United Learning Cambridge Cluster
Darren Cooley is an experienced Executive Business Manager at United Learning Cambridge Cluster, overseeing finance, HR, IT, and facilities for five schools since January 2025. Previously, Cooley served as School Business Manager at Oaklands Catholic School & Sixth Form College from July 2023 to January 2025, focusing on financial strategies and capital projects. Prior roles include School Business Manager at United Learning for a brief period in 2023, and Deputy School Business Manager at Oaklands Catholic School from September 2020 to April 2023. Cooley began a career in education as an Education Recruitment Consultant and has held positions as a Cover Supervisor and Teaching Assistant. Cooley's background also includes being Managing Director at Prospects Sports and Team Leader at Tesco. Academic qualifications comprise an MBA from Solent University, alongside degrees in Business Management and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, plus certification in IOSH Managing Safely.
This person is not in the org chart
This person is not in any teams
United Learning Cambridge Cluster
United Learning Cambridge Cluster is a partnership of five schools working together to provide outstanding education and opportunities for students, staff, and the wider community. Our cluster includes three secondary schools- Coleridge Community College, Parkside Community College, Trumpington Community College, one primary school-The Galfrid School, and a specialist 13-19 college-Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology (CAST). We are committed to bringing out the "best in everyone". Our integrated approach allows students to benefit from a shared curriculum, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that nurture character, ambition, and resilience. Collaboration is central to our approach. Staff work across schools, sharing expertise, resources, and ideas to drive excellence. Through teamwork and professional development within the wider United Learning group, we foster innovation, career growth, and a dynamic, supportive environment. Annual conferences allow staff to exchange knowledge and inspire new approaches, ensuring that students are guided by confident educators and prepared to contribute to future businesses. Each school in the cluster offers a unique proposition: CAST excels in science, engineering, and technology with academic excellence, cutting-edge facilities, and industry partnerships. The Galfrid School builds strong academic, social, and emotional foundations in a a nurturing environment. Parkside Community College promotes global awareness and academic excellence as an International Baccalaureate World School. Trumpington Community College fosters personal growth and academic achievement in a respectful, ambitious setting. Coleridge Community College emphasizes academic and personal excellence with a focus on high standards, mutual respect, and inclusivity.