2026 Autumn Term

The know zone

  • More than a pay award
    The 2026 School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD) brings many significant changes, more than we have seen in many years says Louise Hatswell. Here, she highlights what this means for schools. More
  • The road to recognition and equality
    Emma Harrison and Louise Hatswell explore the recent government publication to the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) consultation response. More
  • Leading through change
    The role of the sixth form leader has always been one of the most complex in education and today, says Claire Green, it is becoming even more demanding. More
  • Building sustainable futures
    As financial pressures reshape the independent school sector, collaboration, creativity and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking are becoming essential to building sustainable futures says Neil Smith. More
  • Leading the way
    We invited members to share their hard-earned wisdom for anyone beginning a leadership journey, and here is what they said... More
  • Pens, policy and purpose
    Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Jacqueline Straw relishes the opportunities that come with serving on ASCL Council. Here, she shares her passion for Council, leadership and pen making. More
  • Many Happy Returns
    If attendance is now a crisis of pupils simply not wanting to come to school, perhaps all we need is a better incentive. Cake, birthdays and a named minibus could surely do the trick says Carl Smith. More

Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Jacqueline Straw relishes the opportunities that come with serving on ASCL Council. Here, she shares her passion for Council, leadership and pen making.

Pens, policy and purpose

Tell us about your role 

I’m Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer at Minster Trust for Education (MITRE), supporting 14 schools across the trust. It’s a busy role, but one I absolutely love because I can see the impact of my work every day.

My route into education wasn’t exactly traditional. As the wife of an armed forces officer, I spent 32 years moving around the UK and overseas, adapting my career along the way. I started in banking and finance before moving into internal audit, specialising in school audits. A posting to Germany prompted another change, so I trained as a school business manager and worked in a forces primary school. That was the moment I discovered education was where I belonged. 

Since returning to the UK, I’ve worked in secondary schools and progressed into executive leadership. Whether it’s developing facilities, improving systems, or helping shape policies that keep children and staff safe, I’m proud to play a part in creating environments where young people can thrive. One of my proudest achievements has been supporting all 14 schools in our trust through their academy conversions. 

Why did you decide to become an ASCL Council member? 

I was encouraged to stand for Council and was fortunate enough to be elected. I currently sit on the Funding Committee, where we examine how education funding is allocated and contribute to discussions that help shape national policy. 

It’s engaging, challenging and incredibly rewarding to represent members’ views on such a fundamental issue. Current topics keeping us busy include SEND reform, the effectiveness of Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) funding factors and, unsurprisingly, the ongoing challenge of ensuring that schools and colleges receive adequate funding. 

Why did you decide to get into teaching/leadership? 

Leadership wasn’t something I originally set out to pursue. However, once I began working in schools, I realised I could make the greatest difference by being part of the leadership team. 

I strongly believe schools benefit from having support staff perspectives at the heart of decision making. My journey has been a combination of hard work, good fortune and wonderful colleagues recognising the value I could bring. I’m privileged to work alongside talented and dedicated staff who inspire me every day. 

How do you like to unwind? 

Reading is my favourite escape, and there’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book after a busy day. I also enjoy going to the gym, although ‘enjoy’ might occasionally be a generous description. 

My more unusual hobby is pen making. I have a lathe at home and create handcrafted pens, often for weddings and special occasions. When I’m not doing that, I’m usually being kept on my toes by my two energetic grandsons. 

Tell us an interesting fact about you 

I fully intend to grow old disgracefully. My husband and I own a trike, a three-wheeled motorbike, and love exploring the countryside on it. Much to our children’s horror, we seem far more interested in adventures than embracing the traditional ‘pipe and slippers’ approach to retirement.

Favourite book and film 

My favourite book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, although I have a real soft spot for the classics and love Jane Austen too. As for films, I’m probably unusual in that I don’t watch much television at all, so I’d struggle to offer a favourite film. 

What advice would you give to someone new to leadership? 

Be kind to yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. Share your humour generously and your loyalty wisely. 

For business leaders in particular, don’t be afraid of being the minority voice in the room. We’re often the only non-teachers at the leadership table, and that unique perspective is valuable. Speak up, be confident and remember that your contribution matters. 

ASCL Council 

Council membership offers school and college leaders a unique opportunity to influence national policy, collaborate with peers, and ensure that the profession’s collective voice is heard.

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