Emma Searl – Inspiration in Education nominee
Emma Searl – Inspiration in Education nominee
Emma Searl has dedicated her career to ensuring schools have the financial stability needed to give every child the best possible opportunities – and she hasn’t allowed cancer treatment to stand in the way of her mission.
The 46-year-old is the Chief Financial Officer of The New Guild Trust, which runs four primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent including Alexandra Junior and Infants Schools, Moorpark Junior School and Jackfield Infant School.
She co-founded The Valiant School CIC, is a trustee of the Collective Vision, chair of LCGB at Crackley Bank Primary School and chair of LCGB of Chesterton High School.
In 2024 Emma, from Stoke-on-Trent, underwent cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and multiple surgeries. Yet throughout an incredibly difficult period she continued supporting her schools, colleagues and communities with courage, professionalism and determination.
Emma has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards in recognition of her work and also her commitment to continuing that work in the face of health difficulties.
Her nominator said: “Emma Searl is an extraordinary education leader whose dedication, resilience and commitment to children and schools make her truly deserving of a Your Heroes Award. As Chief Financial Officer of The New Guild Trust, Emma has dedicated her career to ensuring schools have the financial stability, resources and systems needed to give every child the best possible opportunities.
“Her leadership has strengthened governance, secured vital capital funding, delivered transformational projects and ensured public money is focused where it matters most: on children and their education.
“What makes Emma’s achievements remarkable is the personal challenge she faced alongside them. Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, Emma continued making an exceptional contribution to education. Her dedication was subsequently recognised when she achieved the incredible distinction of being named School Business Leader of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
“Emma is compassionate, humble and values-led. She never seeks recognition, instead being motivated by making a positive difference and ensuring children receive the opportunities they deserve.
“Emma demonstrates that true leadership is about service, courage and putting others first. To achieve so much professionally while facing cancer personally is inspirational. Emma Searl is not simply an outstanding education leader. She is an education hero and my hero.”
Emma said: “It’s just incredible to get recognised for something that I’m passionate about. I’m motivated by making a difference in children’s lives and I hope my contribution to education allows that.”
Emma has been CFO of The New Guild Trust since 2019 after joining the Trust in 2012 and previously working as its Business Manager.
She added: “Having cancer doesn’t mean everything has to stop. You find ways to get through these times. It’s important to spread the message that when you get diagnosed life can go on. It just takes you on a new journey.”