Choose from a broad selection of workshops delivered by trust leaders and sector experts. Delegates can favourite workshops to create their own personal conference schedule via the Annual Conference app; details will be sent ahead of the conference by email.
Programme details are subject to change.
How can trusts and their schools establish themselves as civic anchors in their communities? In this session we will learn about Strive Together’s ‘cradle to career’ model which has improved outcomes for young people across the US. With decades of experience in working with communities to apply the model, it has been adapted over time and continues to do so to meet pupil and family needs. Strive Together brings together a range of partners to address complex challenges, supported by a local team. Together we’ll explore learnings from the model and how it can be applied within trusts of all sizes.
President and CEO, Strive Together
Jennifer Blatz is the president and CEO of StriveTogether, a national nonprofit working in about 70 communities across the United States to put millions more young people on a path to economic mobility.
At StriveTogether, Jennifer was instrumental in launching the national Cradle to Career Network and creating the StriveTogether Theory of Action™. She led the development of the organisation’s current strategic plan with a bold vision: to put 4 million more young people on a path to economic mobility by 2030. Under Jennifer’s leadership, StriveTogether was named a global Social Innovator of the Year by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, an honor she accepted at the 2024 World Economic Forum.
Before leading StriveTogether, Jennifer was a founding member of StrivePartnership, serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Vice President, Network Impact, StriveTogether
Bridget leads StriveTogether’s strategy to support Cradle to Career Network members to accelerate their progress through the Theory of Action™ toward better and more equitable outcomes for young people. This includes proactive and responsive network supports, impact investment and a comprehensive network member experience.
Executive Director, Reach Foundation
Mei is an Executive Director at the Reach Foundation and oversees the charity's place-based initiatives in Feltham, Hounslow, which includes the Feltham Convening Partnership: a collective impact, systems change initiative to improve long-term outcomes for babies, children and young people across a range of indicators. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2019, Mei was a primary headteacher and secondary history teacher.
Executive Director, Reach Schools
James Townsend is an Executive Director at the Reach Foundation, where he leads the Cradle to Career Partnership and Reach's leadership programmes for aspiring Head Teachers and and Trust CEOs. James has previously held leadership roles at Teach First and STiR Education, where he helped found and grow the organisation to reach over 200,000 teachers globally. He started his career as a history teacher in east London.
Discover sector-wide insights from IMP Software’s 2025 MAT Financial Benchmarking Report, published in partnership with CST. Created from the budget assumptions of over 400 school trusts, this session will examine key trends in the report. IMP Software’s Chief Executive Will Jordan will also explore the varied approaches trusts are taking to navigate budget challenges over the medium and long term, including staffing ratios, leadership pay, and a deep dive into the size and shape of multi academy trust finance functions.
Co-Founder, IMP Software
Will Jordan FCCA has worked with academies and multi academy trusts since the first ‘phase two’ academies opened in September 2010. As a qualified accountant and financial technology specialist, Will now works with established multi academy trusts to strengthen their financial planning and reporting processes by replacing legacy software with multi academy trust-specific, agile tools.
This session is for trust leaders who are intrigued by the transformative power of AI and have the view that strict controls and prohibition may be required. Join our speakers to dispel common myths and preconceptions, and to examine a pre-mortem scenario that looks at the consequences of the mismanagement of AI. This interactive workshop will challenge you to think critically, emphasising the necessity of building trust and engaging stakeholders from the start. Nick and Claire will also guide you through six steps towards effective AI governance to help your trust flourish instead of flounder.
Legal Director, Browne Jacobson
Claire specialises in data protection, AI, information governance, and freedom of information for education clients at Browne Jacobson LLP. Her extensive experience leading a data protection officer service as well as experience working as a school business manager and as a local academy board governor equips her with a profound understanding of school challenges. Claire received the European Picasso 'Champion' Award for her ability to support and promote a positive information governance culture within schools, and the important work done by school staff to protect children's personal data. Claire is also a co-author of the IRMS Records Management Toolkit for Schools and Academies and is known for her effective public speaking and advocacy for data protection importance in education. Additionally, Claire's expertise extends to AI governance and edtech. This experience and knowledge makes her an invaluable resource for educational institutions.
Partner, Browne Jacobson
Nick is national head of the Browne Jacobson education team, an executive coach and a member of the firm’s board. Recognised as a leading expert in education by The Legal 500 and Chambers for over 10 years, Nick specialises in corporate and governance advice in the education sector.
He has significant experience of advising executive teams and boards in the social housing, corporate and, for well over 10 years, education sectors. His clients include some of the largest school trusts in the country. Over the last 10 years, Nick has contributed regularly to the debate on key issues impacting the sector. He also has excellent relationships with sector bodies such ASCL, CST and NGA.
Organisations need to be safe and secure in order to flourish and, in a year of high-profile cyber-attacks, the need to protect school and trust data has never been more critical. In this session we’ll learn about today's cybersecurity landscape and hear from a trust leader on real-world experience of managing a significant trust cyber-attack, offering candid insights and key lessons learned. You’ll leave with practical strategies to strengthen your cyber defences and protocols on tight budgets. Achieving bank-level security with school-level resources may feel like mission impossible, but it’s far from it.
