MATPN DIGITAL 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.

8th May, DoubleTree Hilton, Tower of London

Day 1

08 May 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith

Director
One Life Learning

Welcome to the MAT Partnership Network!
9:05 am - 9:35 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel: Shaping the digital future of MATs

John Barneby is the CEO of Oasis Community Learning (OCL), the third largest Multi-Academy Trust in the UK, and has been working in education for the last 20 years. John started his career working in the commercial sector before becoming involved in the Building Schools for the Future Programme and the original academies movement under Tony Blair’s government. It is through these projects that John developed his passion for education and social justice. In 2008, John stepped out of the commercial sector and came to work with Oasis, initially leading the IT department and using his commercial skills to develop the solid infrastructure needed for Oasis to grow rapidly and become the high-performing Muti-Academy Trust it is today. John holds a number of service-related qualifications including System Architect and Expert ITIL Service Manager and has been leading at C-Suite level for 10 years. John is also an RSA Fellow, is passionate about the environment, and thoroughly enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his young family.

John Barneby

Chief Executive Officer
Oasis Community Learning

Zaitoon Bukhari is the Director of Digital Learning at Achievement Through Collaboration MultiAcademy Trust, where she spearheads the integration of technology into the very heart of the learning experience. A passionate advocate for education, Zaitoon’s mission is to empower both teachers and students through the strategic use of digital tools.
Zaitoon is currently leading the charge in implementing the Trust’s Digital Strategy, a bold vision for a unified educational platform that fosters collaboration, eases staff burdens, and elevates pedagogical expertise. Her work transcends individual schools, weaving technology into the very fabric of the Trust, creating a seamless and interconnected learning environment.
Driven by a deep understanding of both education and technology, Zaitoon brings a wealth of experience to the table. With over 14 years in the classroom and 6 years of dedicated EdTech expertise, she is a Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Coach and the Silver Winner for Digital Innovator 2024 by the Pearson National Teaching Awards. This diverse skill set allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring the effective implementation of digital solutions that truly benefit students and teachers alike.
Zaitoon’s leadership extends beyond the confines of the Trust. She has also worked as the UK Training Lead for two of Google for Education PD Partners, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with educators across the country. This dedication to professional development underscores her commitment to building a strong and vibrant community of educators who leverage technology to unlock the full potential of learning.
Zaitoon is not simply a Director of Digital Learning; she is a visionary leader, a passionate educator, and a champion for the transformative power of technology in education. Her dedication to creating a future where technology empowers, not replaces, human connection is paving the way for a more collaborative, engaging, and effective learning experience for all.

Zaitoon Bukhari

Director of Digital Strategy
Achievement Through Collaboration Multi Academy Trust

Martin Simpson is Director of Technology at Lift Schools and former Director of IT at City of London Academies Trust. With extensive experience in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and operational leadership, he has led large-scale technology programmes, streamlined systems, and delivered innovative solutions across the education sector

Martin Simpson

Director of Technology
LIFT Schools

As rising costs and constrained budgets challenge the education sector, MATs are navigating a crucial juncture. The digital future of MATs demands innovative solutions that not only enhance learning outcomes, but also optimise operations...

As rising costs and constrained budgets challenge the education sector, MATs are navigating a crucial juncture. The digital future of MATs demands innovative solutions that not only enhance learning outcomes, but also optimise operations for sustainable growth.

Hear from our panel of experts, who explore how they are leveraging technology to empower students, enrich educational experiences, and secure long-term financial stability.

– How is leadership fostering a culture of innovation to embrace future technologies and ensuring digital remains at the heart of teaching and learning?
– How is stakeholder collaboration and knowledge sharing, shaping and delivering the digital strategy of the future across the organisation?
– In what ways can digital innovation help MATs address current financial challenges, while creating long-term growth and resilience in the education sector, and what strategies can they adopt to balance rising costs with investments in solutions that improve learning outcomes and operational efficiency?
– How are MATs leveraging technology to analyse their data, enabling them to generate actionable insights that improve operating practices, enhance student learning outcomes, and support evidence based decision-making across schools?
9:35 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
9:55 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Dragons' den - Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution 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.

