Mark Mitchell – CEO

Mark joined the Trust as the Headteacher of Balsall Common Primary School Academy, in January 2023. Having studied in Sheffield for a Bed (Hons) with a specialism in Science, he has taught across four     different Local Authorities through his career and taught in every primary year group. Having worked for seven years in an All-through school, he also has significant experience of secondary education. 

Mark is a qualified leadership coach and has supported other school leaders both individually and in LA-wide groups in their leadership journeys. He is a member of the West Midlands Strategic Education group for the regional lieutenancy.

Mark has served as a Headteacher in three different schools, spanning 16 years, prior to his appointment as CEO in January 2026. He has overseen dramatic improvements in standards and quality of education wherever he has worked, underlining his passion to see every child experience the very best schooling possible. He is a musician, playing the drums, loves sport in all its forms and is a keen gardener. He is married, with three adult children.

George Craig - Deputy CEO

George Craig is an experienced school improvement adviser, supporting schools and trusts across England. He is also committed to improving governance and has served as a National Leader of Governance (NLG) and as NLG Advocate for the West Midlands. 

George has extensive expertise across the primary, secondary, faith and special school sectors in both maintained and academy settings.

Before joining Central Schools Trust, George worked as an education consultant for ten years, and school improvement adviser for twelve years delivering a range of leadership support nationally. He has worked with schools and trusts at all stages of development, supporting executive leaders and governing boards with training, leadership development, reviews, and strategic planning. His work has involved areas such as trust formation, growth and mergers, change management, developing leadership in UTC’s and special schools, executive performance, school improvement support, safeguarding reviews and DSL training, SEND reviews, and improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

George’s approach is rooted in inspiring strategic thinking and building confident leaders that work effectively to support staff to deliver the best possible outcomes for children. He feels his biggest achievement in education is reflected in the number of high performing schools he has supported.

Headteachers and Deputies

The Leaders of the schools in our Trust play a crucial role in the leadership team. Their views shape how we work together, develop policy, implement best practice and enhance provision. This collaborative approach leads to embedded practices across the schools and higher quality outcomes for the children.

Denise Chillcott – CFO

Denise joined Central School Trust in 2016, just as the Trust was being formed and Damson Wood Nursery and Infant School was joining the MAT. She was part of the team that set up the new MAT and integrated Balsall Common Primary School Academy and Damson Wood Nursery and Infant School into the MAT. She then set up the Finance department within the CST Central services to manage the finances effectively within the newly formed MAT.

She joined the MAT with 36 years of accounting experience, 10 years in banking and financial services and 15 years in a top 50 Plc. in the energy sector, where she gained a vast array of skills in all accounting areas. She also gained the AAT qualification during that time.

She also spent 11 years working in the radio industry and in the charity sector.

In her spare time, she enjoys being creative by engaging in a range of craft-based activities.