Head of Resilience and Security, Lloyds Bank – Corporate & Institutional Banking
Giles has held senior resilience, cyber, information security, and data privacy positions in retail, commercial and investment banking, insurance, and consulting. He has a masters degree in engineering from Imperial College London, started his career with JPMorgan Chase, and most recently joined Lloyds Banking Group in 2015 from Deloitte.
He has been a member of several collaboration cyber groups including the UK Government’s Department of Science Innovation and Technology Cyber Expert Advisory Group, the University of Southampton Cyber Advisory Board, TheCityUK Cyber Resilience Working Group, and currently sits on the Financial Conduct Authority Cyber Collaboration Group for Investment Management.
This session shares early insights from a major research project led by our session speakers which explores how AI tools are being used to support lesson planning across five primary schools. Pursued as part of a broader digital transformation strategy, the project has also contributed to external accreditation and recognition, including national award nominations. These frameworks have helped drive the project forward by establishing a shared vision, identifying measurable outcomes, and galvanising staff engagement across diverse settings. The session reflects on how this approach to innovation is helping to support every learner, particularly those with additional needs, while also enhancing professional agency and wellbeing for teachers.
Founding Director, ICT Evangelist
Mark is a globally respected expert in education, technology, and digital strategy. A former senior leader with over 20 years in the classroom, he now works with schools, trusts, and edtech organisations worldwide to support impactful, evidence-informed use of technology. Mark advises schools and edtech organisations on responding to national frameworks and regulatory expectations, with particular expertise in safeguarding, AI, and digital strategy. He is the author of best-selling books including The EdTech Playbook, co-founder of the Global EdTech Awards, and Head of Education at NetSupport. He is also a Founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and sits on the BCS Schools and Colleges Committee.
Director of Education, The Woodland Academy Trust
Julie leads on school improvement, curriculum development and digital transformation across five primary schools in Bexley and Kent. With over 25 years’ experience in education, including 18 years in leadership roles such as headteacher, executive headteacher, and school improvement advisor, she has a strong commitment to inclusion and innovation.
Julie specialises in AI and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), developing a trust-wide pedagogical framework that led to one school being named an Apple Distinguished School and the Trust becoming an Apple Regional Training Centre.
Julie holds an MA (with distinction) in Educational Leadership and the NPQEL. She was awarded a Silver Award for Digital Innovation in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards in recognition of her pioneering work.
In this session, we will explore Ormiston Academies Trust smartphone free approach. Drawing on both research and real-world implementation across a large trust (45 schools including specialist, AP, primary and secondary), we will examine the rationale and evidence underpinning phone-free policies, and their impact on a wide range of school and pupil outcomes. We’ll learn about the key challenges encountered, and speakers will reflect honestly on what they wish they had known from the outset. Whether you’re considering a similar policy or refining one already in place, this session offers practical insights and lessons learned from leading change at scale.
National Director of Learning, Ormiston Academies Trust
Jen is National Director of Learning at Ormiston Academies Trust where she oversees professional development for 5,000 staff. She has spent the last 15 years grappling with the evidence base about how to enable effective teacher and leader development. Prior to that she spent nearly a decade working as a primary teacher in schools in Manchester.
What drives teacher impact on pupil outcomes? Do consistently high-performing teachers use distinct classroom practices, follow specific training pathways, or experience a stronger sense of belonging? This session explores what the evidence tells us about these questions. Drawing on emerging analysis from the National Institute of Teaching’s founding trusts, we’ll examine how teacher impact evolves over time and what patterns are beginning to emerge. Attendees will gain early insights from rich, trust-level data and consider what this means for practice, development, and policy in schools.
Director of Research and Development, Evidence Based Education
Professor Rob Coe is Director of Research and Development at Evidence Based Education and Senior Associate at the Education Endowment Foundation. A former Professor of Education and secondary maths teacher, he is a researcher in educational assessment, evaluation and evidence-based practice, working with teachers and schools to connect evidence and practice.
Executive Director of Research and Best Practice, National Institute of Teaching
Calum is the Executive Director for Research and Best Practice. He joined the National Institute of Teaching from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where he focused on evaluations of complex interventions in health, disability-inclusion, and education. Calum also spent a year at the Education Endowment Foundation and remains a member of its Evaluation Advisory Group.
Appropriate Body Lead (Star Teaching School Hub), Star Academies
Luke is the Appropriate Body Lead for the Star Teaching School Hub (Birmingham South), as well as a part-time Doctorate in Education (EdD) student at the University of Warwick. Luke is a qualified secondary modern languages teacher with nearly 15 years' experience in diverse educational roles. He has taught and led in different schools and organisations within the sector across the West Midlands. His career and research focus has centred on teacher recruitment, early career teacher development and teacher support. In addition to his work and study, Luke is also the chair of governors for a local authority maintained primary school in Warwickshire.
Luke is a member of the Expert Working Group for the Teaching improvement through data and evaluation (TIDE) project (2024-2028), funded by the Nuffield Foundation, led by the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT).
Director of Teaching, Star Academies
Emma is responsible for the teaching strategy across the Star Academies schools. Having worked at Star for over six years, she has a passion for serving the schools and communities within the Star family. She firmly believes the best way to guarantee that every pupil has the best education, is to ensure all teachers have high quality professional development. This professional development must be bespoke, which is why Instructional Coaching is the bedrock for developing expert teachers and support staff at Star.