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution 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.
10:15 am - 11:05 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

10 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.
11:10 am - 11:40 am

Main Room

Keynote panel discussion: Aligning digital technology with teaching & learning

Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith

Director
One Life Learning

Sarah is an experienced school and system leader with teaching and leadership expertise spanning across schools, trusts and initial teacher training. As Head of System Leadership at Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL), she leads the Learning and Development (CPD) offer, designing system leadership approaches to build sustainable capacity and expertise across the system. Sarah champions evidence-led, research based, professional learning settings and her leadership approach is to create opportunities for colleagues to collaborate with and inspire each other to think creatively. Vitally, Sarah’s work ensures that learning and learners at the heart of solutions and provision.

Sarah is highly respected by school leaders and teachers across the sector, for the thoughtful way in which she combines her extensive educational expertise with positive challenge and a nurturing style. The impact of the work she leads can be seen in the transformational learning that takes place at scale across IFtL’s twenty schools, as well as across countless cohorts of teacher training and development. Sarah’s work leading Digital Learning at IFtL has taken a pathfinding approach, placing the interaction of pedagogy and digital at its heart and vitally, pivoting around the needs and aspirations of children and young people.

Sarah Hand

Head of Systems Leadership
Inspiring Futures through Learning

As Director for Digital Learning at LEO Academy Trust, Cheryl Shirley leads digital strategy and empowers nearly 5,000 pupils with future-ready computing skills. She provides expert support to leaders and teachers in implementing effective digital practices within the classroom. Her leadership extends to supporting other schools and Multi Academy Trusts in their digital journeys. Cheryl’s expertise has been recognised with a Pearson Silver Award for Digital Innovator of the Year in 2022. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds a National Professional Qualification in Headship.

Cheryl Shirley

Director Digital Learning
LEO Academy Trust

Paul Stone

CEO
Discovery Schools Academy Trust

In a world where technology touches every aspect of our lives, how are MATs leveraging it to enrich the learning experience?
Join our expert panel to explore research and key findings on the positive impact of digital technology in...

In a world where technology touches every aspect of our lives, how are MATs leveraging it to enrich the learning experience?
Join our expert panel to explore research and key findings on the positive impact of digital technology in education, highlighting how technology has been strategically integrated to align with pedagogical goals, driving meaningful and measurable impact in education.
– What research has been conducted on the positive impact of digital technology on teaching and learning, and what are the key findings?
– How have real-world applications of technology transformed teaching and learning experiences and what this looks like in practice?
– What are the critical steps in ensuring a smooth transition when implementing new technologies across the trust?
– How are trusts realising the full potential of digital technology and embracing technology advancements, while addressing the challenges of rising costs and sustainable growth?
11:45 am - 12:20 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
12:20 pm - 1:00 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.
1:05 pm - 1:35 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Integrating AI with a broad ecosystem approach

Dr Neelam Parmar

Chief Digital Officer
E-ACT

Ather Abbas

Director of Digital, Data and Transformation
King Edward VI Foundation Birmingham

Richard Anderton is the Head of Digital Transformation for the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), a Multi-Academy Trust comprising 24 schools, 12,000 students, and 1,500 staff. He spearheads Learning Futures, ATLP’s equitable 1:1 device initiative, leading the deployment and integration of over 12,500 iPads for students and staff. This initiative drives a vision of empowering learning and shaping futures through a pedagogy-first approach.

Richard also oversees the organisation’s broader digital strategy. His work focuses on enhancing efficiencies, achieving cost savings, and pioneering ATLP’s AI strategy to further innovation and progress

Richard Anderton

Digital Transformation Lead
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Julie Carson

Director of Education
Woodland Academy Trust

Successfully adopting AI requires more than just technology — it demands a holistic approach that incorporates the broader ecosystem.
This includes the people who will interact with the AI systems and the operational processes th...

