MATPN SOUTH 2025 AGENDA

25 – 26 NOVEMBER 2025, RADISSON BLU, HEATHROW

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.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Day 1
Day 2

25 November 2025

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Main room

Registration
8:45 am - 8:55 am

Main room

Chair's opening remarks

John Murphy

Education Leadership Mentor
Advisor and Public Speaker

As we gather at a time of unprecedented change in our sector, from Ofsted reforms and AI integration to increasing SEND demands and financial pressures, the need for collaborative and courageous leadership is more urgent than ever.
<...

As we gather at a time of unprecedented change in our sector, from Ofsted reforms and AI integration to increasing SEND demands and financial pressures, the need for collaborative and courageous leadership is more urgent than ever.

This year, MATPN South unites over 150 of the region’s most influential MAT leaders. With a record number of C-suite speakers, new interactive formats, and a stronger focus on practical, scalable solutions, this event is designed to support your most critical priorities.

Over the next two days, you will hear from keynote voices such as Sir Martyn Oliver, Lucy Heller, Paul Glover, and James Browning. You will explore frameworks across four focused content tracks and connect with solution providers who understand the challenges and opportunities within multi-academy trusts.

We encourage you to use this space not just to listen, but to question, engage, and lead.

Together, let’s shape the future of trust leadership.
8:55 am - 9:15 am

Main room

Opening keynote address: From policy to practice

Lucy Heller

Chief Executive Officer
Ark Schools

With two decades leading Ark Schools, CEO Lucy Heller reflects on the evolving trust and education landscape including the shift toward collaboration over competition among trusts. Lucy will also talk about Ark’s new 10-year vision and...

With two decades leading Ark Schools, CEO Lucy Heller reflects on the evolving trust and education landscape including the shift toward collaboration over competition among trusts. Lucy will also talk about Ark’s new 10-year vision and EdCity, a hub for the education sector built as part of a project with Hammersmith and Fulham council to contribute to the regeneration of the White City Estate.
9:15 am - 9:35 am

Main room

Keynote presentation: From curiosity to confidence: closing the AI innovation gap for future-ready education

James Browning

Chief Operating Officer
Lift Schools

As AI rapidly transforms education, MATs have a choice – carry on with cautious exploration or take the plunge into purposeful AI integration. The gap between today’s practices and tomorrow’s possibilities is not just a challen...

As AI rapidly transforms education, MATs have a choice – carry on with cautious exploration or take the plunge into purposeful AI integration. The gap between today’s practices and tomorrow’s possibilities is not just a challenge – it’s a strategic opportunity but for transformation to happen, it demands shifts that stretch across both culture and community.

Sharing the struggles and the wins – James Browning, Chief Operating Officer of Lift Schools, presents a practical roadmap inspired by Lift’s journey to embed AI in ways that empower teachers, personalise learning and drive operational excellence. We’ll dive into:

Taking the temperature: From staff and student engagement to digital tool adoption and readiness for change – how to assess your current state and get clear on your ‘why’.

What, when and where: understanding which tools to use and for what purpose, whether its personalised learning, streamlined operations or innovative teaching practices using AI tools – knowing what you want to achieve first
Bridging the gap: Ways to identify the skills, technologies and cultural shifts needed to move from where you are to where you want to be.
Build a compelling case for change: How to engage trustees, teachers, parents and students with a narrative that addresses both the promise and the practicalities of AI in education.
Measuring ROI: You’ve made the investment, but do you know what metrics to measure?
9:35 am - 9:55 am

Main room

Beyond marking: to trustworthy, trust-wide writing improvement

stylus, founded by Dominic Bristow, is a small group of former teachers and technologists dedicated to improving the working conditions and efficacy of teachers, and the experience and outcomes of their students in turn.

Between them, the team are responsible for successfully launching many impactful education projects—such as Doddle Progress and Complete Mathematics TUTOR—and now, supported by government funding, and partnered with the DfE, stylus provides the first AI-powered service to bring teacher-moderated quality to handwritten work at scale.

Their ‘KS2 Writing Marking Service’ is now available—including Year 6 writing portfolios—with KS3/4 English soon to follow, and maths and science later in the year.

Dominic Bristow

Chief Executive Officer
stylus

Reading and writing underpin every student outcome in your trust—yet most leaders still lack precise, actionable insight into what every pupil can and cannot yet do. In this keynote from our headline sponsor, former teacher, Director o...

Reading and writing underpin every student outcome in your trust—yet most leaders still lack precise, actionable insight into what every pupil can and cannot yet do. In this keynote from our headline sponsor, former teacher, Director of Education and founder of 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐮𝐬, Dominic Bristow, shares how their DfE-backed programme is turning English into a truly granular, mastery-enabled discipline, using AI as a rigorous second marker rather than a shortcut to generic “AI slop”, like ChatGPT. He will explore what reliable, continually teacher-improved automation makes possible for moderation, CPD and targeted intervention – and invite you to help shape the next phase of the programme, and the future of improving writing.
10:00 am - 10:40 am

Main room

Dragons' Den

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.
10:45 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

Delivering sector led, fully funded, retention, recruitment, safeguarding and wellbeing solutions across education

At BeReady we truly understand the huge pressures upon schools and academies and the obstacles that they face in upskilling staff.

