MATPN SOUTH WEST 2025 AGENDA

MATPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the MAT sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

23 - 24 September, The Apex Hotel, Bath, Somerset

Day 1
Day 2

23 September 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Dr Robin Bevan MA MEd PhD FCCT FRSA

An education ‘leadership’ specialist: Robin is a leadership coach, policy consultant and advocate for the profession. His school senior leadership experience spans four decades, with 17 years as Headteacher/CEO.
Robin has multiple national roles in educational/organisational leadership incl.: national Teaching Commission (2024-); Patron of the Institute of School Business Leadership (2017-); Ethical Leadership Alliance board (2023-).
He was national President of the National Education Union; Chair of the National Teacher Research Panel; Council member of the Association of Managers in Education; and is a founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Welcome to MATPN South West 2025!
9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Keynote leaders panel – Navigating new horizons: The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill's impact on education

Dr Robin Bevan MA MEd PhD FCCT FRSA

An education ‘leadership’ specialist: Robin is a leadership coach, policy consultant and advocate for the profession. His school senior leadership experience spans four decades, with 17 years as Headteacher/CEO.
Robin has multiple national roles in educational/organisational leadership incl.: national Teaching Commission (2024-); Patron of the Institute of School Business Leadership (2017-); Ethical Leadership Alliance board (2023-).
He was national President of the National Education Union; Chair of the National Teacher Research Panel; Council member of the Association of Managers in Education; and is a founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Will Smith

Chief Executive Officer
Greenshaw Learning Trust

Ben Parnell has a wealth of experience and success in education leadership. He has been leading Athena Learning Trust since 2022 and prior to this, has held positions including Director of Education, Regional Director and Executive Principal. Ben encourages direct inquiries about his capabilities, loyalty, impact, flexibility, working relationships, strengths, and areas for development. His track record for school improvement is long and consistent, with improvements often being sustained even after he leaves a school. Ben believes in promoting great behaviour, structured teaching, high levels of support for students with special educational needs, financial resilience and fantastic governance.
Ben’s superpower is his ability to inspire and instil urgency simultaneously, getting his teams fired up about what they can achieve together for the young people in their care.

Ben Parnell

Chief Executive Officer
Athena Learning Trust

Neil Blundell

Chief Executive Officer
Cathedral Schools Trust

With a career spanning over 30 years, Donna Tandy is an experienced leader having worked in the Trust sector across Yorkshire, Manchester and now the South West. Donna joined Palladian Academy Trust in 2021 following the retirement of the founding CEO.
Palladian Academy Trust serves 4,000 primary and secondary pupils in Bath and Wiltshire. These schools are a blend of church and community settings embracing a shared vision of ‘excellent and equitable opportunities so everyone can flourish’.
Donna possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges schools and Trusts face, especially in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape.

Donna Tandy

Chief Executive Officer
Palladian

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill marks a significant shift in educational policy, prompting trust leaders to reevaluate their strategies in teaching, governance and community engagement. How will this legislation affect op...

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill marks a significant shift in educational policy, prompting trust leaders to reevaluate their strategies in teaching, governance and community engagement. How will this legislation affect operational independence, education standards and the overall wellbeing of school communities? What steps are MATs taking to align with these new mandates without diluting educational innovation or student achievement? Our panellists dive into:

– Operational Autonomy vs. Compliance: Navigating the balance between adhering to the Bill’s requirements and maintaining the freedom to innovate in education.
– Enhancing Educational Quality: How can MATs leverage the Bill to improve teaching methodologies, curriculum design and learning outcomes?
– Holistic Wellbeing: What are the Bill’s implications on student mental health, staff morale and broader socio-economic effects on school communities?
– Governance and Community Service: Strategies for redefining governance to meet the Bill’s expectations, particularly in how MATs serve and engage with their communities.
– Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Practical ways to collaborate with local educational bodies to transform legislative demands into avenues for education excellence.
9:55 am - 10:25 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den – Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solutions provider with an opportunity to deliver a 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongo...

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solutions provider with an opportunity to deliver a 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
10:30 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:50 am - 12:10 pm

Main Room

Reclaiming energy spend: how MATs turn costs into cashflow

Mark Dolling

Strategic Development Director
eEnergy

This presentation shows how Multi Academy Trusts can unlock millions in savings by tackling energy waste. By switching to LED lighting and Solar PV through a fully funded model, MATs reduce costs and carbon with no upfront capital. Real-...

This presentation shows how Multi Academy Trusts can unlock millions in savings by tackling energy waste. By switching to LED lighting and Solar PV through a fully funded model, MATs reduce costs and carbon with no upfront capital. Real-world case studies prove the savings are substantial: from £30k in year one to over £1.5m in 20 years. With access to a £100m DfE-compliant funding facility, schools can future-proof estates, improve learning environments, and redirect budgets back into education. eEnergy also offers solar health checks to optimise existing systems and deliver long-term support.
12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Building trusts for the future

Stop trawling through school websites and policies.
Robin does all the hard work for you, with its AI-powered compliance checks and policy audits. Free up your team’s time, feel confident your schools are compliant and identify areas for improvement. Join 40+ MATS (500+ schools) today.

Joe Blair

Co-Founder & Director
Robin

How different will your trust look in 2035? Joe explores how MATs are adapting to rapid changes in technology and expectations – from AI to Ofsted, falling rolls to compliance. Taking examples from the sector and beyond, he sets ou...

