Denise Waugh is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer Operations at Gosforth Group, where she provides strategic leadership across several key operational areas including Human Resources, ICT, Estates and Facilities, Marketing and Communications, and Central Administration.

With a strong background in both education and operational management, Denise brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role. During her tenure with Gosforth Group, she has held several senior leadership positions, including Principal of Gosforth Junior High Academy and Great Park Academy, as well as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Communications. These roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of both the academic and operational dimensions of school leadership.

Denise plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Gosforth Group’s infrastructure and support services enable high-quality education across all academies. She works closely with executive colleagues, academy leaders, and external partners to deliver efficient, responsive, and future-focused services that align with the Trust’s values and strategic priorities.

She is passionate about building strong teams, fostering innovation, and maintaining environments where staff and students can thrive. Her leadership ensures that operational systems are not only compliant and effective but also contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s mission of educational excellence and community engagement.