MEET THE TEAM

Patrick is a highly successful and inspirational educator, leader, facilitator and coach with a profound legacy in transforming educational landscapes. With extensive experience as a Principal and Executive Leader, he has left an indelible mark across secondary, primary and special schools. Patrick is a distinguished expert in leadership development, mentoring aspiring, new, and seasoned headteachers and CEOs, especially those navigating complex challenges in both the UK and international contexts.

Patrick's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is unwavering. As an advocate and ally, he has voluntarily coached nearly 100 women into leadership positions, including headship, executive headship and CEO roles. This is an embodiment of his dedication to nurturing a more representative and equitable educational leadership workforce in England.

After an illustrious year teaching career, with 30 years as a senior leader and 19 years as a Principal/Executive Principal, Patrick has recently retired from school-based roles. His contributions extend beyond the classroom, as his insights and expertise are frequently cited in prominent educational leadership publications. He recently contributed to Diverse Educators: A Manifesto, further solidifying his influence and thought leadership in the sector.

Patrick’s passion for education and leadership continues to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders, reinforcing his reputation as a transformative force in this field.

 Emma is a highly respected leader, author and practitioner in primary education, with over 25 years of experience that spans classroom teaching, senior leadership, headship, advisory roles and academic contributions. Her career reflects a seamless integration of theoretical research with practical application, positioning her as a thought leader in curriculum design, pedagogy, leadership and workforce development. Her expertise is particularly recognised in shaping educational practices that are research-informed and tailored to the developmental needs of young learners.

Currently, Emma serves as a specialist advisor to several prominent educational institutions. She is a trusted member of a Department for Education (DfE) advisory group in the UK, focusing on workforce remodelling and flexible working strategies. She also collaborates with the Chartered College of Teaching as a specialist curriculum consultant, contributing to their Rethinking Curriculum project. In addition, Emma provides strategic guidance to Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), Local Authorities, Diocesan MATs and international educational organisations as a Trust Improvement Advisor and curriculum consultant, where her work directly impacts curriculum quality, teaching and learning , leadership development, and systemic school improvement.

Emma is a highly experienced trust and school improvement lead, working with dozens of trusts and local authorities nationwide to provide bespoke support to individual schools and larger organisations. To date, all of her SIP work has resulted in schools and trusts either improving their inspection ratings or maintaining them during challenging circumstances. She has over 21 years’ of experience in supporting schools, and feedback always reflects Emma’s ability to deliver highly practical solutions with warmth, clarity and demonstrable impact.

A key element of Emma’s work is writing and delivering training to individual schools or groups. She is a sought after trainer and speaker and regularly leads INSET, delivers keynotes or provides bespoke CPD which she writes and develops specifically for the primary phase. 

One of Emma’s most significant contributions to education lies in her approach to curriculum design. She is the author of Simplicitus and Simplicitus Altius, which offer comprehensive frameworks for developing interconnected, coherent curricula in primary schools. Her methodologies emphasise alignment between curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, creating a holistic approach to learning. These principles have been widely adopted by schools across the UK and internationally, where her bespoke training sessions consistently receive exceptional feedback for their clarity, practicality, and impact.

Emma is also a leading advocate for integrating cognitive science into primary education. Her bestselling book, Initium: Cognitive Science and research informed primary practice, explores how principles of neuroscience and child development can inform teaching practices in primary settings. Recognising that much of the existing research on cognitive science focuses on older learners, Emma has dedicated herself to translating these findings into strategies that are effective for younger children. Her workshops and masterclasses on cognitive science provide educators with actionable insights, bridging the gap between academic research and the realities of classroom practice.

Emma’s leadership philosophy, articulated in her book Be More Toddler, challenges conventional narratives about leadership by emphasising adaptability, empathy, and resilience. Drawing inspiration from the behaviour and mindset of toddlers, she offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can navigate the complexities of educational leadership while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. This philosophy is particularly relevant in her advocacy for flexible working in education, where she has advised national organisations on creating inclusive, diverse, and sustainable work environments. Her expertise in this area has influenced policy development and has been instrumental in helping schools and educational bodies implement effective flexible working practices.