Emma joined Star after being a senior leader/head of school, at a large multi academy trust for almost a decade.
This workshop will explore three phases of trust maturity at a system level, and how signs are emerging of a fourth model involving AI, automation, and purposeful partnership, leading to strategic, scalable, high-performing ways of working (from striving to thriving). Join this session to assess your trust’s operational maturity, identify barriers, explore leading practices, and take practical steps to building a flourishing, future-proofed operational model.
CEO, Summit Learning Trust
Vince Green is the Chief Executive Officer at Summit Learning Trust from September 2022. He joined the trust in January 2021 as Education Director where he provided support and challenge for its secondary and post-16 phases. Prior to joining Summit, Vince was regional education director and executive principal at a large multi academy trust. Before this he was the Principal of Bristnall Hall Academy for five years, the highest performing secondary provider within its local authority and trust. Vince started his teaching career in Sendai, Japan and has held a variety of leadership roles in the West Midlands in rapidly improving schools.
Director, CJK Associates
Deputy Chief Executive, The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
As Deputy Chief Executive, Lee is responsible for the strategic operational functions of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust. He is an experienced business manager and finance director with over 15 years of expertise, supporting both primary and secondary schools. During his time as a senior leader, he has been deployed in a number of trusts that have required support or intervention and was recognised in the 2020 Queens Birthday Honours for his services to education.
In addition to his business management experience, Lee is a fellow at the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), and has completed a PGCE in business management. Through his work he has become well versed in some of the challenges that face the education sector in areas that include: financial planning; HR management; legal issues; site and; IT strategies. He was awarded fellow status by the Institute of School Business Leaders (ISBL) in 2021.
Tom Rees will share his reflections on the Government’s Schools White Paper and plans for SEND reform.
CEO, Ormiston Academies Trust, and Chair, DfE‘s Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion
What does a commercially minded approach to financial strategy look like in a not-for-profit, education-led environment? In this session, trust speakers will share how they have built sustainable income streams through value-led traded services, procurement innovation, and purposeful partnerships. They’ll explore what has delivered impact, what they have chosen not to pursue, and why and how they navigate the balance between enterprise and risk. You'll leave with grounded insights and practical ideas to consider and adapt within your own trust contexts.
Commercial Director, Red Kite Learning Trust
Steve Howell has worked in the education sector since 2003 following roles as a management accountant for various blue-chip companies including Unilever and Coca-Cola. Steve helped establish and develop Red Kite Learning Trust and was CFO for ten years, leading on financial, risk and compliance matters as well as steering the trust (now with more than 10,000 pupils) and the teaching school on strategic and commercial aspects. Steve is now Commercial Director, working across all strands of Red Kite to develop and nurture the brands and strategic partnerships and to cultivate commercial opportunities.
Steve also serves as a school resource management advisor and works with the DfE on various projects.
Head of Education Strategy, IMP Software
Warren gained his chartered accountancy qualification whilst working at a primary multi academy trust with over 20 schools, before moving on to become CFO at a special/AP trust in Derbyshire.
In his role at IMP, he analyses sector developments and trends, and works closely with customers to ensures that IMP’s financial management tools continually evolve to support smarter trust finance.
Deputy CEO, L.E.A.D Academy Trust
Bobby became Deputy Chief Executive of the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust in February 2016, after joining as Business Director in January 2013. He is responsible for strategic financial management, systems, operations, and the commercial aspects of the organisation. His background includes consultancy and senior management, where he has overseen large-scale projects, led on business transformation, and implemented effective systems to support sustainable development. He has also held senior finance roles with the Audit Commission, Derbyshire Police Authority, and several non-executive positions.
In this session you’ll learn about how The Education Alliance is using staff insight to improve wellbeing and drive tangible outcomes. Drawing on this approach, we will hear from Mandy Coalter on how executive leaders and trust boards can measure engagement and understand the experiences of all employees – from classroom to board. You’ll gain practical strategies to build a thriving, supportive culture where people – and pupils – can flourish.
Founder, Talent Architects
CEO, The Education Alliance (TEAL)
Jonny Uttley is the CEO of The Education Alliance Multi-Academy Trust (TEAL). TEAL is a trust of twelve schools in East Yorkshire, Hull and York, serving over 7,000 students, and a SCITT which trains around 60 new entrants to the profession each year.
As a National Leader of Education, Jonny has worked with schools in many different contexts and is committed to a school improvement approach that puts real ethical leadership at the heart of our system, so schools create cultures in which staff genuinely thrive. He is also an elected member of the DfE Advisory Board for Yorkshire and the Humber, a trustee at SHINE and a visiting fellow at the Centre for Young Lives, leading the development of their education policy.
In 2020, Putting Staff First: A Blueprint for Revitalising Our Schools was published, co-authored by Jonny and John Tomsett.
How can schools develop pupil listening practices for genuine, transformative change? This session explores how two trusts have developed powerful, practical approaches to pupil voice. From structured dialogue tools to redefining what it means to be “heard,” we'll hear about the strategies Life Education Trust and Windsor Academy Trust have implemented that empower pupils to communicate, collaborate, and contribute to school culture. Using real case study examples, the session will unpack the successes and challenges of embedding pupil voice into leadership, teaching, and daily school life—offering models for attendees to consider for their own settings.
