Speakers

Anthony McBride is a seasoned education consultant at SMID Report, specialising in data-driven strategies for academic institutions and educational policy development. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, Anthony has guided schools and trusts in leveraging analytics to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency. His work bridges the gap between complex data systems and practical, actionable insights for educators and decision-makers. At the intersection of education and data science, he is committed to fostering innovation and informed policy through clear, impactful analysis.

Ben Dobbs is the Director of Technology and Insights at Archway Learning Trust. After a decade teaching mathematics, he transitioned into a leadership role where data drives impact. Recognising that Archway was rich in data but faced challenges in harnessing it at scale, Ben spearheaded the development of a comprehensive data warehouse and reporting suite. This innovation simplified data collation and automated the analysis, enabling leaders to focus on transforming insights into improved student outcomes. As a result, visible transparent data has spurred robust conversations around the validity of our data, setting Archway on a journey towards a standardised curriculum and assessment approach that benefits all students.

Chris Burland is Head of Data and Systems for Beckfoot Trust, a 10 school multi academy trust based in Bradford. Chris works in the central team supporting schools and operational teams with data analysis and management of information systems. Chris has worked for Beckfoot Trust since 2006 in a variety of teaching and operational support roles giving him a breadth of experience and a real understanding of what it takes to make a difference to young people and support our mission of creating remarkable schools where no child is left behind.

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.

Claire joined the National Institute of Teaching in 2023 as a Research Fellow. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the secondary education sector as head of music and performing arts. Prior to joining the National Institute of Teaching, she completed a Masters in Computer Science with Data Science at the University of Sunderland. Claire is passionate about using data to improve pupil outcomes, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

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.

Ed Cooper is the Head of Operations at Central Region Schools Trust, a 13-school trust serving communities across the West Midlands. Since joining in 2022, Ed has led its digital strategy, overseeing IT service delivery, central data operations, cyber-security, and data governance. Ed has worked in education since 2012 and has a strong track record of driving digital transformation.

Ed is passionate about harnessing technology and data to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency. His work focuses on system and process integration, strategic data use, and building high-performing, collaborative teams that deliver meaningful impact. A key area of interest for Ed is strengthening data governance in an increasingly digital and AI-driven landscape - ensuring data is secure, well-managed, and ethically used.

Graham has spent the past 30 years working across a number of large public sector bodies and organisations in senior management and director positions, the past 20 of these being within the childrens’ services and education sectors.

He has led large unitary authorities’ planning and implementation of 100’s of million pounds of revenue and capital budgets and programmes. As a Director in Children’s Services, he ran a £250 million Building Schools for the Future Programme, developing strategy and delivering a once in a generation programme of change. He has led large teams, having authority-wide responsibility for school reorganisations, estates, health and safety, admissions and professional and operational services to over 120 schools.

Helen is Customer Operations Director (Data) at FFT Education. Born and bred in Wales, her background is in mathematics gaining a PhD in the subject from the University of Wales, Bangor in 2000.

Helen has worked with education data for over 20 years starting in a local authority, via the Local Government Data Unit - Wales and RM Data Solutions, before joining FFT Education in 2013. She has worked on a wide variety of projects including the National Pupil Database (Wales), RAISEonline, PISA (as National Program Manager for England) and latterly leading the development of FFT Aspire. She has a solid background in analytics, service delivery, and development/program management. Helen also leads on information security for FFT and is a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM).

Helen joined the governing board of Charlton Wood Primary Academy in 2022 and assumed the role of chair later that year. Following the merger with TiLA, Helen joined the board of Directors for TiLA in 2024. She is passionate about helping schools to make good use of data to help to ensure pupils can achieve their full potential.

James has worked for Trinity Multi Academy Trust since 2011. His current role involves overseeing the progression of data systems throughout the trust and supporting colleagues within the 11 schools to develop and consume data in a useful way. Prior to his central trust role, James was a school data manager for nearly 10 years. After graduating from the University of Sheffield, James worked in intelligence and research roles before moving into the education sector.

James is the CEO and co-founder of Arbor Education, a cloud-based management information system for schools and trusts.

Jo Stone is the PedTech Lead at Discovery Schools Trust, where she has been a dedicated member since 2011. Throughout her career, Jo has held various roles including class teacher, KS1 and KS2 phase leader, assistant headteacher, and headteacher. A few years ago she was the lead for the DfE EdTech demonstrator programme for the trust, where Jo supported schools nationally. Her current role embraces pedagogy, EdTech, and AI, enabling her to support all the schools within the trust as well as other schools and school trusts on their PedTech journey. Jo is also a mentor, coach, digital trainer, and speaker at conferences such as BETT. She holds numerous qualifications including NPQSL, NPQH, Microsoft Certified Coach, Microsoft Certified Educator, MIEE, and is a Microsoft Showcase Fellow. Through this role, Jo aims to create limitless learning opportunities for all.

An experienced multi academy trust executive, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Data Protection Officer (DPO) who has successfully delivered a trust-wide digital transformation in a large, complex and rapidly growing trust.

Jonny has completed an Executive MBA programme achieving Chartered Manager status via the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). His innovative applied research project explored the potential for digital transformation through business model innovation within multi academy trusts.

As an active CIO Net member, Jonny networks with ambitious digital leaders and businesses from across the globe. A recognised thought leader on digital transformation, Jonny also speaks at conferences and shares insights via roundtables and panel discussions both within and beyond the education sector. As a former teacher and head of learning, Jonny has a passion for technology enhanced learning approaches. He has contributed to a range of further and higher education digital projects including an online massive online open course (MOOC), ‘Blended Learning Essentials’, in collaboration with UCL and the University of Leeds. Other projects included contributing to programmes such as the Technology Exemplar Network (BECTA), MoleNet (LSN), Regional Sustainability Event and Resource Utilisation Network (LSIS).