In addition to her advisory roles, Emma is an accomplished author and media contributor. She has written six bestselling books on education and leadership and contributed chapters to influential publications such as Primary Huh by Mary Myatt and John Tomsett, and Walkthrus by Tom Sherrington. She also serves as a guest editor for the Teaching in Action series by John Catt Educational and is a regular columnist for the TES. Her insights reach a global audience through her co-hosting of the Mind the Gap podcast, which addresses critical issues in education and has garnered over 250,000 listeners worldwide.

Emma’s influence extends beyond the UK, with international engagements that have seen her expertise utilised in Australia, Vietnam, and Qatar. Her expertise has been sought by organisations such as Education Scotland, the Westminster Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Education, and numerous national conferences, where she continues to shape educational discourse and practice on a global scale.

Emma work is driven by a commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based educational practices that enhance learning outcomes and foster leadership excellence. Her ability to blend academic rigour with practical solutions has made her a transformative figure in education, continuously contributing to the evolution of teaching and leadership in primary schools worldwide.

Radha is an esteemed educator and one of the youngest global majority Headteachers in the UK. Her approach is centred around fostering excellence in teaching, learning, and inclusive leadership. With a robust academic background in History, and a progressive trajectory in educational leadership, Radha has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing both pedagogical practice and school improvement.

Radha holds a BA in History from University College London, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Cambridge. Her early career as a History teacher and leader saw her working across a variety of educational contexts and phases. She has taught pupils from Early Years to A-Level, and is passionate about her subject. Across all her teaching practices, Radha has successfully integrated innovative teaching strategies, enriched the curriculum and cultivated a culture of academic rigour.

Her expertise in Teaching and Learning became increasingly prominent during her tenure as a Deputy Headteacher in a large MAT where she led on school-wide instructional practices, staff development, and the integration of remote learning methodologies. Radha's leadership in this role extended beyond the classroom, where she implemented data-driven strategies to improve pupil outcomes, mentored early career teachers, and developed whole-school policies on behaviour and inclusion.

As a Headteacher Radha was instrumental in leading the school through rigorous external inspections, including Ofsted and Trust-wide reviews, while ensuring that key performance indicators were met. Her leadership is marked by a strategic approach to continuous professional development, fiscal responsibility, and the successful implementation of Trust policies aimed at enhancing equality and diversity within the school and its broader community.

Radha’s commitment to educational leadership and continuous improvement is reinforced by her formal qualifications. She holds a Master’s in Education with distinction from the University of Buckingham and has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Buckingham, with research  interests centred on leadership practices that promote equity and innovation throughout all schools .

 Throughout her career, Radha has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving systemic improvements in school performance. Her leadership is defined by a clear vision for fostering inclusive learning environments that empower both students and staff. She is also recognised for her contributions to professional discourse, having been selected to write for WomenEd’s forthcoming publication in September 2024, where she enables and empowers educators on their journeys to leadership .

Radha’s academic and professional journey is underpinned by her ability to lead through change, inspire excellence in teaching, and maintain an unwavering focus on pupil achievement and staff development. As an advocate for educational equity and diversity, Radha continues to shape the future of educational leadership in the UK.

Hannah is a distinguished educational consultant, inclusion specialist and thought leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes for children and young people. Her expertise spans the strategic leadership areas of behaviour management and SEND, with a particular emphasis on embedding systemic and cultural transformation within schools, alternative provisions (AP) and multi-academy trusts (MATs).

Throughout her career, Hannah has demonstrated a profound capacity to drive change in complex educational settings. As the Acting Principal of a secondary Alternative Provision, she led institution-wide reforms to improve outcomes for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Looked After Children (LAC), and those with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Her strategic interventions have consistently reduced exclusion rates, notably achieving a permanent exclusion rate of just 0.01% in Enfield, ranking among the lowest nationally.