Director of Primary, Windsor Academy Trust
Leanne is the Director of Primary at Windsor Academy Trust.
CEO, LIFE Education Trust
Julian studied law at Exeter University and qualified as a barrister in 1996. After a year working as a crown prosecutor, he completed a PGCE at Anglia Ruskin University and began teaching. He has taught in five state schools in three local authorities. At Chelmsford County High he was deputy headteacher when the school was graded outstanding by Ofsted and gained the highest GCSE results in England in the January league tables. He was headteacher and then executive headteacher at Frances Bardsley Academy, a good school with outstanding features, for 12 years. Julian is the founding CEO of LIFE Education. He holds a first class honours degree in English, a masters in educational leadership, an MBA and the NPQH and is currently a doctoral student. He is a past president of the Association of State Girls Schools, has chaired the cross phase Havering Education Strategic Partnership, chairs the Havering Festival of Education and writes for the National Education Trust.
In July 2021 he joined the Board of the National Coalition of Girls School in the United States which subsequently merged with the ASGS and then their counterpart in Australia to form the International Coalition of Girls Schools with over 550 member schools worldwide. Julian facilitates NPQEL conferences and clinics for Ambition Institute and leads ASCL's Executive Leader training. Julian is Chair of the Epping Forest Trussell Trust Foodbank Board.
Managing Director, Edurio
Iona runs the insights team at Edurio, responsible for the creation of new surveys and analysis of the national datasets on staff, pupil and parent experience. Since joining Edurio in 2021, Iona has worked on national reports focused on topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion and staff retention. Iona brings over 10 years of research experience, previously working in fields from technology, to food waste, to finance.
This session will guide you to think strategically about the building blocks for mainstream settings in which children with SEND can flourish, such as workforce design, staff training, enhanced provision, curriculum, and parental engagement. We’ll learn about the practical strategies suitable for leaders at every stage of the SEND journey, combined with time for reflection with colleagues. You will leave inspired to review, improve or fine-tune your whole-trust approach to supporting children with SEND.
National Director of Learning, Ormiston Academies Trust
Jen is National Director of Learning at Ormiston Academies Trust where she oversees professional development for 5,000 staff. She has spent the last 15 years grappling with the evidence base about how to enable effective teacher and leader development. Prior to that she spent nearly a decade working as a primary teacher in schools in Manchester.
Director of Insights, Ambition Institute
As school trusts grow, managing resources efficiently becomes crucial to ensuring both operational success and financial responsibility. This workshop will explore strategies for effective energy management, tailored to the unique needs of expanding trusts. The panellists will discuss the learnings from their trust’s growth journey, from six schools to over 30. The conversation will cover practical solutions, and contractual risks and freedoms towards achieving long-term savings while supporting environmental and financial goals. You'll leave with actionable insights to balance growth with sustainability, to secure a more efficient and eco-friendly future for your schools.
Director, Ginger Energy
With two decades of experience in the UK energy industry working for suppliers, consultancies and representing customers, I'm well versed in the intricacies and peculiarities of this complex market. As Director of Ginger Energy, I'm passionate about working for our public sector clients to secure the best procurement solutions and lived experiences for their energy needs.
Director of Estates, Meridian Trust
As a Director of Estates with over 13 years of experience in the education sector, Martin is responsible for overseeing the strategic management and operational efficiency of 31 school sites, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and high-quality environment for both students and staff. With expertise in facilities management, health and safety, and major capital projects, he is dedicated to delivering effective solutions that enhance learning spaces and drive value for the community.
Despite modest improvements in pupil attendance across England, absence rates remain stubbornly above pre-pandemic levels. Drawing on the latest insights from FFT’s Education Datalab and Attendance Tracker, we’ll unpack the complex landscape of school attendance in 2024/25 to support trust leaders to navigate the challenge with a clear and confident data-informed approach. We’ll explore emerging patterns across primary and secondary phases and examine the implications through a leadership lens. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the drivers behind the trends, the policy levers available to address persistent absence, and how to use attendance data to inform targeted interventions and resource allocation.
Head of Partnership, FFT
What does impactful CPD look like across a trust? This session explores key sector challenges and how leaders can look to build consistent, high-quality teacher development across varied contexts. Sufian Sadiq of Chiltern Learning Trust shares candid reflections on the realities within his trust and speaks to the roadmap shaped under his leadership. You’ll gain practical insights into building the foundations for trust-wide CPD that raises teaching standards and drives meaningful, sustainable improvement.
Director of Teaching School, Chiltern Learning Trust
Sufian Sadiq is the Director of Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, with responsibility for overseeing two regional hub areas in the Southeast of England. Chiltern Teaching School are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally. He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity and inclusion. He is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, as well as a Fellow for the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors. He plays an active role in numerous charitable organisations as a trustee and holds key governance roles within educational organisations.
Head of Product Management, Hachette Learning
In her role at Hachette Learning, Gemma leads the development of Hachette Learning Academy. The academy is a professional development platform designed to support school improvement through cutting-edge adaptive online courses; and a range of bestselling professional development publications (formerly under the John Catt brand).
