It is with deep sadness and regret that we have to let you know that Lee Sims passed away earlier this week.
Lee has been part of The Alliance of Leading Learning team for 4 years taking a key role as Professional Learning Programme Lead. He has worked with Cavelle for 10 years running DfE leadership training and his expertise was second to none.
Many aspects of the Alliance of Leading Learning provision have been a direct result of Lee’s hard work, not least being instrumental in securing the NPQ licence and remaining pivotal in writing, devising and delivering the NPQ programmes and the Governance Development Programme
Aside from the countless people that have been taught and educated by Lee, many members of staff have benefitted from his wealth of experience and support. The Marches Academy Trust owes a lot to the work and commitment Lee has given to the Trust from working in the Alliance of Leading Learning team to being a popular member of the staff team.
“Cavelle Priestley-Bird, Executive Director of the Alliance of Leading Learning commented: “Lee was not only a valued member of the team but a dear friend of many years. Our Alliance of Leading Learning team feel blessed to have known such a wonderful man – he was so very genuine and kind. We are quite simply in a void without him.”
Below are also some lovely messages we have received this week from Lee’s colleagues and friends.
“Not only will Lee be a loss to all around him, but also to the NPQ network and the education sector in general.”
“The impact of his work developing leaders across the region has made a real difference to an enormous amount of children’s lives and I personally will miss his laugh incredibly!”
“I thought of Lee as such an inspiration. He taught me so much. An incredible speaker.”
“I credit Lee with lots, he really inspired me during the sessions. He took time for everyone and I owe Lee a lot, he is partly the reason I am the leader I am today and will hold on to this.”
“Despite the heartbreak of his passing, in the spirit of Lee’s positivity, I hope he will be remembered for his generosity and thoughtfulness and so much more that he brought to his short life.”
The Executive Board on behalf of the Trust would like to send Lee’s family all of our love and offer our support at this difficult and sad time.”