Hannah provides bespoke advisory services, coaching and capacity-building initiatives for senior and middle leaders. She applies a diagnostic, solution-focused approach to improving behaviour and SEND provision, ensuring alignment with evidence-based frameworks and national standards. Her approach is underpinned by a deep understanding of educational psychology, attachment theory and trauma-informed practices, which she leverages to foster inclusive, emotionally intelligent learning environments.

Hannah’s role as an Evidence Lead in Education (ELE) for the Staffordshire Research School has further solidified her academic credibility. She has led large-scale projects in collaboration with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), focusing on Learning Behaviours and closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged learners. Her work with the Stoke Learning Behaviours Programme and the Key Stage 3 SEND Pilot in partnership with the Maths Hub exemplifies her commitment to translating research into impactful practice.

A recognised authority on behaviour management and inclusive pedagogy, Hannah regularly delivers keynote addresses and immersive training sessions at national and international conferences. Her presentations are known for their intellectual rigor, practical applicability and ability to challenge and inspire educational leaders to rethink traditional approaches to behaviour and inclusion.

With a unique blend of strategic acumen, evidence-based practice and emotional intelligence, Hannah continues to lead the conversation on inclusion, ensuring that educational settings not only accommodate diversity but actively promote equity and excellence for all learners.

Parven is the founder of Kids n Clicks, an innovative platform empowering parents, educators and children to thrive in the digital age. With a rich blend of expertise in digital strategy, content creation and education, Parven has become a trusted advocate for modernising schools’ approaches to digital learning and online safety.

After earning her MSc in Corporate Governance from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, Parven honed her skills in the corporate and digital media sectors before channeling her passion into education. She has collaborated extensively with schools and organisations to address critical issues such as digital citizenship, cyberbullying and online safety, ensuring students and educators are prepared for a connected world.

Parven’s work extends to creating bespoke training programmes for schools, helping them integrate digital tools effectively while prioritising safety and inclusivity. She has worked with educators to develop strategies that enhance student engagement and improve digital literacy, earning her recognition as a "Digital Pioneer" by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and as a digital parenting expert by Internet Matters.

A respected voice in the digital parenting space, Parven’s expertise has been featured across major media outlets, including the BBC, Talk TV, and numerous others. Her thought leadership extends to national and international conferences, where she has spoken on critical topics such as combating disinformation, the ethical use of technology, and the profound influence of algorithms on children’s perceptions. Her ability to connect these complex topics to real-world parenting and educational challenges has cemented her reputation as a trailblazer in the field.

Parven’s insights are sought after by prominent platforms such as Common Sense Media, the Family Online Safety Institute, and Digital Beez, where she contributes articles and resources that address the rapidly evolving dynamics of digital parenting. Parenting 2.0 has acknowledged her impact on improving digital literacy globally, while her work with Internet Matters underscores her leadership in guiding families through the challenges of technology-driven environments.

Through Kids n Clicks, Parven continues to build resources and communities that support schools and parents in navigating the complexities of the digital era. Her dedication to digital education, combined with her practical experience as a lecturer and communications professional, positions her as a transformative figure in shaping the future of digital education and parenting.

John-Paul has amassed a wealth of experience as a leader and safeguarding specialist, with a career dedicated to improving school environments, safeguarding practices, and student well-being. His extensive experience spans multiple high-impact roles where he has combined strategic leadership with a deep commitment to child protection and inclusion, showcasing his expertise across various schools.

John Paul currently splits his time across two roles: the work for the Department for Education’s Behaviour Hub unit and the other across his school improvement consultancy, where he supports schools in attendance, behaviour management, Special Educational Needs and safeguarding. His work is centred around empowering leaders to take ownership of their school improvement journey and to give them the confidence to raise standards. A proactive advocate for family engagement, he has also created workshops to equip parents with the tools to support their children, further reinforcing his belief in holistic safeguarding approaches that extend beyond the classroom. John-Paul has become a key figure in conducting safeguarding audits for schools, a responsibility that underscores his attention to safeguarding protocols as outlined in KCSIE. John Paul has been fortunate also to support school leaders internationally, and he is always finding ways to grow his vast network of experienced school leaders when he can.