With more than 20 years’ experience in educational publishing and product development, Gemma has a deep understanding of the challenges schools face. She has a strong track record of creating user-focused resources that equip educators to lead sustainable, meaningful change in teaching and learning. Her work reflects Hachette Learning’s mission: to make it easier for every learner to fulfil their unique potential by empowering those who teach them.
This session considers the growing body of evidence behind ‘belonging’ – which is widely acknowledged as the foundation for wellbeing and success in schools. It will also extend the conversation to embrace ‘becoming’, where every child not only feels like they belong, but also feels empowered and full of potential. The panel will discuss how trusts can nurture this agency and aspiration in their pupils, and how leaders can bring this evolving vision to life, for a more ambitious future for state education in England.
South West Regional Director, Reach Foundation
Mohamed Abdallah is the South West Regional Director at the Reach Foundation, where he leads place-based, cradle-to-career work and leadership development focused on improving outcomes for children and young people. He also writes, speaks, and collaborates with school and trust leaders on embedding a framework centred on mattering, belonging, and becoming. He helps support schools to build cultures where students, staff, and families feel seen, valued, and actively engaged in shaping their communities.
Mohamed’s career began in youth work and pupil referral units, before he went on to lead pioneering inclusive school improvement at an ‘Outstanding’ all-through mainstream school. He later led the development of staff across the country to strengthen their approach to inclusion, supporting leaders to improve whole-school practice and systems, to improve the engagement, attendance and wellbeing of children and young people.
Mohamed is also proud to serve as a trustee for Kernow Learning Trust in Cornwall.
Chief Executive, CST
Leora Cruddas is the founding Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts – the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England. She has advised successive governments and sits on several Department for Education advisory bodies. She was recently the vice chair of the Head Teacher Standards Review Group, a member of the external advisory group for the Schools White Paper, SEND National Implementation Board and the Regulatory and Commissioning Review.
Prior to founding CST, she was Director of Policy and Public Relations for the Association of School and College Leaders. Leora has six years of experience as a director of education in two London local authorities. She is a visiting professor at UCL Institute of Education. Leora was made a CBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.
CEO, River Learning Trust
Paul James is a qualified teacher with over 25 years' experience in schools, including in senior leadership roles in a range of secondary education settings, and as a primary school governor and Independent Examinations Board member.
Director of Education, Evidence Based Education
Stuart is Director of Education at Evidence Based Education, and one of the team behind the great teaching toolkit - the personalised professional growth platform to help teachers flourish. He is a qualified teacher himself, who has worked in both middle and senior leadership roles in schools. Currently, Stuart serves on the advisory boards of lernen: digital (a German teacher development project) and Impact. He is a co-author of the EEF's Implementation Guide, as well as the EEF's DIY evaluation guide, and EBE's 'great teaching toolkit: evidence review'. He is fascinated by finding sustainable ways to help teachers flourish and belong in their professional lives.
Designed for trust leaders who are either not yet using Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP) or who want to strengthen their approach, this session will explore the use of ICFP across trusts of different sizes to support strategic decision-making, workforce planning, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on real examples, Julie and Michelle will highlight practical implementation approaches and how they have handled the challenges involved, including the cultural shifts needed to embed the system beyond finance teams. They will speak to their application of ICFP across primary and secondary, its use for early recruitment planning, and for staff redeployment to align with curriculum needs and pupil numbers.
Chief Finance Officer, E-ACT
Julie joined E-ACT as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) having previously held CFO roles at Academies Enterprise Trust, two other mid-size trusts and Teach First.
Julie is an experienced, qualified accountant who spent her early career in senior finance and general management roles in the IT industry. Her combined commercial and education experience provide a sound basis for leading all aspects of the CFO role at E-ACT, and overseeing governance, and procurement.
Julie is committed to making sure trust resources are effectively deployed to provide the best education experience for all E-ACT pupils. She is also a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
CFO, Learning without Limits Academy Trust
With a strong background in finance and leadership, Michelle brings a wealth of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management. She is dedicated to ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the trust, enabling it to provide high-quality education to all pupils.
Michelle has a proven track record of implementing effective financial controls and an approach which focuses on maximising the impact of financial resources whilst supporting the strategic aims of the trust. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in navigating complex financial landscapes and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Michelle collaborates closely with senior leadership, trustees, and other stakeholders to align financial practices with the trust's mission and vision. She is committed to continuous improvement and innovation, leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making and improve educational outcomes and enhance financial and operational efficiencies.
Head of Education Strategy, IMP Software
Warren gained his chartered accountancy qualification whilst working at a primary multi academy trust with over 20 schools, before moving on to become CFO at a special/AP trust in Derbyshire.
In his role at IMP, he analyses sector developments and trends, and works closely with customers to ensures that IMP’s financial management tools continually evolve to support smarter trust finance.
This workshop, designed for both trustees and senior leaders, will strengthen your oversight of procurement in line with DfE guidance. We'll explore the board’s critical role in making sure procurement decisions are transparent, fair, and aligned with the trust’s educational mission and public accountability. Join the panel in an exploration of ethical sourcing, supplier due diligence, risk management, and value for money. By the end of the session, you will be better equipped to ask the right questions, interpret procurement reports, and provide confident, ethical leadership in this vital area of school trust operations.