We utilise the Growth and Skills Levy to remove the financial barrier to this challenge and by using the latest digital technology, in tandem with our experienced and innovative skills coaches we deliver and embed learning, efficiently and effectively.

We work with thousands of schools and academies across the UK, enabling them to access funding to recruit, retain and develop staff.

Our education bespoke courses are all the result of requirements identified by MAT leaders and school staff and created by our sector experienced team in partnership with education advisory boards.

This collaborative approach ensures that our funded courses are helping schools and academies solve some their biggest current challenges, teacher recruitment, safeguarding, staff and student wellbeing, lack of SEND knowledge and expertise and financing QTS, whilst providing learners with informative and engaging content to propel their careers.

Kyle Burrows

Chief Learning Officer
BeReady

BeReady partners with Multi-Academy Trusts to tackle recruitment and retention challenges through sector-driven solutions. This collaborative presentation emphasises the importance of a strong people strategy, to create a culture of incl...

BeReady partners with Multi-Academy Trusts to tackle recruitment and retention challenges through sector-driven solutions. This collaborative presentation emphasises the importance of a strong people strategy, to create a culture of inclusion and belonging. The challenges of retaining and developing staff are highlighted, with solutions provided addressing workload, safeguarding, wellbeing, and career pathways – including the achievement of QTS for Teaching Assistants without an existing degree.

BeReady introduces how AI and professional development can ease administrative burdens, allowing educators to focus on their impact. By providing fully funded people development strategies and solutions, BeReady supports the creation of lasting, positive change in education.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main room

Fire-side chat: Balancing scale and spirit: centralisation without compromising on culture

John Murphy

Education Leadership Mentor
Advisor and Public Speaker

Louise Mitchell

Chief Financial Officer
Maritime Academy Trust

Dr Danny Doyle

Chief Executive Officer
Cardinal Newman Catholic Trust

With 60% of MATs consolidating IT, finance and HR – the drive for cost savings can sometimes collide with the imperative to preserve each school’s distinct character. We unpack ‘ Smart centralisation’ which centralises pr...

With 60% of MATs consolidating IT, finance and HR – the drive for cost savings can sometimes collide with the imperative to preserve each school’s distinct character. We unpack ‘ Smart centralisation’ which centralises processes, builds a strong central team and delivers targeted training where it’s needed

Learn how to offer nuanced, tailored support that ensures schools flourish while preserving their place in the communities they serve.

Discover how to build systems where all schools, regardless of size or context, have a future and thrive within it.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main room

Enabling meaningful maths pedagogy & raising attainment

Magma Maths is a dynamic educational platform designed for primary and secondary schools, transforming the way pupils learn mathematics. Aligned with the national curriculum and educational standards, it provides interactive, adaptive, and data-driven tools that help teachers deliver engaging lessons, support formative assessment, and promote personalised, pupil-centred learning. Magma integrates seamlessly with classroom technology to encourage mathematical thinking, discussion, and deeper understanding.
Our mission is simple: to make maths accessible, enjoyable, and effective for all learners, helping every pupil build confidence, fluency, and a lasting love of maths.

Hannah Sweeney

Account Executive
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.
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 - 2:50 pm

Main room

Keynote panel: Breaking barriers: innovative fixes for the hardest budget crisis yet

Emma Balchin

Chief Executive Officer
National Governance Association

Sharon Carlyon

Chief Operating Officer
Inclusive MAT

Lana Stoyles

Executive Director Business Transformation
NEXUS MAT

David Harris

Chief Executive Officer
Engage Enrich Excel Academies

Following the spending review earlier this year, we review the toughest budget round yet and what this means for the year ahead. In a climate where flat funding, 3% inflation, the £8bn SEND deficit, VAT hikes and increased child poverty...

Following the spending review earlier this year, we review the toughest budget round yet and what this means for the year ahead. In a climate where flat funding, 3% inflation, the £8bn SEND deficit, VAT hikes and increased child poverty create a major challenge for MATs everywhere – our panel reveal some radical solutions to turn crisis into opportunity and examples of where ‘innovative thinking’ really does win the day. We dive deep into:

Dynamic resource pooling: Share assets across trusts to cut costs amid 2% pupil decline.
Future-focused workforce models: Redesign staffing to absorb 5.5% pay rise pressures.
Adaptive SEND frameworks: Reimagine provision to tackle £8bn deficit collaboratively.
Policy-driven funding advocacy: Shape national budgets to secure sustainable allocations.
2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Main room

The power of food: fuel for happiness, attendance and attainment

Impact Food Group (IFG) provides award-winning catering services to more than 800 schools across the UK through its trusted brands – Innovate, Cucina, Hutchison and Chapter One. Guided by its mission to transform lives through the power of food, IFG partners with Multi-Academy Trusts and schools to deliver fresh, nutritious meals that inspire healthy eating habits and support student wellbeing. Its chef-led approach champions sustainability, quality and innovation, creating dining experiences that help pupils thrive. By focusing on food’s role in improving happiness, focus, friendship-building, attendance and attainment, IFG supports better student outcomes and stronger school communities.