As one of the Partnership Leads for the Department for Education’s flagship Behaviour Hubs programme, John-Paul's influence has been far-reaching. He leads a national programme supporting 17 lead schools and has engaged with many headteachers and CEOs to ensure the programme remains on track. His efforts include coaching senior leaders and contributing to national workshops.  His work has garnered exceptional feedback, illustrating his role in fostering safer, more inclusive school environments.

His work as a senior leader across three schools in three Local Authorities has further honed his safeguarding expertise. Over the years, he held pivotal responsibilities as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring that safeguarding strategies were at the core of school operations. His strategic oversight of personal development, behaviour, and attendance significantly enhanced student welfare.

His academic credentials demonstrate John Paul’s commitment to self-improvement. He holds a National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), ILM level 7 Executive Coaching and Mentoring, and various safeguarding and online safety awards. These underpin his ability to lead safeguarding initiatives with authority, always ensuring that the latest safeguarding frameworks and policies are meticulously implemented.

With his unparalleled safeguarding expertise and passion for fostering secure, inclusive learning environments, John-Paul continues to be a transformative force within the educational sector.

 Amit is a renowned coach, consultant, and advocate for modern-day parental inclusivity in both educational and corporate settings. As the founder of For Working Parents, Amit specialises in guiding schools and organisations to develop tailored, effective programmes that meet the unique needs of 21st-century parents. Drawing on his extensive background as a Deputy Headteacher, where he led innovative parental engagement strategies and strategic school improvements, Amit is dedicated to fostering workplaces and educational environments that fully support parents in achieving balance and fulfilment.

Through his consultancy, Amit designs and implements impactful initiatives that empower parents to thrive—whether they're navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s fast-paced world or seeking harmony between career and family life. His programmes, which include coaching sessions, developmental workshops, and parental communication webinars, are crafted to equip schools and workplaces with the tools to create empathetic, inclusive communities where parents feel supported, valued, and understood.

Amit is also highly sought after for his compelling public speaking, where he shares personal insights on resilience, cultural identity and mental health, including his own journey through profound personal challenges, such as the loss of his mother to ovarian cancer and parenting a daughter with critical heart health issues. His story resonates deeply, particularly as he sheds light on navigating these experiences from the perspective of an adult diagnosed with ADHD, an ethnic minority male, and a parent. Through his work, Amit promotes a vision of workplaces and schools that embrace diversity, empathy, and well-being, making him a vital resource for organisations committed to supporting both their employees and students' families.

In addition to his consulting work, Amit hosts the podcast What Do Parents Know?, an engaging media for discussing the realities and pressures of raising teenagers today. He also serves as a trustee for Making Mum Proud and actively supports initiatives that champion parental well-being. His expertise has made him a transformative figure for organisations aiming to integrate meaningful, research-based support structures for parents, ensuring that both educators and employees can flourish personally and professionally.

