MATPN NORTH 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.

4 - 5 March, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

Day 1
Day 2

04 March 2025

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 1

AI in the classroom

Mark Baker

Chief Technology Officer
University of Brighton Academies Trust

How has AI been used in classrooms?
How can we measure the impact?
What is the effect on outcomes?
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 2

School improvement through curriculum alignment: the benefits, barriers, and challenges of adopting a common curriculum across multiple schools

Alex Pethick

Director of Curriculum
Knowledge Schools Trust

How far can MATs align without compromising school autonomy?

Drawing on the collective expertise of MAT leaders across the country, this session will explore the benefits, barriers, and challenges of curriculum alignment across m...

How far can MATs align without compromising school autonomy?

Drawing on the collective expertise of MAT leaders across the country, this session will explore the benefits, barriers, and challenges of curriculum alignment across multiple schools.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 3

Unlocking data insights to drive operational excellence

Christopher Dryer

Director of Finance and Operations
St Bartholomew's CE Multi Academy Trust

How can we identify trends in our data in order to improve the way we operate?
Are we capturing all of the data we need?
What are we doing to ensure that we are combining our data insights with decision making?
8:00 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Registration
8:50 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Welcome to MATPN North 2025!
9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion - Attracting and developing future leaders

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

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

Kate Fallan

Trust Leader for Culture and Development
Eko Trust

Gemma Tovey

Head of HR
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

Karen Hayes

Director of Partnerships and Provision
Esteem MAT

How can we attract future leaders in the recruitment process?
Are we identifying leadership qualities in our staff and guiding them to fulfil their potential?
Is leadership an attractive choice within your organisation?
...

How can we attract future leaders in the recruitment process?
Are we identifying leadership qualities in our staff and guiding them to fulfil their potential?
Is leadership an attractive choice within your organisation?
What does effective succession planning look like?
Dive deeper into how to support leadership development through ITT, NQT, and ECT frameworks.
Discover how to create clear career paths and design training programs that address current needs while preparing leaders for the future.
9:40 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:00 am - 10:40 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 ongoing challenges.<...

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.
10:45 am - 12:00 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.
12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Using systems to scale up with excellence

Simon Elliott

Chief Executive Officer
Community Schools Trust

Shofiquez Zaman

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Community Schools Trust

This session will explore how Community Schools Trust has achieved outstanding Progress 8 results through strategic systems and leadership.

Gain insights on their approach to centralising processes, building a strong central team...

This session will explore how Community Schools Trust has achieved outstanding Progress 8 results through strategic systems and leadership.

Gain insights on their approach to centralising processes, building a strong central team, implementing monitoring systems, and delivering targeted training.

Join us to learn how these elements work together to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes across their academies and help leaders and educators scale up with excellence.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:15 pm - 2:00 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.
2:05 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Interactive group discussion - Improving education for all pupils

Amjad Ali

Assistant Headteacher
TryThisTeaching

With a focus on disadvantaged pupils, how can we ensure that there’s a level playing ground?
How can we adapt our practices to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all pupils?
How can we improve outcomes for all pu...

With a focus on disadvantaged pupils, how can we ensure that there’s a level playing ground?
How can we adapt our practices to ensure a high-quality learning experience for all pupils?
How can we improve outcomes for all pupils?
2:30 pm - 2:50 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
2:55 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
3:45 pm - 5:00 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.
5:05 pm - 5:50 pm

Main Room

Panel discussion - Meeting all educational needs

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Deborah Strain

Trust Leader of Education
Eko Trust

Danny Yates

Director of School Improvement
Vision Academy Learning Trust

Anna Rogers

Chief Executive Officer
Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust

Emily Walker

Director
LEARN SEND Hub

Challenges with finances are ever existing and the biggest threat to our ability to meet educational goals.
Without dwelling on the budgetary issues, how can we ensure that the quality of education isn’t compromised?
How ca...

Challenges with finances are ever existing and the biggest threat to our ability to meet educational goals.
Without dwelling on the budgetary issues, how can we ensure that the quality of education isn’t compromised?
How can we ensure that all children achieve through our assessment and curriculum? Are they inclusive?
What are the innovative approaches and practical examples?
5:50 pm - 6:15 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote - Transforming learning through teaching

Sir Andrew Carter

Chief Executive Officer
South Farnham Educational Trust

From creative teaching strategies to dynamic assessment practices, this session provides actionable insights and tools to empower educators.

Focusing on teacher training and delivery, we will explore how the “how” of teaching...

From creative teaching strategies to dynamic assessment practices, this session provides actionable insights and tools to empower educators.

Focusing on teacher training and delivery, we will explore how the “how” of teaching can transform the “what” into meaningful learning experiences.

Learn how to inspire engagement, deepen understanding, and drive progress through teaching methods that put learners at the heart of the curriculum.
6:15 pm - 6:20 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
6:20 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in / free time

Overlooking the Manchester metropolis, the 23-story Hilton Deansgate hotel is in the heart of the city center. Manchester Arena and Piccadilly Station are a mile away and we are surrounded by museums, shops and restaurants. Wake up to fl...