Kate Godfrey is Director of Governance and Risk at Ark, where she leads on governance across both the schools and central operations. She began her career overseas, working on major education projects and governance for the international organisations including the UN. Over the years, she’s worked in over 60 countries, with a particular focus on the Levant, CIS, and North Africa.

After returning to the UK in her thirties, Kate moved into roles in Westminster and political engagement before building a career in law and governance with some of the country’s top academy trusts. She’s now balancing life with three small children and, like many of us, is leaning on AI to help keep things manageable.

Katy is the Head of Data and Insight at United Learning, the largest academy trust in England, supporting over 70,000 pupils. With 15 years of experience in data and education, she leads the trust’s central data strategy and the development of the infrastructure and culture needed to use data effectively at scale. Her team works alongside school and national leaders across the full data landscape - from technical architecture and operational reporting to strategic insight - ensuring data drives better decisions that underpin the work across the trust to bring out the best in every pupil.

Lauren is the Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, the largest trust in England. She leads the trust’s work on digital strategy, data and insights, curriculum and assessment, as well as the programme of transformation projects across the organisation. Prior to this, Lauren was the Director of Standards & Performance and Director of Strategy at Ark Schools. Earlier in her career Lauren led a secondary free school to its first good from Ofsted as principal, has taught computer science and IT in a range of schools, and was a research director for a thinktank in Westminster. Lauren holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, a master’s degree in ICT in Education, she has sat on the DfE Ed Tech Advisory Board and Workload Review Panel, and is a serving Ofsted inspector. During the academic year 2024-25, Lauren is Chair of the CST Data and insights professional community.

As data professional and PhD candidate in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Education, Matthew has helped education institutions leverage value from their investments in technology over many years. Through his work with Microsoft in the UK and internationally, Matthew understands that schooling systems are often data rich but information poor. Matthew has founded companies specifically addressing how technology can support more effective decision making at all levels to improve outcomes, but also importantly in today’s economic climate to be able to ‘do more, with less’.

Matthew is currently Founder and CEO of Open Education AI, a not for profit community interest company supporting all education organisations across the public and private sectors in the UK and internationally. As a Microsoft Partner he has led engagements with Education Ministries in Malta, Russia and Kazakhstan, has been a Local Leader of Governance and Chair in Surrey and has a prior background of 25 years in technology applications and consulting in Europe and the US.

Robyn Ellis joined Dixons Academies Trust in March 2022, to lead on Dixons OpenSource, onsite, insight and external partnerships. Robyn now looks after communications, projects and the office of the school and college trust leaders.

Prior to working at Dixons, Robyn was the global head of leadership development and manager enablement for Booking.com, a leading digital travel company. She has held a number of roles in change, communications, programme management, strategy, talent development and leadership.

Robyn started her career in education, consistently working with leaders in schools in the most challenged areas and is deeply committed to our mission of challenging educational and social disadvantage in the north of England.

Sara-Jayne is the National Lead of Research and Best Practice for Oasis Community Learning. Prior to that she was principal of a large primary school in Manchester and has also held a variety of school leadership roles in Birmingham and London. Sara-Jayne believes passionately that well translated research and evidence based approaches can transform teacher and leadership practices and in turn student outcomes, especially for our most vulnerable pupils.

Shaun joined the National Institute of Teaching in 2023 as the Director of Data. He has more than 15 years of experience in the education sector, working with primary, secondary and multi-academy trusts to improve their data quality, analysis and reporting. He has also advised and supported numerous schools and trusts on how to develop and implement effective information governance policies and practices. Shaun is passionate about using data to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, and to drive evidence based innovation and excellence in the education system.

Steve Howse is a visionary leader in data analytics and artificial intelligence, serving as CEO and Founder of SMID Report and CEO of Verbilly. He and his team launched SMID Report in 2015, delivering reporting tools that empower educators with actionable insights. Early in his career, he applied advanced analytics to large datasets, quickly earning a reputation for developing innovative, data-driven solutions. Alongside SMID Report, he co-founded ventures including Myphizz, Edcover and Baselinetests, each addressing diverse educational challenges and improving outcomes.

Driven by a passion for reducing teacher workload, Steve co-founded Verbilly, an AI-powered verbal feedback platform that uses voice recognition to streamline student feedback. Under his leadership, both companies formed strategic partnerships with educational trusts and earned acclaim for their positive impact on school performance and staff well-being. Howse remains dedicated to harnessing AI and analytics to transform data into meaningful results for learners and educators alike today.

Steve Rollett is Deputy Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England. Before joining CST, he was Curriculum and Inspection Specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders. Steve has sat on a range of advisory bodies, including Ofsted’s curriculum advisory group. Most recently he has supported Oak National Academy and the Department for Education’s remote learning advisory group. Originally trained as a history teacher, Steve was a vice principal of one of England’s most improved secondary schools before moving into a career in education policy.

Tom Walch is a Senior Data & Delivery Lead and Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP®), contracted as Head of Data at Harbour Learning Trust. He leads major transformation projects focused on improving data visibility, governance, and learner outcomes across the education sector.

Tom brings broad experience from both public and private sectors, including strategic roles at British Gas and Apple. With a background in operational analytics, cloud infrastructure, and BI platform delivery, he specialises in turning complex data challenges into clear, actionable insights. Passionate about education, Tom uses data to inform decisions, and to ultimately empower people through data by combining technical expertise with a strong belief in the power of great storytelling.