Sally is a seasoned health, fitness, and lifestyle coach with over 15 years of experience dedicated to empowering women through their fitness journeys, with a special emphasis on menopause health. As the founder of SB Wellbeing, she has built a thriving practice around holistic wellness, focusing on strength, resilience, and overall well-being for women at various life stages. Sally’s unique approach is both empathetic and evidence-based, as she blends physical training, emotional support, and nutritional guidance to help her clients confidently navigate the menopausal transition. In recent years, Sally has dedicated herself to a powerful mission: increasing menopause awareness in professional environments, especially within educational institutions like schools and colleges. Recognising that the menopause journey is often met with misunderstanding and stigma, Sally has taken on the role of a vital advocate for menopause support within workplaces. Her work includes designing specialised programs for leaders, colleagues and managers to foster a culture of understanding and proactive support, addressing the often-overlooked needs of menopausal employees. For educators and school leaders, Sally’s programmes provide invaluable insights into the challenges women face during menopause, offering practical strategies to create a compassionate and inclusive environment. Her training sessions cover crucial aspects of menopause that affect work performance, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem, helping schools and colleges to better support their staff. Sally is especially passionate about equipping leaders with the skills to recognise and address menopause-related needs and to establish policies and practices that uphold the well-being of all staff members. Sally partners with schools, colleges and companies to drive meaningful change. She provides training that equips teams with practical knowledge and empathy, supporting women as they balance the demands of professional life with the personal challenges of menopause. By helping workplaces, particularly in education, integrate menopause support into their culture, Sally strives to ensure that no woman feels isolated or unsupported during this significant life stage. Sally's work continues to inspire, educate and support countless women and organisations. Her commitment to fostering inclusive, menopause-aware workplaces, especially within the education sector, underscores her belief that every woman deserves to feel empowered, supported, and respected through all stages of life.

Damian is a highly accomplished and visionary leader with extensive experience across diverse educational settings. His dedication to supporting the most vulnerable students in the education system drives his work, particularly in creating inclusive and nurturing environments that enable all pupils to thrive. Currently, Damian is part of an expert team that has pioneered a therapeutic-inspired Alternative Provision in the East Midlands, focusing on innovative approaches to education and well-being for students who need it most.

With a proven track record as a headteacher in a variety of schools, including those in challenging inner-city and multicultural communities, Damian excels in transforming school cultures and fostering environments where learning and growth are paramount. His expertise lies in driving cultural change, cultivating a unified language for learning, and implementing effective behaviour management strategies that re-engage students and inspire academic success.

Passionate about building resilient and high-performing educational communities, Damian continues to shape the future of education with his innovative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Uzma is a highly experienced and effective Maths leader and has worked across a number of very high performing schools and trusts where she delivered exceptional outcomes. Her expertise in improving outcomes  earned her a position on the PiXL Maths Associate Group, where she contributed to exam writing and resource development;  providing strategic advice that improved outcomes in a number of settings.

Uzma works as a School Improvement Partner, focusing on mathematics across various multi-academy trusts and schools.  In this role, she offers a clear and inspiring vision for schools, delivering leadership training, CPD  and guidance on effective teaching practices. Uzma collaborates closely with Curriculum Leaders and staff, modelling best practices to enhance progress and attainment at all levels.

Beyond individual schools, Uzma has worked extensively with multi-academy trusts to create a centralised scheme of learning for all key stages. She has also been instrumental in establishing local maths hubs, fostering collaboration among leaders and educators to share innovative strategies and elevate the quality of mathematics education.

With a strong commitment to excellence and a focus on driving measurable improvement, Uzma continues to make a significant impact in education, inspiring both teachers and students to reach their full potential.

Tom is an outstanding English educator with over 20 years of experience including roles as a state secondary English teacher, Head of Department, Assistant Headteacher and Education Advisor to the United Nations 2030hub. His expertise lies in dissecting English examinations, integrating exam skills into curricula, and empowering teachers to enhance whole-school literacy strategies. Tom has an incredible track record of supporting schools rapidly improve progress and attainment in GCSE examinations. 

Diagnosed with dyslexia post-BA, Tom has developed a 'skill-by-skill' and 'step-by-step' approach to curriculum design and assessment. This methodology has been instrumental in reducing cognitive overload and improving the educational experience and outcomes for teachers, leaders and students.

Throughout his career, Tom has collaborated with educators, leaders and academics nationwide to explore and perfect the role of technology in making high-quality English education more accessible and manageable. He is the founder of EdenFiftyOne (EFO), an award-winning, government-funded edtech platform. EFO promotes 51 core skills central to English education, embodying Tom’s bite-sized approach by allowing teachers and students to progress one skill at a time.

