Rachael Harman | Founder, Strategy & Operations Trustee
Rachael is a former pupil and parent of St Clare’s, and the founding member of SCIST. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics and has led the Trust’s strategy, governance design, and engagement with current representatives, external agencies, and professional advisors. Bringing personal commitment, project management expertise, and strategic leadership,
Rachael brings analytical thinking, operational leadership, community mobilisation, and project management. Specialising in implementing complex projects from design through to close, ensuring deadlines are met, stakeholders engaged, and compliance pathways delivered.
David Blake | Finance Trustee
A Venture Capitalist specialising in early-stage companies, typically investing between £0.5m and £5m. A qualified accountant and experienced board director, with a track record in financial modelling, negotiation, due diligence, and governance. Supporting the commercialisation of high-growth businesses and steering loss-making companies into profitability.
David is certified and FCA registered, a Non-Exec. Director, and sits on the Technology Connected Leadership Council. David brings expertise in investment strategy, governance, and compliance, ensuring the Trust’s plans are professionally structured and financially sustainable.
Dr Neil Geraghty | Community & Wellbeing Trustee
A GP with 18 years’ clinical and leadership experience, specialising in child health, safeguarding, and public health. He manages large multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites and has successfully led mergers and new service developments. Neil is an expert in organisational growth and digital innovation.
Neil brings SCIST extensive safeguarding and governance expertise, ensuring pupil wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable growth are at the centre of the Trust’s development. His combined skills equip him to strengthen SCIST’s safeguarding framework, foster a supportive community ethos, and help establish a thriving independent school.
Helen Hopkins | Marcomms & Sales Trustee
A Chartered Marketer with 20 years’ senior management experience in business growth, strategic branding, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. Focused on driving business growth through measurable results, driving leads, and conversion rates for niche and local businesses with limited budgets.
Helen is skilled in positioning organisations as thought leaders through content-led campaigns, community outreach, and elevated customer experience. Helen brings marketing strategy, communications, and pupil recruitment to build visibility, reputation, and sustainable growth.
SCIST - St Clare's Independent School Trust 