Mrs Dianne Mason

I am currently the School Improvement Partner for the primary schools within the Newman Catholic Collegiate.

I was born and have grown up in Stoke on Trent and during my own education attended schools within the Newman Collegiate, St Joseph’s in Burslem (which was relocated to Tunstall and is now St Wilfrid’s) and St Margaret Ward (previously Blessed William Southern). I then attended Liverpool University where I graduated to become a High School Teacher.

I held a number of posts in High School Education including Head of Department and Head of School before retraining in primary education 1995 and starting my primary career at St Mary’s in Norton. I then held the post of Deputy Head at St Peter’s, gaining my NPQH. Once completed I was promoted to Principal at St Peter’s and whilst there as leader the school was graded Outstanding by Ofsted. During this time I asked by the Diocese to lead St Wilfrid’s as well as St Peter’s and I became Executive Principal over the two schools in January 2007. This school was also was graded Outstanding by Ofsted whilst I was Principal.  

Having led two schools as Executive Principal, I gained considerable experience in school leadership and management which was further enhanced in my role as an NLE. In this role I have supported many schools, both within the city and further afield. I was also instrumental in working with the Diocese to bring together the 9 Catholic schools in the area to form the Newman Catholic Collegiate.

I retired from Headship in 2016 and since then have continued to work on a part time basis for the Newman Catholic Collegiate as the School Improvement Partner for the primary schools working closely with the Catholic Senior Executive Leader.

To have the opportunities to observe colleagues developing, living and growing as the people of God, is a privilege to be embraced at every opportunity. The corporate trust which is engendered within the Collegiate provides a powerful mechanism for encouraging and inspiring others through their journey into leadership and it is a privilege to continue to work for the Collegiate as it continues develop and grow.