Whether English leaders in schools or academies choose specific EFO skills for GCSE intervention or utilise the full suite for comprehensive curriculum and literacy support, EdenFiftyOne provides precise mapping and seamless guidance throughout the learning journey, from the classroom to the exam hall.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience in education, with a varied and successful background as a Director of Science, Lead Practitioner, and Senior Leader in a number of settings.  She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented across different educational environments.

As a research-led curriculum developer in the ed-tech sector, Sarah has excelled in designing, creating and editing innovative science materials for online publication. Her work is characterised by a commitment to integrating the latest educational research with practical application, ensuring that the resources she develops are not only engaging but also effective in enhancing student learning.

In her role as an advocate for science education and STEM, Sarah collaborates with teachers, schools, local authorities, and national organisations. She provides high-quality CPD  for educators and leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate science teaching and learning. Her support for science teams within schools has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Passionate about empowering both teachers and students, Sarah is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the field of science education. Her expertise, combined with her enthusiasm for STEM, drives her mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and educators.

 Laura is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and passionate clerk and governance professional with more than 20 years of dedicated service in the educational sector. Laura has a wealth of experience in supporting schools, local authorities and academy trusts all over the country, focusing on providing tailored support to those often facing complex challenges.

Laura's commitment to excellence is reflected in her hands-on approach to improving governance structures, delivering services that encompass strategic coaching, Ofsted preparation and facilitating strong, accountable leadership. Her reputation is underscored by glowing testimonials highlighting her role in transforming governance standards for educational institutions.

Beyond her clerking responsibilities, Laura is a thought leader in the field. She writes articles for leading platforms like The Key and GovernorHub, engages in collaborative efforts such as co-hosting podcasts with the National Governance Association (NGA), and curates her own widely read newsletter, Governance Updates, which offers practical insights for school leaders and governors alike.

As a lifelong learner and an active member of various professional organisations and clerking networks, Laura ensures she is continually updated with the latest training, resources and statutory requirements. Her professional affiliations also enable her to deliver governance services that are not only informed but forward-thinking and innovative.

In addition to her extensive experience, Laura brings a proactive governance perspective as a school governor herself. This dual role equips her with a unique and empathetic understanding of governance challenges, making her an invaluable partner to educational institutions seeking sustainable and impactful solutions. 

Laura’s dedication to governance is driven by her belief in the transformative power of strong leadership and effective school management. Her work continues to make a lasting impact on schools and academies, fostering environments where educational excellence thrives.

With over thirty years in the education sector and two decades in senior leadership roles, Richard is a distinguished expert in educational governance. His extensive experience spans roles such as Headship, Director, and CEO, showcasing a deep proficiency in steering educational institutions toward excellence.

Richard's governance acumen is highlighted by his tenure as CEO of two Multi-Academy Trusts. In his role, he successfully led the expansion of one Trust from 3 to 15 schools across the Midlands and West Yorkshire, demonstrating his strategic foresight and governance skills in scaling educational institutions.

Richard is a highly successful and decorated governor and trustee. He was awarded the prestigious National Leader of Governance status in 2017 having worked as the Chair of Governors in a school which improved from Inadequate to an Outstanding Ofsted rating  His achievements in this role underscore his expertise in governance and his ability to drive significant improvements in school performance.

Richard is also a seasoned Governor Trainer and has led governance in a large Multi-Academy Trust encompassing over 30 schools. He has been instrumental in guiding Governing Bodies through crucial reviews and Headteacher Performance Management processes. His work includes supporting new and existing governors and trustees, leading interventions in challenging schools, fostering growth within Trusts, and strengthening community ties.

Richard's track record reflects a profound commitment to enhancing governance practices, developing robust frameworks for school improvement, and cultivating effective leadership across Multi-Academy Trusts.