How different will your trust look in 2035? Joe explores how MATs are adapting to rapid changes in technology and expectations – from AI to Ofsted, falling rolls to compliance. Taking examples from the sector and beyond, he sets out a vision for MATs and schools to become more collaborative, efficient and impactful.
12:35 pm - 1:20 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
1:25 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Fire-side interview – Balancing the books: navigating funding challenges

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Benedicte is Chief Financial Officer at the River Learning Trust, a 31 school Multi Academy Trust. She has over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance. She spent the first part of her career in audit practice with KPMG in Paris and London before working as Director of International Affairs for the French Asset Management Association. In 2010, she became actively involved in setting up a multi-lingual free school near Oxford and joined the River Learning Trust in 2019. Benedicte was awarded CFO of the year at the 2023 MAT excellence awards for her contribution to system leadership and innovation and received the School Resource Management of the year award for the River Learning Trust at the 2024 National Schools Awards. She has a particular interest in the reform of the high needs funding system and is leading a group of experts exploring effective practices in the UK and abroad.

Benedicte Yue Vincent

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

With changes to the national funding formula on the horizon, MATs must navigate new financial landscapes. What strategic decisions are necessary to maintain fiscal health under increasing pressure? Let’s explore:

– Funding...

With changes to the national funding formula on the horizon, MATs must navigate new financial landscapes. What strategic decisions are necessary to maintain fiscal health under increasing pressure? Let’s explore:

– Funding Formula Changes: Understanding and leveraging the new funding model for maximum benefit.
– Critical Financial Decisions: Examining choices in resource allocation, staff management, and program sustainability.
– Impact Assessment: Which areas might face the most significant cuts and what are their potential effects on education quality, staff, and students?
– Innovative Financial Management: How CFOs can use these challenges as a catalyst for financial innovation, ensuring not just survival but educational enhancement.
1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Main Room

Enabling meaningful maths pedagogy & raising attainment

For the last 8 years, Magma Maths has revolutionised how Maths is taught in Sweden, the US, and now the UK as well. Today, over 70% of all Swedish schools, school districts in all 50 states in the US, and over 100 trusts in the UK use Magma.

Teachers have loved the service since Magma launched in the UK in the Autumn of 2023. Teachers, Maths Leads and Trust Leaders agree with Magma’s core pillars for Maths education:

• Creativity: Let pupils show their work – not just their answer
• Collaboration: Embrace discourse in the Maths classroom
• Data-driven teaching: Identify and address knowledge gaps when they appear, in real time

Alex Page

Head of Sales
Magma Maths

When the TIMSS 2023 results were revealed in December 2024, they illustrated that Sweden was the only country in the EU and OECD that showed an improvement in Maths results in both Year 5 and Year 9.

During, we will discuss what g...

When the TIMSS 2023 results were revealed in December 2024, they illustrated that Sweden was the only country in the EU and OECD that showed an improvement in Maths results in both Year 5 and Year 9.

During, we will discuss what good maths pedagogy looks like and delve into the ways in which over 85% of Swedish schools and school leaders worldwide are working with Magma to enable meaningful maths pedagogy and raise attainment.
2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Transforming trust-wide English assessment and feedback with AI

Olex.AI is multi BETT award-winning generative AI platform, revolutionising English writing, feedback, assessment and moderation for schools. Our platform enhances teaching by making feedback more efficient, engaging, and inclusive. Developed with teachers,

Olex.AI drastically reduces marking time, allowing personalised feedback for an entire class in under two minutes. Customise marking with nationally recognised rubrics or your school’s frameworks, and gain insights on class strengths and weaknesses. With multilingual support, feedback is automatically translated for clear communication.

Additionally, create stunning AI-powered illustrations to transform students’ writing into personalised StoryBooks. We empower teachers, enhance learning, and make education accessible through the latest generative AI technology.

Victoria Mallinson

COO
Olex.AI

In this session, Olex COO Victoria Mallinson will show how trusts across the UK are harnessing Olex.AI to reimagine English assessment and feedback. She will share how MATs are using Olex strategically to reduce workload, raise engageme...

In this session, Olex COO Victoria Mallinson will show how trusts across the UK are harnessing Olex.AI to reimagine English assessment and feedback. She will share how MATs are using Olex strategically to reduce workload, raise engagement, and standardise assessment practices. The session will spotlight impact case studies from Leo Academy Trust—who are achieving significant workload efficiencies and boosting pupil writing engagement in KS2 — and The Challenge Academy Trust—who have expanded their use of Olex to deliver consistent, trust-wide KS3 assessment
2:25 pm - 3:10 pm

Main Room

Roundtable discussions – Strategic leadership

Ava Sturridge-Packer CBE

ASP Education Solutions
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Jo Evans has over 25 years of experience in school leadership, including nine years as a highly successful CEO. She specializes in transforming organizations facing challenges, focusing on governance, strategic development, and inclusion. Jo holds an MEd and an MBA in International Education from University College London and is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and the Royal Society of the Arts.
In her spare time Jo enjoys providing respite for families facing challenges. She also fosters pugs , although has recently failed to give up a menace for adoption!