CFO, Beckfoot Trust
Beckfoot Trust is a multi academy trust of 10 schools based in Bradford. Since joining the trust in 2013, Victoria has been instrumental in developing and leading its financial strategy, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and value for money across all operations. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), she brings deep expertise in financial governance and risk management. Her work supports the trust’s mission of creating remarkable schools where no child is left behind.
CEO, Value Match
David created Value Match over 10 years ago as a specialist procurement services and consultancy company. Previously, David has held senior positions in the cabinet office, HM treasury and recently as director of procurement, sustainability and social impact at NHS SBS. Through extensive experience in ensuring procurement aligns to an organisations strategy and purpose, David believes that procurement can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change while delivery positive social vale impact and improving broader organisational outcomes.
Director of Finance, Abbey Multi Academy Trust
Yavannah leads her trust's financial strategy and supports school leaders in maximising funding and managing resources effectively. Her data-driven approach ensures that financial decisions are aligned with educational goals, promoting both efficiency and impact.
In this session, we'll hear real-life practical examples of how Infinity Academies Trust and Ted Wragg Trust have led meaningful change by listening deeply to their staff. We'll learn about their use of listening tools to turn feedback into co-created initiatives - from overhauling appraisal systems, and shaping people development programmes, to codifying values into everyday behaviours. You'll gain insight into their approaches and challenges in creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported, strengthening trust-wide culture.
CEO, Infinity Academies Trust
Gavin is the founding CEO of Infinity Academies Trust, a growing family of Greater Lincolnshire-based Church and community primary schools. Gavin has over 20 years’ experience in primary leadership and has also worked for the local authority leading on education strategy and working with schools experiencing difficulties.
Under Gavin’s leadership, Infinity has supported schools to become the heart of their local communities, with a strong track record of improving outcomes and opportunities for pupils and colleagues and ensuring that everyone is ready to learn and prepared to flourish. Infinity consistently ranks highly for staff perceptions and recently received two awards for staff wellbeing and engagement.
Executive Director, People, Infrastructure & Innovations, Ted Wragg Trust
Tamsin has combined the skills and experience from a career in primary leadership and then in business and operations in secondary schools to now lead on operations and innovations at the Ted Wragg Trust. She loves working with leaders in education to create organisational cultures where staff feel valued, included and empowered to transform lives and strengthen communities to make the world a better place. Growing up in Torbay and having lived most of her life across the region of Devon and Cornwall she is passionate about making the South West the best place in the country to go to school and to go on to have a life of opportunity.
Managing Director, Edurio
Iona runs the insights team at Edurio, responsible for the creation of new surveys and analysis of the national datasets on staff, pupil and parent experience. Since joining Edurio in 2021, Iona has worked on national reports focused on topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion and staff retention. Iona brings over 10 years of research experience, previously working in fields from technology, to food waste, to finance.
Join Windsor Academy Trust and leaders from education and health as they unveil a new national framework, co-created with partners across both sectors, designed to bridge the gap between schools and healthcare. You'll hear real-world examples of successful initiatives, learn about the challenges and lessons learned in their implementation, and discover the tangible impact these collaborations have had on young people. This session will be interactive and offer practical insights and a clear understanding of how to foster impactful partnerships in your own setting. You’ll leave knowing how to leverage this framework and apply its principles to co-create healthier futures for children in your communities.
Executive Leader, Windsor Academy Trust
Claire sits on Windsor Academy Trust's (WAT) executive team and has overall responsibility for marketing and communications across the trust's family of schools. Claire also has strategic oversight of civic leadership - one of the trust's strategic 'big moves' - supporting schools with community engagement, leading civic partnerships and managing the WAT Community Foundation. Prior to joining WAT, Claire spent 18 years working in PR consultancies, providing strategic communications advice and support to national clients across a range of different sectors.
Sir Ian Bauckham will share Oqual’s perspectives on the future of assessment.
Chief Regulator, Ofqual
Sir Ian took over the role of Chief Regulator in January 2024. Before that, he had served as Chair of the Board of Ofqual from January 2021 and had been a Board member from March 2018. Before becoming Chief Regulator, Sir Ian led a multi-academy trust. Sir Ian is Chair of Oak National Academy, an arm’s length body of the DfE.
In an era marked by increasing misinformation, polarisation and uncertainty, how can we equip our teachers and students to flourish? This workshop will explore how we can teach learners to respond with curiosity, care and critical insight to the digital content and algorithms shaping their world views, emotions and sense of self. Drawing on findings from Lyfta’s nationwide roundtable series, we will explore the emerging challenges and opportunities for trust-wide culture and curriculum development. Trust leaders will share practical, future-focused examples of approaches that are making a difference. Expect thoughtful discussion, inspiring stories and actionable strategies for meaningful, trust-wide impact.
CEO, Lyfta
This interactive session is for trust leaders who want to explore how AI and automation can reduce repetitive tasks, free up staff time, and dramatically improve operational efficiency across their schools. Through insights from the expert panel and structured group discussions, this session will support you in identifying where AI can make the biggest impact across your operations, overcome common blockers, and understand what you need in place to make AI effective. You’ll leave with practical templates and a clear sense of how to get started.
