My Journey into the Trust - Dr Sulumenty Odhiambo
My journey into the Sancta Familia Multi Academy Trust represents a meaningful point where my professional, academic, and faith-based vocations come together.
For over twenty years, have served at Ursuline High School, nine of those as Head of Religious Education. During this time, I have been privileged to grow as a classroom practitioner, curriculum leader, and contributor too.
Staying in one school for two decades has allowed me to develop deep roots in the community, among the staff, and in the formation of countless young people. My work as Head of Religious Education has been one of continuous renewal and vision shaping, ensuring that Religious Education remains academically rigorous, theologically rich, and spiritually nourishing for all students.
I am also an experienced examiner at both GCSE and A Level, having worked with AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. I have used this expertise to support our students in achieving their potential and to run insets across schools within the diocese. I contributed to the early development of the Religious Education Directory, helping shape its formation and refinement. Seeing our school now fully compliant with current RED expectations is a testament to years of shared effort and partnership.
When the opportunity arose to join the Catholic Schools Inspectorate team, I felt called to take it on as both a challenge and an opportunity to serve the Archbishop. Inspection work has been immensely rewarding. Every inspection is a chance to witness best practice, reflect critically, and return with insights to support colleagues across the Archdiocese.
Joining the Sancta Familia Multi Academy Trust now feels like a natural next step. It brings together my experience in curriculum leadership, Catholic formation, academic scholarship, examiner expertise, and commitment to service. It represents a moment of professional evolution, moving from leading within a single school to supporting and shaping Catholic education across a wider family of communities.
As I take this next step, I am energised by the chance to work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust, grounding our mission in the dignity of every young person, the pursuit of excellence, and the shared witness of faith. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the Trust’s development, ensuring that Religious Education, and Catholic education more broadly, continues to inspire, challenge, and transform the lives of all those we serve.