Jo Evans

Former Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher’s MAT

Paul Walker is the Chief Executive Officer of First Federation Trust, a primary-only trust in Plymouth, Devon, and Dorset. With a background in leading schools in Devon, including those facing significant challenges, Paul’s leadership focuses on school improvement and community engagement. A qualified Lead Inspector for Ofsted, Paul is also the Chair of the Devon Schools Leadership Services (DSLS) Schools Executive Committee. His strong interest in educational research and commitment to educational excellence drives his ongoing contributions to the region’s academic community.

Paul Walker

Chief Executive Officer
First Federation Trust

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Adrian has served as CEO of Chiltern Learning Trust for ten years, overseeing its growth from three to eighteen schools. Under his leadership, the Trust has excelled in transforming challenging schools, with several now rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Originally focused on secondary education, Chiltern Learning Trust consistently ranks among the top performers nationwide for GCSE outcomes. The Trust also operates multiple teacher training programs, two teaching school hubs, behaviour hubs, and an attendance hub.

Before joining Chiltern, Adrian was Headteacher at a school rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted on three occasions, a role he held for fourteen years. During this time, he established a multi-academy trust and served as Executive Head across several schools. Adrian has also been a National Leader of Education for the past fifteen years.

Adrian Rogers

Chief Executive Officer
Chiltern Learning Trust

Gary is the CEO of Futura Learning Partnership, a multi academy trust of 26 schools, comprising 6 secondaries and 20 primary schools. He was previously the interim CEO of Clevedon Learning Trust prior to its merger with Futura. Futura has school improvement as its focus and has been able to develop practices that have improved outcomes and Ofsted gradings across the trust, significantly impacting on the lives of its pupils.
With 15 years’ headship in two secondary schools and executive leadership in other schools and specialist settings, he has significant experience in school leadership and in raising achievement in both primary and secondary schools.
Gary has an interest in international education and is currently involved in developing training programmes in India and South East Asia. He has also trained headteachers internationally including in Africa and the Middle East and has presented at the World Education Forum.

Gary Schlick

Chief Executive Officer
Futura Learning Partnership

Ben Parnell has a wealth of experience and success in education leadership. He has been leading Athena Learning Trust since 2022 and prior to this, has held positions including Director of Education, Regional Director and Executive Principal. Ben encourages direct inquiries about his capabilities, loyalty, impact, flexibility, working relationships, strengths, and areas for development. His track record for school improvement is long and consistent, with improvements often being sustained even after he leaves a school. Ben believes in promoting great behaviour, structured teaching, high levels of support for students with special educational needs, financial resilience and fantastic governance.
Ben’s superpower is his ability to inspire and instil urgency simultaneously, getting his teams fired up about what they can achieve together for the young people in their care.

Ben Parnell

Chief Executive Officer
Athena Learning Trust

Simon has worked within the education profession in the UK for the past 33 years. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of an 18 school Multi Academy Trust based in Plymouth, the Learning Academies Trust (LAT).

Prior to leading a MAT as a CEO, Simon was a teacher, a deputy head, a headteacher and an executive headteacher of a number of South West schools. Simon also led a cohort 1 ‘National Teaching School’ and was a designated ‘National Leader of Education’.

Additionally on a very part time basis, Simon inspects British International Schools overseas, for a large international charity, The Education Development Trust.

Simon is married with 3 children and proudly lives in Cornwall.

Simon Spry

Chief Executive Officer
Learning Academies Trust

Benedicte is Chief Financial Officer at the River Learning Trust, a 31 school Multi Academy Trust. She has over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance. She spent the first part of her career in audit practice with KPMG in Paris and London before working as Director of International Affairs for the French Asset Management Association. In 2010, she became actively involved in setting up a multi-lingual free school near Oxford and joined the River Learning Trust in 2019. Benedicte was awarded CFO of the year at the 2023 MAT excellence awards for her contribution to system leadership and innovation and received the School Resource Management of the year award for the River Learning Trust at the 2024 National Schools Awards. She has a particular interest in the reform of the high needs funding system and is leading a group of experts exploring effective practices in the UK and abroad.

Benedicte Yue Vincent

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

Jonathan Bishop

Chief Executive Officer
The Cornerstone Academy & Students

Lorna Hamilton became CEO of The Primary First Trust on 1st September 2024 following four years as the Trust Education Director. Lorna has worked across many different Local Authorities and has over 20 years’ experience in both Primary and Secondary education settings. Lorna delivers significant outcomes for schools through tight financial management, development of Governance, the ability to set and manage cultural change with strong people management, whereby supporting individual and school development achieves sustainable results.
In her role Lorna is also accountable for the outcomes of schools, along with the Head Teachers of those schools. Her main focus is to work with the Trust’s highly effective school leaders to ensure the best outcomes are achieved, where values and ethos are at the heart of every decision. Lorna is values and research driven and uses this ethos and knowledge to enable school teams to be outward facing in school development and culture development. Thus, ensuring the interest and well-being of the staff and of the children in her care are always recognised and thought of.
Before making her mark in education Lorna enjoyed a successful career in the retail industry as a Human Resources Director and Business Development Consultant.