CEO and Co-founder, Arbor Education
James is the CEO and co-founder of Arbor Education, a cloud-based management information system for schools and trusts.
How can we create a joyful school experience grounded in belonging, purpose, and connection? This session explores a mentoring model involving pupils in years 8-9 who, through shared values and identity work, support their younger peers in year 7. We’ll examine how this approach empowers disengaged students to become school ambassadors, encouraging leadership and empathy through relational practice. Reflections from mentors, mentees, and school leaders will offer honest insights into the potential and challenges of this work, and the impacts it has had. Together, we’ll consider how these practices can shape more inclusive, purposeful school communities.
Founding Director, Humanutopia
Graham is the founding director of Humanutopia, and has over 30 years’ experience of working with over 500,000 young people and 50,000 teachers across the world. Graham was a hugely successful teacher for 13 years in a tough Merseyside school. He has a deep and empathic understanding of teaching, education, schools and young people.
He has an inspirational story and continues to work with and empower even the hardest to reach. He is a highly regarded speaker and authority on improving wellbeing for students and staff. He has successfully delivered hundreds of teacher events from keynotes and twilights to full day inset training days.
With rising costs and tightening budgets, some trusts are exploring GAG pooling as a way to build financial resilience and ensure equity across their academies. In this session, trust leaders will share their respective approaches – from equalising pension rates and centralising services, to using pooled reserves to support vulnerable schools and invest in shared priorities. We’ll discuss practical insights into how it works for them, the benefits it has the potential to unlock, and how to manage the cultural and leadership challenges along the way. Whether you are considering GAG pooling or looking to refine your existing approach, this session will help you think strategically and act confidently.
Head of Education Strategy, IMP Software
Warren gained his chartered accountancy qualification whilst working at a primary multi academy trust with over 20 schools, before moving on to become CFO at a special/AP trust in Derbyshire.
In his role at IMP, he analyses sector developments and trends, and works closely with customers to ensures that IMP’s financial management tools continually evolve to support smarter trust finance.
Is your internal scrutiny programme compliance-driven, problem-focused, or disconnected from your strategic priorities? This interactive session will explore how to transform internal scrutiny into a forward-looking, risk-informed tool that supports continuous improvement. Join our speakers for a discussion around how to align scrutiny with future risks and opportunities, foster a culture of psychological safety, and overcome common barriers through shared real-life experiences.
Risk Assurance Director, RSM
Director of Finance/CFO, Creative Education Trust
Catherine is Community Chair for CST's Finance professional community and is excited to help trust colleagues benefit from the collaboration and support provided by the community.
Catherine is passionate about providing an excellent education for children and developing strong teams to deliver a high-quality financial service for schools. An experienced chartered accountant and member of the executive team, Catherine is Chief Financial Officer for Creative Education Trust.
Partner, RSM
This session explores how schools are engaging with parents to forge effective partnership in children's education. Speakers from Eko Trust and Big Education Trust will share their approaches to building inclusive, community-rooted relationships with families. Nicola Noble will reflect on Surrey Square Primary School’s Old Kent Road Family Zone project and its impact on local engagement, and Rebekah Iiyambo will highlight in-depth work with parents and carers to foster a deep sense of belonging through an inclusive and active listening approach. You’ll leave with grounded insights and practical ideas to consider and adapt in your own school communities.
CEO, Eko Trust
As well as being CEO of Eko Trust, Rebekah provides high quality school improvement work to a range of schools and trusts.
Previously, Rebekah has been a headteacher, co-headteacher, deputy headteacher, and an advisor for science, early years and English as an additional language in two local authorities before becoming a senior advisor for continuing professional development (CPD). This role included specific responsibility for developing leadership capacity across primary, secondary and special schools. She has also taught in schools in Britain and Namibia.
Managing Director, Edurio
Iona runs the insights team at Edurio, responsible for the creation of new surveys and analysis of the national datasets on staff, pupil and parent experience. Since joining Edurio in 2021, Iona has worked on national reports focused on topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion and staff retention. Iona brings over 10 years of research experience, previously working in fields from technology, to food waste, to finance.
Associate Head, Big Education Trust
Nicola has worked at Surrey Square Primary School, part of the Big Education Trust, since 2006. At Surrey Square, a different vision for education comes to life through their ‘more than a school’ approach—working from the core (with a focus on wellbeing, relationships, skills and values) to help the community thrive and build a better world. Nicola is passionate about wellbeing, shaped by her own life experiences, and leads work that supports staff, pupils, families, and the wider community, including through the Old Kent Road Family Zone. She believes in developing capacity and has coached and trained extensively in leadership. Nicola balances work with life as a mum to three amazing children.
How we tell our story as a trust is as important as the story itself. Compelling narratives can shape identity, build trust and align your community around a shared vision for success. This session will explore how harnessing the power of storytelling can support strategic objectives - from stakeholder engagement and growth to cultural cohesion and reputation management. Tiff and Nick will illustrate how a clear and consistent narrative is key to flourishing as a trust. You’ll have the opportunity to consider the how and why behind the stories you want to be telling, to achieve growth (in every sense as an organisation), strengthen reputations, and enhance stakeholder relationships.
