OpenGate Education North

Nancy brings more than a decade of leadership experience within education, with a strong background in alternative provision, business operations, finance, growth and developing high-quality education services.

As Director of Business at OpenGate North, Nancy is responsible for helping turn the organisation's vision into sustainable, high-quality provision. Her role spans business planning, finance, operations, partnerships, and growth, ensuring that as OpenGate North develops, quality and outcomes for young people remain at the heart of every decision.

Having worked extensively within alternative provision and the SEND sector, Nancy understands the challenges facing schools, local authorities, and families when a traditional education setting isn't working for a young person.

She is passionate about creating provision that young people genuinely want to attend, environments where they feel understood, discover what they are good at and can build the confidence, skills and qualifications they need for their future.

For Nancy, OpenGate is about combining strong educational outcomes with real-world opportunities and creating a model of alternative provision that is ambitious for every young person who walks through the door.

Justin is an experienced education leader both in mainstream and Alternative Provision with a strong track record of leading and improving Alternative Provision, education services and specialist settings. He has always held a strong passion for helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

With a career spanning over a decade of senior leadership and operational roles within education in the UK and abroad, his experience includes school improvement, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, staffing, quality assurance and operational performance, alongside working closely with schools, trusts, local authorities, families and other professionals.

As Director of Operations at OpenGate North, Justin is responsible for ensuring the organisation delivers high-quality, safe and purposeful provision that enables young people to make meaningful progress.

Justin is passionate about ensuring that Alternative Provision is not simply an alternative to mainstream education, but a positive and purposeful pathway that gives young people the opportunity to succeed. He believes that every young person should have high expectations placed upon them, alongside the right relationships, support and opportunities to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

At OpenGate North, Justin is committed to building a culture where young people feel safe, valued, listened to and motivated to succeed. Creating environments where progress is recognised in all its forms — from improved attendance and engagement to stronger relationships, personal development, qualifications and preparation for the next stage of life.

His approach combines strategic leadership with a strong focus on people, quality and outcomes, ensuring that OpenGate North continues to provide an exceptional experience for young people, their families and the professionals who support them.