Lorna Hamilton

Chief Executive Officer
Primary First Trust

Dr Robin Bevan MA MEd PhD FCCT FRSA

An education ‘leadership’ specialist: Robin is a leadership coach, policy consultant and advocate for the profession. His school senior leadership experience spans four decades, with 17 years as Headteacher/CEO.
Robin has multiple national roles in educational/organisational leadership incl.: national Teaching Commission (2024-); Patron of the Institute of School Business Leadership (2017-); Ethical Leadership Alliance board (2023-).
He was national President of the National Education Union; Chair of the National Teacher Research Panel; Council member of the Association of Managers in Education; and is a founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Daniel Bull

Head of Learning Technologies
Leigh Academies Trust

Roundtable 1: Diversity, culture and anti-racism strategies across trusts – Ava Sturridge Packer, EDI Advisor, The Arthur Terry Partnership Trust

Roundtable 2: How to redefine governance to meet the Children’s Bill’s &#...

Roundtable 1: Diversity, culture and anti-racism strategies across trusts – Ava Sturridge Packer, EDI Advisor, The Arthur Terry Partnership Trust

Roundtable 2: How to redefine governance to meet the Children’s Bill’s – o Evans, Former Chief Executive Officer, St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust

Roundtable 3: Delivering your core vision at a time of limited resource (the primary perspective) – Paul Walker, Chief Executive Officer, First Federation Trust SW

Roundtable 4: Saving Students From The Shadows – Phil Banks, Chief Executive Officer, St Christopher’s Trust

Roundtable 5: Scalability of AI – From pilot to classroom reality – Adrian Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Chiltern Learning Trust

Roundtable 6: How to avoid a culture clash when merging – Gary Schlick, Chief Executive Officer, Futura Learning Partnership

Roundtable 7: Cost of AI – Is EdTech worth the investment – Ben Parnell, Chief Executive Officer, Athena Learning Trust

Roundtable 8: Squeezing more out of your limited resources: Innovative approaches to managing your MATs money – Simon Spry, Chief Executive Officer, Learning Academies Trust

Roundtable 9: Can we improve standards without structures, and how can we build efficient structures that are responsive to local needs? Benedicte Yue Vincent, Chief Financial Officer, River Learning Trust

Roundtable 10: Investment strategies using data analytics – Jonathan Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, The Cornerstone Academy

Roundtable 11: How to balance ambitious goals with operational realities – Lorna Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer, Primary First Trust

Roundtable 12: Talent magnet: how to attract, retain and recruit – Dr Robin Bevan, Education Expert and Thinker, Educational Leadership

Roundtable 13: Preparing all students for the effective use of AI – Daniel Bull, Head of Learning Technologies, Leigh Academies
3:10 pm - 3:30 pm

Main Room

One platform to empower leaders and staff across your trust

Home to the world’s largest collection of CPD for educators, The National College is transforming how MATs approach professional development, compliance management and people development. Our online platform offers a single, integrated solution to help you raise standards, save time, reduce risk, and build a culture of improvement.
You can tailor our platform to your trust’s needs and access powerful tools to direct trust-wide CPD, compliance and appraisals. Our latest innovation is Teacher & Leader AI: education-specific AI tools to help you save time and cut admin. With over a million users globally, we’re endorsed through 19 major industry awards.

Nikki Payne

Senior Enterprise Consultant
The National College

Home to the world’s largest collection of CPD for educators, The National College is transforming how MATs approach professional development, compliance management and people development. Our online platform offers a single, integrated solution to help you raise standards, save time, reduce risk, and build a culture of improvement.
You can tailor our platform to your trust’s needs and access powerful tools to direct trust-wide CPD, compliance and appraisals. Our latest innovation is Teacher & Leader AI: education-specific AI tools to help you save time and cut admin. With over a million users globally, we’re endorsed through 19 major industry awards.

Nathan Pembleton

Senior Enterprise Consultant
The National College

The National College has transformed the way MATs approach professional development, compliance management and people development. Our online platform offers everything you need to help you:

✓ raise education standards
✓...

The National College has transformed the way MATs approach professional development, compliance management and people development. Our online platform offers everything you need to help you:

✓ raise education standards
✓ save time and reduce risk
✓ build a culture of continuous improvement

You can tailor our platform and content to meet the specific needs of your group structure and schools, and take full control of trust-wide CPD, compliance and appraisals processes.

Join us to see how.
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
4:50 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote – Inclusion in action: how MATs can transform SEND provision

Dr Robin Bevan MA MEd PhD FCCT FRSA

An education ‘leadership’ specialist: Robin is a leadership coach, policy consultant and advocate for the profession. His school senior leadership experience spans four decades, with 17 years as Headteacher/CEO.
Robin has multiple national roles in educational/organisational leadership incl.: national Teaching Commission (2024-); Patron of the Institute of School Business Leadership (2017-); Ethical Leadership Alliance board (2023-).
He was national President of the National Education Union; Chair of the National Teacher Research Panel; Council member of the Association of Managers in Education; and is a founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Nat started his career as a Maths teacher at Eggbuckland, then worked at South Dartmoor and Camborne Academies. He later became Principal of Northampton Academy with United Learning and progressed to Executive Principal and Regional Director roles. As Regional Director, Nat worked with 17 Secondary Academies, guiding Principals and teams across Manchester, Yorkshire, the Midlands, and Bournemouth.

In September 2023, Nat joined WeST as Deputy CEO. He’s dedicated to unlocking potential and removing barriers for disadvantaged students. Nat also champions simplicity in education, advocating a ‘Keep It Simple’ approach.