With over two decades of experience in the education sector, Sally has established herself as a highly effective and accomplished leader in educational data governance and strategic management. Her career has been dedicated to mastering the complexities of data collection, collation, analysis and insight generation, with a particular focus on enhancing the operational efficiency of educational institutions. Currently, Sally specialises in advising multi-academy trusts (MATs) on the strategic management of their data, while also offering consultancy to software providers, helping them tailor product development to meet the evolving demands of MATs.Sally's extensive career includes significant roles within Children’s Services at local authorities, along with valuable experience in children's social care and collaborative work with central government departments. In addition, she has engaged with various social enterprises, further expanding her understanding of the dynamic relationship between data and organisational success.Sally's portfolio includes partnerships with some of the largest trusts in the country, as well as numerous mid-sized trusts, allowing them to develop a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by organisations of different sizes, compositions and geographical locations. Her ability to tailor data solutions to the specific needs of each organisation demonstrates her deep insight and versatility in the field.Well-connected across MATs and software providers, Sally is widely regarded as a trusted and influential figure in the educational data landscape. Her mission at Edwards Data Solutions is to empower educational organisations to thrive in the digital era by embedding data excellence into their operational fabric. Through informed decision-making, optimised strategies and actionable insights, Sally strives to drive these organisations toward unprecedented success.

Kellie is a trailblazer in the education recruitment space and the driving force behind Appoint-Ed, a consultancy dedicated to tackling one of education’s most pressing challenges: building strong, permanent operations teams.  Kellie has redefined recruitment for schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs), pairing her deep understanding of educational ecosystems with a relentless drive to deliver exceptional results.

A seasoned education recruiter with over 15 years experience, Kellie helps school, LA and MAT leaders secure exceptional support staff talent. Her expertise ensures clients can regularly fill hard-to-recruit operations roles—including finance, IT, estates, HR, exams, and data—positions critical to ensuring the seamless functioning of modern schools. Recognising the inadequacy of traditional recruitment methods, Kellie developed the ACTION Plan, a proven process that stacks the odds in favour of schools, even for the most complex and niche positions.

For Kellie, solving education’s talent crisis is not just a professional endeavour—it’s profoundly personal. As a parent, she vividly recalls scrutinising headteachers about staff retention and team stability while searching for the right school for her daughter. She understands first hand how strong, stable operations teams underpin student success and is passionately committed to ensuring that every school has access to the talent it needs to thrive.

Through Appoint-Ed, Kellie offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to recruitment, managing every detail from initial briefing to onboarding. This allows school leaders to focus on their core priorities, confident in the knowledge that they will secure the right candidate for the role. Beyond placement, she provides tailored consultancy services to overhaul in-house recruitment processes and has developed a self-guided workbook that empowers schools to attract top-tier talent without undue stress or reliance on external agencies.

Kellie’s innovative and empathetic approach has earned her widespread acclaim from primary schools, secondary schools, and MATs alike. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to deliver transformative results have resulted in a thriving business driven largely by repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals.

Kellie is not only a leader in the education recruitment sector but also a passionate advocate for creating environments where students and staff can flourish. Her mission to transform education recruitment—one strong, permanent team at a time—stands as a testament to her dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives.

Martyn is a Director of Trust Development for a medium sized Multi Academy Trust, bringing extensive operational and strategic leadership experience to the role. His background includes serving as Head of Education for a large Local Authority, where he was responsible for statutory compliance and the performance of over 50 maintained schools. In this role, he ensured that all schools met regulatory standards and performed effectively, while also overseeing HR and workforce management.

Martyn’s expertise extends beyond educational leadership to encompass comprehensive operational management. He has served as a senior manager in the £300 million Building Schools for the Future program, where he successfully project managed the construction and refurbishment of 10 schools. His hands-on experience in estates management includes overseeing large-scale building projects, facilities maintenance, and ensuring the safety and functionality of educational environments.

In addition to his operational roles, Martyn has a deep understanding of school business operations, including finance, human resources, and community engagement. He has led teams through complex organisational changes, streamlined processes, and fostered a culture of collaboration and efficiency. Known for his open and honest leadership style, Martyn is adept at uniting stakeholders around a shared vision and driving tangible improvements.

Outside of his work in education, Martyn is a director of an events and hospitality management company, where he further applies his operational and leadership skills in a commercial context.