Head of Education, PLMR
As PLMR’s Head of Education, Tiffany provides expert strategic advice and support in reputation management and crisis communications, PR and media relations, public affairs and wider communications disciplines to school trusts and maintained schools; early years, further and higher education institutions; charities; sector bodies; edtech companies and organisations across the education sphere. She is also Chair of Trustees at Maritime Academy Trust, where she has obtained in-depth understanding of issues and challenges facing schools and trusts around the country. She was made an OBE for services to education in the King’s New Year Honours List 2024.
Chief Executive, Maritime Academy Trust
Nick Osborne is the Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Academy Trust, a multi academy trust focused on giving every child an excellent start in life. With over 25 years in education leadership, Nick founded Maritime in 2016 and has helped grow it into a values-led trust known for its creativity, collaboration and commitment to inclusion.
He also serves as Chair of Trustees at Woodland Academy Trust and is a founding trustee of Maritime’s children’s charity, reflecting his deep commitment to improving life chances for young people beyond the classroom.
Nick is a passionate advocate for equity in education and is never shy of asking the awkward-but-important questions. Known for his approachable leadership style and dry sense of humour, he somehow balances strategic vision with the day-to-day demands of being a parent to three teenagers,which means he’s no stranger to negotiations, eye-rolls or mysteriously empty fridges.
AI and edtech are reshaping education, and strategic leadership is critical to ensure innovation delivers real impact. This session explores how school and trust leaders can drive positive futures through ethical, scalable use of digital technologies. We’ll examine key decisions around investment, assessment, curriculum, and workforce readiness in an AI-driven world. Drawing on Pearson’s national and global insights, the session offers practical guidance to align innovation with trust-wide goals to support excellence, equity, and integrity.
Product Director, Pearson
Les has over 19 years' experience working with educators, technologists and academics to produce market leading learning solutions. His roles have taken him from discussing fossils with school groups on the Jurassic Coast to developing new digital technologies that help deliver learning and assessment to schools across the world. He is passionate about the power of education to change lives, and the potential that technology offers to support a high-quality education. Les currently works as Product Director for Pearson Schools UK, leading product strategy, research, development, and management for digital, qualifications, and publishing.
The unprecedented number of pupils with SEND is prompting some trust leaders to re-evaluate their approach to Initial Teacher Training (ITT). In this session, we'll hear how The Gallery Trust, comprising of seven schools offering specialist and alternative provision, has developed a tailored ITT programme and its impact so far. Designed in-house and rooted in specialist expertise, the programme embeds SEND training throughout, with the aim of better preparing future specialist teachers and strengthening mainstream provision. You'll gain practical ideas and strategies to help adapt ITT towards a more inclusive and responsive education system.
Deputy Chief Executive, The Gallery Trust
Harry Paget-Wall Collins is the Deputy CEO of The Gallery Trust, a multi academy trust specialising in SEND across Oxfordshire. Harry began her career in mainstream education, holding senior leadership roles including headteacher and executive principal in both primary and secondary settings. Her commitment to providing high-quality education for society’s most vulnerable learners led her to transition into the specialist sector, where she served as director of education and strategy. In her current role, Harry leads the trust’s people strategy, with a focus on developing strong leadership and teaching to drive school improvement and deliver excellence across the organisation.
Director, Supporting Education Group
Penny Swain has over 30 years' experience in the education sector, previously working as a teacher and now as a multi academy trust trustee and in the private sector. At Supporting Education Group, Penny offers practical strategies to address workforce and staffing challenges facing schools today. She draws on insights from both education and other sectors to provide innovative solutions, helping senior leaders navigate modern workforce realities and improve operational efficiency.
The DfE’s new standards embody a shift in the government’s approach to improving the condition, safety, suitability, and sustainability of school estates across England. This session will provide an expert analysis of the new guidance and the implications for school trusts. We’ll hear how trusts align standards with broader policy goals and funding expectations to create a successful and resilient estates strategy. Most importantly, we’ll translate policy into practice. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what the new standards require, practical tools for assessing current compliance, and strategic advice on aligning estate management with educational outcomes, financial planning, and sustainability goals.
Head of Estates & Assets, Tove Learning Trust
James has worked in estates and facilities management for over 20 years in the education and commercial sector. Originally from an health and safety background, James also has a strong background in assets and facilities management.
James currently manages multiple sites within Tove Learning Trust, as well as running a support service for academy schools, EDU FM, offering support in estates, health and safety and compliance. He is passionate about sustainability, asset management, health and safety and CAFM systems, with the focus on delivering excellent service of facilities management within the education environment and professionalising the industry standard in the sector.
Partner, Barker Associates
Robert is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Partner at Barker heading up their education sector. He works with academies, trusts and colleges to deliver capital projects and surveying services including condition surveying and estate planning. He also assists education clients in applying for capital funding and advises on energy efficiency strategies.
Associates Partner, Barker Associates
Matt Isherwood is an Associate Partner at Barker following 14 years at Brooke Weston Trust as Director of Estates. He has been a long-standing and strong advocate for best practice on good estates management, energy, sustainability, and use of data-driven decision making. Matt has enormous knowledge and experience of estates management from the client side and is now working with Barker to promote this knowledge to the wider education sector.