Nat Parnell

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Westcountry Schools Trust

Nick Osborne is the CEO of Maritime Academy Trust and a National Leader of Education. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership, he has transformed schools through innovative collaboration and staff development. Nick is passionate about curriculum design that equips children with essential knowledge and skills for the future. He also serves as Chair of Trustees at Woodland Academy Trust and trustee for CoachBright. Recently, he participated in a British Council project in Singapore exploring AI in education. Nick’s leadership focuses on fostering collaboration, reducing workload, and creating impactful learning opportunities for children and communities.

Nick Osbourne

Chief Executive Officer
Maritime Academy Trust

Benedicte is Chief Financial Officer at the River Learning Trust, a 31 school Multi Academy Trust. She has over 30 years’ experience in audit and finance. She spent the first part of her career in audit practice with KPMG in Paris and London before working as Director of International Affairs for the French Asset Management Association. In 2010, she became actively involved in setting up a multi-lingual free school near Oxford and joined the River Learning Trust in 2019. Benedicte was awarded CFO of the year at the 2023 MAT excellence awards for her contribution to system leadership and innovation and received the School Resource Management of the year award for the River Learning Trust at the 2024 National Schools Awards. She has a particular interest in the reform of the high needs funding system and is leading a group of experts exploring effective practices in the UK and abroad.

Benedicte Yue Vincent

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

With a career spanning over 30 years, Donna Tandy is an experienced leader having worked in the Trust sector across Yorkshire, Manchester and now the South West. Donna joined Palladian Academy Trust in 2021 following the retirement of the founding CEO.
Palladian Academy Trust serves 4,000 primary and secondary pupils in Bath and Wiltshire. These schools are a blend of church and community settings embracing a shared vision of ‘excellent and equitable opportunities so everyone can flourish’.
Donna possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges schools and Trusts face, especially in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape.

Donna Tandy

Chief Executive Officer
Palladian

Jo Evans has over 25 years of experience in school leadership, including nine years as a highly successful CEO. She specializes in transforming organizations facing challenges, focusing on governance, strategic development, and inclusion. Jo holds an MEd and an MBA in International Education from University College London and is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and the Royal Society of the Arts.
In her spare time Jo enjoys providing respite for families facing challenges. She also fosters pugs , although has recently failed to give up a menace for adoption!

Jo Evans

Former Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher’s MAT

The SEND system is at a critical juncture, with councils facing a £5bn deficit crisis, set to hit balance sheets by March 2026 and ministers preparing a white paper for late spring 2025 that promises a “complete recalibration” of SE...

The SEND system is at a critical juncture, with councils facing a £5bn deficit crisis, set to hit balance sheets by March 2026 and ministers preparing a white paper for late spring 2025 that promises a “complete recalibration” of SEND provision. As financial pressures threaten local authority viability and potential reforms loom, how can MATs step up to address systemic challenges, influence policy and ensure inclusivity for every student? We delve into the evolving SEND landscape to uncover:

– Systemic Barriers: Tackling the £5bn deficit, assessment delays, staff shortages and costly private schools.
– Policy and Funding: Ways to advocate for sustainable funding and leverage white paper reforms.
– Recruitment and Training: How to attract and retain SEND specialists amid rising EHCP demand.
– Inclusive Practices: Accessible, adaptable approaches to meet diverse needs.
– Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnering with struggling councils, health services and parents for reform.
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in / Free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner
12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Breakout Room 1

AI for education leaders: protecting students, analysing data, managing risk

Lightspeed Systems® patented technology was imagined and designed just for education:
• Lightspeed Alert™ gives schools immediate insights in to signs of self-harm, cyberbullying and violence.
• Lightspeed Filter™ provides scalable, safeguarding and reporting.
• Lightspeed Classroom™ gives teachers an overview of all online classroom activity and gives internet controls.
• Lightspeed Insight™ gives schools real-time insights into app and device usage and to saving money and ensuring compliance.
• Lightspeed MDM™ gives hierarchical, centralised control of devices features and apps.
• Lightspeed Signal™ lets schools Identify device, network, and app issues.
• Lightspeed StopIt™ allows fully anonymous app, web, or phone reporting for safeguarding concerns.

Christopher Spink

Strategic Account Executive
Lightspeed Systems

In this presentation, we’ll explore how Multi-Academy Trusts can approach AI responsibly while maximising its potential in education. We’ll discuss the opportunities—streamlining workflows, improving insights, and enhancing teachin...

In this presentation, we’ll explore how Multi-Academy Trusts can approach AI responsibly while maximising its potential in education. We’ll discuss the opportunities—streamlining workflows, improving insights, and enhancing teaching and learning—alongside the risks, from bias and misinformation to inappropriate use by students. You’ll also learn about frameworks for ensuring AI is safe, managed, appropriate, reported, and transparent, with clear governance and accountability
12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Breakout Room 2

From retention to reputation: building trusts people want to work in

Used by over 13,000 schools and trusts, our management information system brings next-generation technology into schools, reinventing the way data and insights are used to improve educational outcomes.
Trusts such as Unity Schools, Kernow Learning, Future Academies and Durrington, and schools including Wallisdean, and Culcheth High School, use our technology to connect people with data, creating intelligent insights to help educators make better decisions and deliver smarter outcomes for pupils.
We are passionate about helping individuals, teams and organisations be successful and with time on your side, you can focus on what really matters to you. Time means value. And value means success.