Successfully adopting AI requires more than just technology — it demands a holistic approach that incorporates the broader ecosystem.
This includes the people who will interact with the AI systems and the operational processes they support. A broad ecosystem approach ensures that AI adoption aligns with organisational goals, is inclusive of diverse stakeholders, and optimises both technical and human elements for long term success.
– How can organisations effectively engage people in AI adoption to foster trust and collaboration?
– What is the role of AI in supporting all different people and operational functions?
– What operational processes need to evolve to support seamless AI integration?
– Has the right regulation been put in place to help MATs leaders meet ethical standards, privacy, security and address concerns around compliance and accuracy?
1:40 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

10 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.
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Enhancing cybersecurity and data resilience in education

Jenny Bonson

Chief Information Officer
St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust

Chris Everard

Chief Operating Officer
The Active Learning Trust

Ash Mudaliar

Director of IT
Creative Education Trust

Educational institutions face growing cyber threats, including data breaches and ransomware attacks. To protect sensitive information and ensure uninterrupted learning, schools must prioritise disaster recovery, data security, privacy co...

Educational institutions face growing cyber threats, including data breaches and ransomware attacks. To protect sensitive information and ensure uninterrupted learning, schools must prioritise disaster recovery, data security, privacy compliance, and efficient data management. Striking the right balance between security and accessibility is essential for creating a safe, productive educational environment.

This discussion highlights actionable insights and best practices for MATs to strengthen their cybersecurity and data resilience.

– What are the most common cyber threats targeting schools, and how can they assess their vulnerabilities?
– What should a comprehensive disaster recovery plan for schools include, and how can institutions test its effectiveness?
– How can implementing multi-factor authentication and encryption effectively bolster data security?
– How can MATs safeguard sensitive data while ensuring accessibility, and how can emerging technologies and cloud-based solutions help strike a balance between security and usability?
– How can organisations shift from a reactive approach to a proactive approach towards cybersecurity?
3:10 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Focus groups

As Director for Digital Learning at LEO Academy Trust, Cheryl Shirley leads digital strategy and empowers nearly 5,000 pupils with future-ready computing skills. She provides expert support to leaders and teachers in implementing effective digital practices within the classroom. Her leadership extends to supporting other schools and Multi Academy Trusts in their digital journeys. Cheryl’s expertise has been recognised with a Pearson Silver Award for Digital Innovator of the Year in 2022. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching and holds a National Professional Qualification in Headship.

Cheryl Shirley

Director Digital Learning
LEO Academy Trust

Paul Stone

CEO
Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Richard Anderton is the Head of Digital Transformation for the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), a Multi-Academy Trust comprising 24 schools, 12,000 students, and 1,500 staff. He spearheads Learning Futures, ATLP’s equitable 1:1 device initiative, leading the deployment and integration of over 12,500 iPads for students and staff. This initiative drives a vision of empowering learning and shaping futures through a pedagogy-first approach.

Richard also oversees the organisation’s broader digital strategy. His work focuses on enhancing efficiencies, achieving cost savings, and pioneering ATLP’s AI strategy to further innovation and progress

Richard Anderton

Digital Transformation Lead
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Alex Zarifeh is the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s (ATLP), Trust Lead for Futures Readiness and Careers. Previously, Alex led a successful careers programme at The Arthur Terry School, described by Ofsted as, ‘exceptional’, alongside being nominated as a Careers Enterprise Company, ‘Careers Champion’.
For the past two years, Alex has been immersed in researching the expanding impact of Artificial Intelligence upon the world of work and working backwards to determine what we need to be doing in education, to ensure our young people are prepared for unprecedented rates of change to work and society.
This work has led to ATLP’s, innovative Futures Readiness Programme described by CDI Board Member, John Walker as “by far the most significant and vital insight into the future world of work I have seen. It enables us to understand and act on, what we can do for young people to develop the skills they will need to navigate this exciting but also very different future”.
In recent months, Alex has led keynote talks at the MAT Strategic Forum, Professor Deirdre Hughes’, ‘AI in Action’ webinar series, the Future of Work National Conference, Warwick University, The Active Learning Trust’s, ‘Inspiring Headteachers Conference’, a Careers Development Institue (CDI) Digital Byte, The Complete Careers Conference and at the WMCA/CEC’s joint, ‘Skills Now & Next’ Conference.

