Identity and Diversity Network Programme

Aleishia Lewis is currently an Acting Headteacher in Essex and also works for the Church of England’s Education Office as part of their Racial Justice Team. She is Chair of the Diocese of Chelmsford’s Global Majority Education Association, co-lead of BAMEed East and she runs an Identity & Diversity Network Group in Southend. Aleishia has worked with schools and school leaders nationally, supporting them as they begin their journey into diversifying their curriculum and working with staff on their understanding of identity and belonging. Throughout her work, her focus is on increasing the representation of BAME staff in leadership roles, developing the curriculum so it reflects society and recognises the importance of global citizenship and ensures that pupil voice is at the heart of everything that is done.

Having been brought up in a family of teachers and musicians, it was inevitable the teaching profession beckoned! Qualifying in 1989, Andrew Withams started teaching in primary schools in Essex so he could lead his two passions of music and PE. Eventually, moving to Southend on Sea, Andrew took up the post of head of the Hub, Music on Sea, in 2015.