Mitch Roberts

Strategic Sales Development Executive
IRIS Education

Earlier this year, almost half of education leaders said recruitment and retention were among their biggest challenges, and with good reason. Our latest sector-wide research reveals the recruitment crisis is deepening, but the bigger opp...

Earlier this year, almost half of education leaders said recruitment and retention were among their biggest challenges, and with good reason. Our latest sector-wide research reveals the recruitment crisis is deepening, but the bigger opportunity lies in retention.
Join IRIS Education for a 20-minute session as we explore how trusts are moving beyond perks to prioritise human-centred leadership, values-based hiring, and intentional staff development. Building on our previous findings linking staff happiness to pupil outcomes, we’ll now share insights from our most recent Leaders’ Survey and a recent expert panel, exploring what really keeps people in roles, and thriving.
This is a session about people: what motivates them, what makes them stay, and how the culture and systems within your trust can become your biggest recruitment tool.

24 September 2025

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Welcome to Day 2 of MATPN South 2025!
9:05 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Thriving under the new Ofsted framework

James became Regional Director for the South West in 2021 after being appointed as Regional Director, West Midlands in September 2020.
Previously, he was Assistant Regional Director and a Senior HMI in the West Midlands.
Before being appointed as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors in 2010, James had school leadership experience and a range of school improvement roles.

James McNeillie

Regional Director South West and West Midlands
Ofsted

The new Ofsted framework, set to launch this Autumn, marks a shift in how schools are evaluated. How can the schools in your trust adapt to this new era of accountability to not only meet but exceed these expectations?

The new Ofsted framework, set to launch this Autumn, marks a shift in how schools are evaluated. How can the schools in your trust adapt to this new era of accountability to not only meet but exceed these expectations?

Be among the first to hear directly from Ofsted’s South West Regional Director as he outlines what this new era of school inspection means and how you can lead with clarity and confidence.

This essential session will unpack:

– Understanding the framework: How the consultation has shaped the approach to inspection so that it will look and feel different for everyone
– What to expect during an inspection: promoting professional conversation and collaboration, understanding and accounting for the unique context in which you work and make decisions.
– Collaborative and transparent approach to inspection: focussing on leaders’ priorities, actions and impact, building a rounded picture of what you do.
– Providing better information for parents: reporting in a way that is accessible and navigable so that information about a school’s strengths and areas for improvement is clear to all. What is it typically like to work and learn in your setting?
– Valuing high-quality, inclusive education: for every child and particularly those with SEND or those who are disadvantaged and/or vulnerable
9:50 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Growing talent: recruitment, retention and development in MATs

Rebecca Cox

Chief Executive Officer
Hales Valley Trust

Jeannette has been a primary school leader for over twenty years. She has been a Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and the founding CEO of the first all-primary multi academy trust in Dudley. Jeannette was a National Leader of Education and established the first primary teaching school in Dudley, involving working with many different schools and leaders in the West Midlands and beyond helping to improve schools to deliver better outcomes for children. Jeannette has been an Ofsted inspector and has a valuable insight into the impact of Ofsted on schools. In 2020 Jeannette was awarded an OBE for services to education. Since leaving Hales Valley Trust in August 2022 Jeannette has continued to work as an Education Consultant. She is currently working with a midlands-based trust, carrying out appraisal for all the central executive staff and the headteachers. I also carry out school improvement work with the trust’s schools, working with key senior staff.

Jeannette Mackinney OBE

Former CEO and Education Consultant
Hales Valley Trust

With over 60% of MATs facing recruitment challenges, how can trusts build a skilled, lasting workforce? This panel explores strategies to attract and retain top educators, boost their skills and meet SEND needs. We’ll cover:

Rec...

With over 60% of MATs facing recruitment challenges, how can trusts build a skilled, lasting workforce? This panel explores strategies to attract and retain top educators, boost their skills and meet SEND needs. We’ll cover:

Recruitment:Identifying and keeping your key players

Retention: Flexible work and wellbeing practice keep talent.

Development: CPD and training for resilience and leadership.

SEND Focus: Targeting specialists for inclusive education.
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

The International Baccalaureate: breaking myths, building opportunities

Education for a Better World: The International Baccalaureate Difference

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Our programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

Dominique Turner

Development Manager
International Baccalaureate

Education for a Better World: The International Baccalaureate Difference

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. O...

Education for a Better World: The International Baccalaureate Difference

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Our programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.
10:45 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:50 am - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Tech titans or digital dilemma: education's next frontier

Jonathan Bishop

Chief Executive Officer
The Cornerstone Academy & Students

As tech reshapes learning, are MATs pioneering or faltering? This session, featuring live student voices, showcases a trust’s total immersion in digital innovation and the results from the mouths of those who matter most, the students....

As tech reshapes learning, are MATs pioneering or faltering? This session, featuring live student voices, showcases a trust’s total immersion in digital innovation and the results from the mouths of those who matter most, the students. We’ll unpack:

– Device Revolution: One-to-one tablets powering trust-wide learning.
– AI in Action: Tools like Reading Coach enhancing skills, responsibly.
– Data Mastery: Analytics driving teacher decisions, not just dashboards.
– Future Challenge: Students debate AI’s role amid fake news and creativity.