Overlooking the Manchester metropolis, the 23-story Hilton Deansgate hotel is in the heart of the city center. Manchester Arena and Piccadilly Station are a mile away and we are surrounded by museums, shops and restaurants. Wake up to floor-to-ceiling views and spend the evening sipping cocktails at Cloud 23- the highest bar in the city. Our health club features a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna and steam room.
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

05 March 2025

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks
9:05 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Panel discussion - Creating a culture of belonging

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Neil Miley

Chief Executive Officer
Mercia Learning Trust

Roger Leighton

Chief Executive Officer
Partnership Learning

Julia Armstrong

Chief Executive Officer
Prince Regent Street Trust

Lisa Fathers

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Bright Futures Educational Trust

Leanne Bridgwood

Executive Director of Primary
Windsor Academy Trust

For pupils and staff
For those with diverse needs
To improve attendance and reduce absenteeism
To ensure that everyone thrives and has a sense of belonging in your school environment
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:10 am - 10:30 am

Main Room

A successful civic leadership strategy

Claire Gething

Director of Communications
Windsor Academy Trust

Explore a successful civic leadership strategy that connects schools with their communities through impactful cross-sector collaboration.

This session highlights a model built on three pillars: partnership work with the NHS, the ...

Explore a successful civic leadership strategy that connects schools with their communities through impactful cross-sector collaboration.

This session highlights a model built on three pillars: partnership work with the NHS, the creation of vibrant community hubs, and the establishment of a strong community foundation.

Learn how aligning educational efforts with the government’s initiative for collaboration has transformed relationships, fostered local engagement, and positioned schools as central to thriving, interconnected communities.
10:35 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
11:00 am - 12:00 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.
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Keynote presentation - Leadership and culture

The Real David Cameron

Presenter, Trainer, Consultant
12:35 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote presentation - Leadership and culture
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Chair’s closing remarks and networking lunch
10:10 am - 10:30 am

Breakout Room 1

How funding digital teams minimises financial risk

Will Ottewell

Director of IT
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

Cybercrime poses a growing risk to MATs, surpassing physical threats in complexity and volume.

This session explores the cost of cyber attacks, compares cybersecurity funding to physical security measures, and highlights essentia...

Cybercrime poses a growing risk to MATs, surpassing physical threats in complexity and volume.

This session explores the cost of cyber attacks, compares cybersecurity funding to physical security measures, and highlights essential tools to improve cyber posture.

We’ll discuss cyber audits, staffing challenges, and how AI can assist IT teams in securing trusts of all sizes.
10:10 am - 10:30 am

Breakout Room 2

Effective school improvement

Roger Harris

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Enrich Learning Trust

In this session, you’ll hear how simple yet powerful strategies, clear documentation, and strategic monitoring brought impressive, measurable results across six secondary schools. This streamlined approach turned improvement planni...

In this session, you’ll hear how simple yet powerful strategies, clear documentation, and strategic monitoring brought impressive, measurable results across six secondary schools. This streamlined approach turned improvement planning into an accessible, impactful process, proving that sometimes, less really is more.

Join us to learn the keys to driving success with efficiency and clarity, setting a new standard for school improvement.
10:10 am - 10:30 am

Breakout Room 3

Flexible working, future focus

Mark Harrison

School and College Trust Leader
Dixons Academies Trust

Join us for a presentation exploring cutting-edge flexible working solutions.

You’ll gain valuable insights on balancing staff well-being with operational excellence, empowering your educators to thrive in a dynamic and supp...

Join us for a presentation exploring cutting-edge flexible working solutions.

You’ll gain valuable insights on balancing staff well-being with operational excellence, empowering your educators to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment. This will be modelled through discussion around how the 9-day fortnight has been implemented for teachers across Dixons.

Leave with actionable strategies to transform your Trust’s working practices.

Day 1
Day 2

MATPN NORTH 2025 AGENDA

4 - 5 March, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

04 March 2025

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 1

AI in the classroom

Mark Baker

Chief Technology Officer University of Brighton Academies Trust

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 2

School improvement through curriculum alignment: the benefits, barriers, and challenges of adopting a common curriculum across multiple schools

Alex Pethick

Director of Curriculum Knowledge Schools Trust

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout Room 3

Unlocking data insights to drive operational excellence

Christopher Dryer

Director of Finance and Operations St Bartholomew's CE Multi Academy Trust

8:00 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Registration

8:50 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer LIFE Education Trust

9:00 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Panel discussion - Attracting and developing future leaders

Julian Dutnall

Chief Executive Officer LIFE Education Trust

John Barneby

Chief Executive Officer Oasis Community Learning

Kate Fallan

Trust Leader for Culture and Development Eko Trust

Gemma Tovey

Head of HR Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

Karen Hayes

Director of Partnerships and Provision Esteem MAT

9:40 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:00 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Using systems to scale up with excellence

Simon Elliott

Chief Executive Officer Community Schools Trust

Shofiquez Zaman

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Community Schools Trust

12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

1:15 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

2:05 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Interactive group discussion - Improving education for all pupils

Amjad Ali

Assistant Headteacher TryThisTeaching

2:30 pm - 2:50 pm

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

2:55 pm - 3:40 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

5:05 pm - 5:50 pm

Main Room

Chief Technology Officer
University of Brighton Academies Trust

Director of Curriculum
Knowledge Schools Trust

Director of Finance and Operations
St Bartholomew's CE Multi Academy Trust

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Oasis Community Learning

Trust Leader for Culture and Development
Eko Trust

Head of HR
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust

Director of Partnerships and Provision
Esteem MAT

Chief Executive Officer
Community Schools Trust

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Community Schools Trust

Assistant Headteacher
TryThisTeaching

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Trust Leader of Education
Eko Trust

Director of School Improvement
Vision Academy Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust

Director
LEARN SEND Hub

Chief Executive Officer
South Farnham Educational Trust

Chief Executive Officer
LIFE Education Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Mercia Learning Trust

Chief Executive Officer
Partnership Learning

Chief Executive Officer
Prince Regent Street Trust

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Bright Futures Educational Trust

Executive Director of Primary
Windsor Academy Trust

Director of Communications
Windsor Academy Trust