Helen was born in Leeds and has lived most of her life in the area other than going to Manchester University where she studied history. Having qualified as a chartered accountant she spent a number of years in the profession and then in senior financial roles in the private sector in retail and IT. She has two boys who both attended Richmond House, they loved the school and still have many friends from their time there. Helen has worked in the charitable sector for the last twenty five years, most recently as Chief Executive of Leeds Mind who support people with mental health difficulties across West Yorkshire. She has significant experience of charity and private sector financial reporting and governance and continues to be a trustee of other local charities in Leeds. Helen wants to see the school continue in its role of ensuring happy children who are in the right environment to achieve their potential and live their best lives.