Streamed from classrooms and live on stage, this closing keynote dares MATs to embrace tech’s power or risk failing the next generation who really must be prepared.
12:30 pm - 1:10 pm

Main Room

Keynote leadership panel – Forging stronger bonds: how RISE teams will transform educational collaboration

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

After graduating from Cambridge University, Tom completed his PGCE at theUniversity of East Anglia before working in a number of high performing privateschools as both a teacher and head of department. Tom has held the post of DeputyHeadteacher at two Outstanding schools, subsequently being appointedHeadteacher of one.
Having lead three schools as headteacher and two schools as Executive Principal,Tom has considerable experience in school leadership and management. He hasworked in senior leadership teams for four multi-academy groups and also hassignificant experience around rapid school improvement having been seconded bytwo local authority ‘School Improvement’ teams to support schools causing concern.
Tom is accredited as a National Leader of Education (NLE) and a member of theDepartment for Education (DfE) regional advisory board for the West Midlands.
Mr Leverage is passionate about Catholic education and has dedicated much of hiscareer to the advancement of Catholic schools. He took up the post as CatholicSenior Executive Leader in 2021

Tom Leverage

Chief Executive Officer
Reach South Academy Trust

Jonathan Bishop

Chief Executive Officer
The Cornerstone Academy & Students

Lucy Livings

Regional Director for the South West
Department for Education

The advent of RISE Teams presents trust leaders with an opportunity to redefine collaboration, expertise-sharing and community engagement. How will this initiative impact educational cohesion, teaching quality and the health of school co...

The advent of RISE Teams presents trust leaders with an opportunity to redefine collaboration, expertise-sharing and community engagement. How will this initiative impact educational cohesion, teaching quality and the health of school communities? What strategies are necessary for MATs to integrate these teams while maintaining their unique educational identities? This discussion will dive into:

– Integration of RISE Teams: Understanding how RISE Teams will fit into the existing leadership and operational structures to drive educational improvements.
– Enhancing Collaboration: The potential of RISE Teams to foster new models of collaboration between trusts and schools, potentially revolutionising trust-school dynamics and minimising attendance issues.
– Balancing Expertise and Culture: Strategies to leverage external expertise without disrupting cultural and operational stability.
– Sustainable Community Impact: How RISE Teams can contribute to immediate educational enhancements and long-term community vitality and engagement.
– Operational Challenges and Solutions: Addressing concerns like maintaining school stability when integrating new teams and ensuring that RISE Teams add value without creating redundancy.
1:10 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks and networking lunch
9:50 am - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 1

Belonging, mattering and agency: the evolving role of MATs and CEO leadership in reframing social mobility

Danielle Lewis-Egonu

Chief Executive Officer
Cygnus Academies Trust

Too often, “culture” is misread as the cause of underachievement, reinforcing lazy narratives about EAL learners, white working-class pupils, and Black families. In this session, Danielle Lewis-Egonu reframes culture as context, not ...

Too often, “culture” is misread as the cause of underachievement, reinforcing lazy narratives about EAL learners, white working-class pupils, and Black families. In this session, Danielle Lewis-Egonu reframes culture as context, not deficit. Drawing on practice across schools, she will outline sustainable approaches that move beyond labels: building asset-based language policies, embedding reading as the equity guarantee, strengthening family partnerships, and designing support for place rather than stereotype.
The session will also focus on the diagnostics: how leaders can tell when an intervention is genuinely working, when it is widening the gap, and when to stop. Expect a practical framework you can take back to your trust to ensure energy and resources flow into what truly moves the dial for vulnerable pupils.
9:50 am - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 2

A conversation with second-generation CEOs on culture and cultivating excellence

Tiffany Beck

Head of Education // Chair of Trustees
PLMR // Maritime Academy Trust

With a career spanning over 30 years, Donna Tandy is an experienced leader having worked in the Trust sector across Yorkshire, Manchester and now the South West. Donna joined Palladian Academy Trust in 2021 following the retirement of the founding CEO.
Palladian Academy Trust serves 4,000 primary and secondary pupils in Bath and Wiltshire. These schools are a blend of church and community settings embracing a shared vision of ‘excellent and equitable opportunities so everyone can flourish’.
Donna possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges schools and Trusts face, especially in today’s rapidly changing educational landscape.

Donna Tandy

Chief Executive Officer
Palladian

Jo Evans has over 25 years of experience in school leadership, including nine years as a highly successful CEO. She specializes in transforming organizations facing challenges, focusing on governance, strategic development, and inclusion. Jo holds an MEd and an MBA in International Education from University College London and is a fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and the Royal Society of the Arts.
In her spare time Jo enjoys providing respite for families facing challenges. She also fosters pugs , although has recently failed to give up a menace for adoption!

Jo Evans

Former Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher’s MAT

Lorna Hamilton became CEO of The Primary First Trust on 1st September 2024 following four years as the Trust Education Director. Lorna has worked across many different Local Authorities and has over 20 years’ experience in both Primary and Secondary education settings. Lorna delivers significant outcomes for schools through tight financial management, development of Governance, the ability to set and manage cultural change with strong people management, whereby supporting individual and school development achieves sustainable results.
In her role Lorna is also accountable for the outcomes of schools, along with the Head Teachers of those schools. Her main focus is to work with the Trust’s highly effective school leaders to ensure the best outcomes are achieved, where values and ethos are at the heart of every decision. Lorna is values and research driven and uses this ethos and knowledge to enable school teams to be outward facing in school development and culture development. Thus, ensuring the interest and well-being of the staff and of the children in her care are always recognised and thought of.
Before making her mark in education Lorna enjoyed a successful career in the retail industry as a Human Resources Director and Business Development Consultant.

