Growth and Investment
TVEd operates to serve circa 1,300 children and young people and employs more than 250 staff members. It serves areas that are rooted in community and heritage, but nevertheless, face complex challenges of transformation. Thus, the Trust prioritises long-term investments in their pupil’s life chances, local community development, the educational sector and Trust staff’s expertise. It has also delivered a legacy capital investment of circa £17 million, through building Discovery Special Academy, for 3-16 year olds with a range of complex specialist educational needs, with the DfE and Middlesbrough Local Authority.
Integrating Career Development in Education
A broad curriculum is offered at the trust, and the ‘Classroom to Careers’ programme starting at TVEd, aims to integrate careers related learning across it, ensuring children and young people have meaningful opportunities to interact with various professions. This initiative is being designed to foster essential life skills, broaden career horizons, and embed teamwork as core competencies. Particularly of note is the work around the Maritime careers offer, in conjunction with PD Ports (one of the largest employers in the region), AV Dawson and Casper shipping. Coming into education from Chemical Engineering, Katrina feels passionately about investment and opportunity.
Addressing Inequality and Enhancing Opportunity
Another key aspect of Katrina’s leadership at the Trust is ensuring equity of opportunity for all young people. This is seen in Trust collaborations with different sectors and wider partnerships, all of which are aimed at breaking down barriers to success. This is particularly so with Katrina as Vice-Chair of Power of Women, as an associate of Teesside University and with a range of other ‘hats’ she wears. The initiatives all aim to achieve equity of opportunity, ensuring every individual can pursue their aspirations without barriers.
This work also extends to research and publication initiatives. As a co-author of ‘Tackling Poverty and Disadvantage in Schools’ (published by Bloomsbury, 13th March 2025), Katrina provides research-backed strategies for practically addressing inequalities in and across educational establishments. All proceeds from this book then go directly towards education and supporting children.
Lasting Impact
Katrina Morley OBE’s leadership exemplifies how a steadfast commitment to education, mentorship, and community collaboration drives meaningful change. By embedding career awareness early, fostering partnerships, and prioritising equity, TVEd continues shaping a brighter future for the Tees Valley region and beyond. Reflecting on what drives her passion, Katrina said: “It’s about ensuring that aspiration and talent are met with equal opportunity. My commitment stems from a vision of a world where every young person can achieve their potential, free from limitations imposed by geography or circumstance.”
