Names and faces

Lesley Cooper - Field Officer

Lesley began her career teaching science. She was a head for 12 years in Cambridge followed by two years working in the CEA's Teacher Pay Reform division. She was lured back to a headship in Luton to help get a school out of special measures. Retiring from this post after four years, she has been a field officer for the past eight months and appreciates the opportunity to work with colleagues who are in need of support.

Lesley is the vice chair of her local primary school governing body. She does work for NCSL and supports a Fresh Start project working with excluded students.

She is married to Wynn, a sculptor, and they have one daughter who lives with her fiance in the cottage next door. She is in a reading group which she started 10 years ago. She keeps fit by walking, going to the gym and doing yoga.

Martin Ward - Deputy General Secretary

Martin began his career as a maths teacher in a secondary modern school, but taught mainly in sixth form colleges. He joined SHA in 1982 when appointed a vice-principal.

He was appointed a principal at the age of 35, set up a new college (Wyke College in Hull) and was its principal for 16 years. During that time he became a member of Council and chair of its FE Committee.

He was appointed to his present post in 2002. Martin leads the headquarters team; shares in media, press and lobbying work; and is responsible for all the many ASCL responses to consultations.

Martin and his wife Jo have four sons, three of whom are at university at present. In his scarce spare time, he is trying to learn Spanish, and enjoys hill walking and Japanese puzzles.