Lorna Hamilton

Chief Executive Officer
Primary First Trust

A distinctive culture can address persistent school improvement hurdles and make a real difference to student outcomes.

We explore the skillsets unique to second generation CEOs and what measures can be implemented now to cultivat...

A distinctive culture can address persistent school improvement hurdles and make a real difference to student outcomes.

We explore the skillsets unique to second generation CEOs and what measures can be implemented now to cultivate a high-performing workforce?

Unique perspective: How 2nd Gen CEOs bring different skillsets, often not coming straight from headship.
Improvement link: Why culture is key to growth, impact and innovation.
Staff buy-In: Strategies to embed culture across all levels.
Sustained impact: Turning cultural shifts into lasting success.
9:50 am - 10:15 am

Breakout Room 3

Why AI is the brush in your teacher's hand and your teacher is the artist wielding it

Nick Osborne is the CEO of Maritime Academy Trust and a National Leader of Education. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership, he has transformed schools through innovative collaboration and staff development. Nick is passionate about curriculum design that equips children with essential knowledge and skills for the future. He also serves as Chair of Trustees at Woodland Academy Trust and trustee for CoachBright. Recently, he participated in a British Council project in Singapore exploring AI in education. Nick’s leadership focuses on fostering collaboration, reducing workload, and creating impactful learning opportunities for children and communities.

Nick Osbourne

Chief Executive Officer
Maritime Academy Trust

With AI reshaping education, how can MATs harness it effectively and safely? Inspired by Singapore’s approach using “Key e-Pedagogies” to blend tech with teaching, we delve into how to successfully adopt AI by first knowing...

With AI reshaping education, how can MATs harness it effectively and safely? Inspired by Singapore’s approach using “Key e-Pedagogies” to blend tech with teaching, we delve into how to successfully adopt AI by first knowing your WHY.

Day 1
Day 2

MATPN SOUTH WEST 2025 AGENDA

MATPN SOUTH WEST 2025 AGENDA

23 - 24 September, The Apex Hotel, Bath, Somerset

23 September 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker Educational Leadership

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Keynote leaders panel – Navigating new horizons: The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill's impact on education

Dr Robin Bevan

Education Expert and Thinker Educational Leadership

Will Smith

Chief Executive Officer Greenshaw Learning Trust

Ben Parnell

Chief Executive Officer Athena Learning Trust

Neil Blundell

Chief Executive Officer Cathedral Schools Trust

Donna Tandy

Chief Executive Officer Palladian

9:55 am - 10:25 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den – Speed presentations

10:30 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

11:50 am - 12:10 pm

Main Room

Reclaiming energy spend: how MATs turn costs into cashflow

Mark Dolling

Strategic Development Director eEnergy

12:15 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Building trusts for the future

Joe Blair

Co-Founder & Director Robin

12:35 pm - 1:20 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

1:25 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Fire-side interview – Balancing the books: navigating funding challenges

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer St Christopher's Trust

Benedicte Yue Vincent

Chief Financial Officer River Learning Trust

1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Main Room

Enabling meaningful maths pedagogy & raising attainment

Alex Page

Head of Sales Magma Maths

2:05 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Transforming trust-wide English assessment and feedback with AI

Victoria Mallinson

COO Olex.AI

2:25 pm - 3:10 pm

Main Room

Roundtable discussions – Strategic leadership

Ava Sturridge-Packer CBE

ASP Education Solutions Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Jo Evans

Former Chief Executive Officer St Christopher’s MAT

Paul Walker

Chief Executive Officer First Federation Trust

Phil Banks

Chief Executive Officer St Christopher's Trust

Adrian Rogers

Chief Executive Officer Chiltern Learning Trust

Gary Schlick

Chief Executive Officer Futura Learning Partnership

Ben Parnell

Chief Executive Officer Athena Learning Trust

Simon Spry

Chief Executive Officer Learning Academies Trust

Benedicte Yue Vincent

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Chief Executive Officer
Greenshaw Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Athena Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Cathedral Schools Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Palladian

Strategic Development Director
eEnergy

Co-Founder & Director
Robin

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

Head of Sales
Magma Maths

COO
Olex.AI

ASP Education Solutions
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Former Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher’s MAT

Chief Executive Officer
First Federation Trust

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Chiltern Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Futura Learning Partnership

Chief Executive Officer
Athena Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Learning Academies Trust

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
The Cornerstone Academy & Students

Chief Executive Officer
Primary First Trust

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Head of Learning Technologies
Leigh Academies Trust

Senior Enterprise Consultant
The National College

Senior Enterprise Consultant
The National College

Education Expert and Thinker
Educational Leadership

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Westcountry Schools Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Maritime Academy Trust

Chief Financial Officer
River Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Palladian

Former Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher’s MAT

Strategic Account Executive
Lightspeed Systems

Strategic Sales Development Executive
IRIS Education

Chief Executive Officer
St Christopher's Trust

Regional Director South West and West Midlands
Ofsted

Chief Executive Officer
Hales Valley Trust

Former CEO and Education Consultant
Hales Valley Trust