The Senior Leadership Team
Mr George McMillan
Executive Principal
Mr McMillan is the Executive Principal of Harris Greenwich, Harris Ockendon and Harris Avery Hill (opening 2021) and is a National Leader of Education (NLE). Originally from Glasgow, he graduated from Aberdeen University with an MA in English Literature, and then from Edinburgh University with a PGCE and a burning desire to teach. Mr McMillan taught English for five years at a secondary school in Edinburgh serving one of the most deprived areas in Scotland, latterly having a whole school remit in charge of promoting positive behaviour. Shortly after moving to London in 2006 he joined the Senior Team at Harris Academy Chafford Hundred and was part of their journey from ‘Requires Improvement’ to Outstanding in every area.
When Mr McMillan first took over the leadership of what is now Harris Academy Greenwich in 2011, it was in ‘Special Measures’ and inadequate in every area. Within three years, the school achieved ‘Outstanding’ status from Ofsted. For the last six years in a row, Harris Greenwich has been in the top 15% of schools in the country.
Ms Jo Rainey
Principal
Ms Rainey is the Principal of the Harris Federation's newest Academy in Ockendon. Originally from Belfast, she graduated from the University of Ulster with a first degree in History and Geography, followed by a PGCE acquired from Leeds University. After completing teacher training, Ms Rainey moved to London in 1998 to begin her career in teaching. Over the past 21 years, she has taught history and led in schools across London and Essex with most of her senior leadership career being spent in Hackney. In 2008, after gaining her NPQH, Ms Rainey became a Senior Vice Principal and began her preparation for headship.
Ms Rainey is thrilled to be part of the Harris Federation and is excited about what the future holds for the academy and her students.
Ms Rainey has an unwavering belief that all students can succeed and that teachers have the power to transform our students’ lives regardless of their ability, background, social status and life opportunities.
Mrs Nicola Graham
Assistant Director, Southeast Sector of Harris Federation
The Academy is also supported by Mrs Nicola Graham as Assistant Director of the Southeast sector of the Harris Federation. Mrs Graham oversees a cluster of Harris academies in Essex, including the ‘outstanding’ Harris Academy Chafford Hundred which she has led since 2011. Mrs Graham is also a National Leader of Education.
Working alongside Ms Rainey and the staff at Harris Academy Ockendon, Mr McMillan and Mrs Graham provide exceptional leadership experience.