Anna Upton

Deputy Trust Leader, Embark Multi Academy Trust

Anna Upton is the Deputy Trust Leader at Embark Federation, where she works alongside schools to support improvement and inclusion. She leads the school improvement team, focusing on creating welcoming, high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive. With experience as both a headteacher and a school improvement advisor for Derbyshire, Anna has spent her career helping schools strengthen teaching, leadership, and support for pupils. She is particularly passionate about fostering inclusive practices that ensure all children, regardless of their background or needs, have access to great opportunities. Anna enjoys working collaboratively with school leaders, staff, and communities to make a positive difference. She believes in the power of teamwork and shared commitment to help schools grow and succeed.

1 Workshop series one

Cultivating a culture of belonging and connectedness

This panel will explore ways to create the conditions for belonging and connectedness to enable all pupils to flourish in schools – and the research evidence behind them. Anna Upton from Embark Multi-Academy Trust (comprising nursery, primary, and secondary schools) will share the trust’s approach to creating a collective commitment across its schools, fostering a universal offer as a foundation for every child’s success. Simon Knight of Frank Wise Special School will discuss the principles underpinning an inclusive culture within the context of a community special school, and how that relates to the lived experience. Stuart Kime of EBE will share research evidence for the conditions that cultivate a sense of belonging for learners, teachers and leaders alike.