Alex Zarifeh

Trust Lead, Personal Development, Careers
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Focus group 1: In the classroom

– Cheryl Shirley

Focus group 2: Improving digital inclusion and outcomes in SEN

– Paul Stone

Focus group 3: Empowering staff with the AI skills to enhance education ...

Focus group 1: In the classroom

– Cheryl Shirley

Focus group 2: Improving digital inclusion and outcomes in SEN

– Paul Stone

Focus group 3: Empowering staff with the AI skills to enhance education and prepare students for the future

– Richard Anderton, Alex Zarifeh
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm

Main Room

Reflections and next actions/commitments
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Networking drinks reception

Day 1

MATPN DIGITAL 2025 AGENDA

8th May, DoubleTree Hilton, Tower of London

08 May 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith

Director One Life Learning

9:05 am - 9:35 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel: Shaping the digital future of MATs

John Barneby

Chief Executive Officer Oasis Community Learning

Zaitoon Bukhari

Director of Digital Strategy Achievement Through Collaboration Multi Academy Trust

Martin Simpson

Director of Technology LIFT Schools

9:35 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

9:55 am - 10:10 am

Main Room

Dragons' den - Speed presentations

10:15 am - 11:05 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

11:10 am - 11:40 am

Main Room

Keynote panel discussion: Aligning digital technology with teaching & learning

Dr. Fiona Aubrey-Smith

Director One Life Learning

Sarah Hand

Head of Systems Leadership Inspiring Futures through Learning

Cheryl Shirley

Director Digital Learning LEO Academy Trust

Paul Stone

CEO Discovery Schools Academy Trust

11:45 am - 12:20 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentations

12:20 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

1:05 pm - 1:35 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Integrating AI with a broad ecosystem approach

Dr Neelam Parmar

Chief Digital Officer E-ACT

Ather Abbas

Director of Digital, Data and Transformation King Edward VI Foundation Birmingham

Richard Anderton

Digital Transformation Lead The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Julie Carson

Director of Education Woodland Academy Trust

1:40 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

2:35 pm - 3:05 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion: Enhancing cybersecurity and data resilience in education

Jenny Bonson

Chief Information Officer St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust

Chris Everard

Chief Operating Officer The Active Learning Trust

Ash Mudaliar

Director of IT Creative Education Trust

3:10 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Focus groups

Cheryl Shirley

Director Digital Learning LEO Academy Trust

Paul Stone

CEO Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Richard Anderton

Digital Transformation Lead The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Alex Zarifeh

Trust Lead, Personal Development, Careers The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Director
One Life Learning

Chief Executive Officer
Oasis Community Learning

Director of Digital Strategy
Achievement Through Collaboration Multi Academy Trust

Director of Technology
LIFT Schools

Director
One Life Learning

Head of Systems Leadership
Inspiring Futures through Learning

Director Digital Learning
LEO Academy Trust

CEO
Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Chief Digital Officer
E-ACT

Director of Digital, Data and Transformation
King Edward VI Foundation Birmingham

Digital Transformation Lead
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Director of Education
Woodland Academy Trust

Chief Information Officer
St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust

Chief Operating Officer
The Active Learning Trust

Director of IT
Creative Education Trust

Director Digital Learning
LEO Academy Trust

CEO
Discovery Schools Academy Trust

Digital Transformation Lead
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Trust Lead, Personal Development, Careers
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership