Meet the Children's University Trust Central Team

The Children's University currently has its office at the Royal Northern College of Music in the centre of Manchester. We have a core team of 7 who support all aspects of our continually growing (inter)national network - some of the Central Team posts are externally funded:



Meet the national Children’s University Trust Central Team


                    Profile image for Lynne Upton - Acting Chief Executive (job-share) / Head of CU Learning Support and Development (part-time)

Lynne Upton - Acting Chief Executive (job-share) / Head of CU Learning Support and Development (part-time)

Lynne took up her position in charge of the CU's learning agenda in September 2011. The focus of the role is to manage the development of the Children's University's curriculum for learning, also including website developments and CU volunteering.


                    Profile image for Mary De la Peña MBE  - Acting Chief Executive (job-share) / Chief Executive, Children’s University Scotland

Mary De la Peña MBE - Acting Chief Executive (job-share) / Chief Executive, Children’s University Scotland

Mary was appointed as Chief Executive of Children's University Scotland in August 2013. Her career history has focused on roles involving collaboration between education and business, higher education and community outreach. Whilst working as Education Business Partnership Manager at Lincolnshire Training and Enterprise Council she completed an MA in Education and Industry through Warwick University. 


                    Profile image for Ian Wilson - Marketing and Communications Officer

Ian Wilson - Marketing and Communications Officer

Ian joined the Children's University as Marketing and Communications Officer in April 2015.


                    Profile image for Julia Sanjurjo Garcia - Finance and Administration Officer

Julia Sanjurjo Garcia - Finance and Administration Officer

Julia joined the Children's University in June 2015 to take up the post of Finance and Administration Officer.


                    Profile image for Caroline Gilbert - Head of Business Development and Support

Caroline Gilbert - Head of Business Development and Support

Caroline joined the CU Trust in April 2012 with a clear remit to generate new sources of income to underwrite the expansion of the Children's University. 


                    Profile image for Debbie Bird - Head of Local CU Support and Development

Debbie Bird - Head of Local CU Support and Development

Debbie Bird joins the Children's University (CU) Trust from the Essex Children's University where, as Manager, she established the Colchester Children's University with community partners in 2010.


                    Profile image for And the ever increasing list of local Children's Universities!

And the ever increasing list of local Children's Universities!

The structure and development of our local Children's University centres is becoming increasingly diverse.