Sam became the Chief Executive Officer of Batley Multi Academy Trust in September 2021. Sam was previously the headteacher of one of the secondary schools in the trust, and she is also a Trustee of the Jo Cox Foundation and two other local charities. Sam has a degree in molecular and cellular biology, and began her teaching career as a science teacher in Oldham in 1999. Sam has worked in challenging schools in Oldham, Kirklees and Bradford. During her teaching career she has also worked for the National Strategies to develop science teaching across primary, secondary and special schools, and was a school improvement partner in Bradford supporting schools across all phases with key aspects of leadership development and school improvement. Sam is passionate about the power of a great education to improve the life chances of all young people, regardless of their backgrounds or starting points, and to provide them with the very best start in life.