Erica Hiorns

Erica joined the Red Kite Learning Trust in September 2023. As Director of Secondary Education, Erica is committed to improving the life chances of children in Leeds and Harrogate by ensuring they receive a high-quality education in our schools. Erica is particularly interested is in raising the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND and works tirelessly towards this aim.

After gaining a degree in English and French, Erica took a PGCE and qualified to teach both subjects; however, like many teachers, Erica ended up teaching a range of other subjects, including Spanish, Law, IT and PE. 

Erica spent 25 years as a secondary teacher, the last eleven as a senior leader and then joined the School Improvement Team in Leeds where she worked with school leaders in Leeds for 10 years.

Erica is also a practising Ofsted inspector, which has given her an in-depth knowledge of the inspection framework. Erica loves working with the many talented teachers, support staff and leaders in schools and genuinely tries to support and challenge in equal measure.