Michelle Da Rocha

Sales Director
Impact Food Group

Impact Food Group (IFG) provides award-winning catering services to more than 800 schools across the UK through its trusted brands – Innovate, Cucina, Hutchison and Chapter One. Guided by its mission to transform lives through the power of food, IFG partners with Multi-Academy Trusts and schools to deliver fresh, nutritious meals that inspire healthy eating habits and support student wellbeing. Its chef-led approach champions sustainability, quality and innovation, creating dining experiences that help pupils thrive. By focusing on food’s role in improving happiness, focus, friendship-building, attendance and attainment, IFG supports better student outcomes and stronger school communities.

Caroline Jary

Commerical Director
Impact Food Group

This session explores how high-quality school food can drive real student outcomes. Evidence from our research and school partnerships shows that delicious, nutritious meals served in welcoming environments lead to measurable improvement...

This session explores how high-quality school food can drive real student outcomes. Evidence from our research and school partnerships shows that delicious, nutritious meals served in welcoming environments lead to measurable improvements in student happiness supporting attendance and attainment, including for students who need it most. We’ll share results, insights, and practical learnings schools can use to create a positive food culture, engage students, increase participation, and spark enjoyment. Our Impact+ approach delivers these benefits by combining a Passion for Food, a Healthy Planet, and Thriving People & Communities to support lasting, measurable impact for students and schools.
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Main room

AI that works: lessons and surprises from scaling up Robin

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

Director
Robin

What’s it like to build an AI agent for over 150 MATs? Joe reflects on the experience of building Robin, from the unexpected quirks of LLMs, to the power of small and supercharged teams.

In this session you’ll get the chance ...

What’s it like to build an AI agent for over 150 MATs? Joe reflects on the experience of building Robin, from the unexpected quirks of LLMs, to the power of small and supercharged teams.

In this session you’ll get the chance to:

– Reflect on your own AI projects and strategy
– Learn about AI tools being used by the Robin team and other MATs
– See the new features coming to Robin, to do even more for your teams
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 - 5:25 pm

Main room

Reclaiming energy spend: How MATs turn costs into cashflow

Slash Energy Costs. Unlock Fully Funded Upgrades.
eEnergy helps schools cut energy costs by up to 60% and move faster towards Net Zero—with no upfront capital. We deliver fully funded energy upgrades, including LED lighting, solar PV, and EV charging, backed by our £40m Net Zero fund with NatWest. Our intelligent data platform eliminates waste and proves savings. With over 1,000 projects delivered and more than £100m saved, we’re the trusted partner to schools across the UK. We make Net Zero simple, affordable, and measurable—so you can focus on what matters most: education.
Discover more at eenergy.com

Tyrone Garrick

Account 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.
5:25 pm - 5:55 pm

Main room

Panel discussion – RISE teams, help or hindrance?

Stephen Morales

Chief Executive Officer
Institute of School Business Leadership

Stuart Gardner

Chief Executive Officer
Thinking Schools Academy Trust

John Murphy

Education Leadership Mentor
Advisor and Public Speaker

Tim Coulson

Director General
Regions Group at the Department for Education

The Government’s RISE Teams set out a bold vision for inspections and interventions, promising to weave expertise, collaboration and community vitality into the fabric of education. Over six months on, CEOs weigh in on their promise &#...

The Government’s RISE Teams set out a bold vision for inspections and interventions, promising to weave expertise, collaboration and community vitality into the fabric of education. Over six months on, CEOs weigh in on their promise – this Oxford-style debate probes a critical question: are RISE Teams revolutionising trust-school dynamics or are they destabilising established systems?

The motion – “This house believes RISE Teams are transforming education for the better” sparks a clash of perspectives.

Stuart Gardner, Chief Executive Officer, TSAT argues for the motion, championing RISE Teams as catalysts for shared pupil success.

Mark Emmerson, Chief Executive Officer, The City of London Academies Trust counters, highlighting risks of cultural disruption and redundancy, questioning their value amid MATs complex governance.

Moderated by Stephen Morales, Chief Executive Officer, ISBL this debate will challenge assumptions and inspire strategic clarity.
5:55 pm - 6:00 pm

Main room

Chair's closing remarks
6:00 pm - 7:15 pm

Main room

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

Main room

Drinks reception & networking dinner
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout room 1

Tackling social mobility: building equitable futures in MATs

Mark Emmerson

Chief Executive Officer
City of London Academies Trust

With 700,000 London children in poverty and social mobility stalled, MATs must bridge the gap between academic success and equitable opportunities. Mark Emmerson, CEO of The City of London Academies Trust, shares a bold strategy to embed...

With 700,000 London children in poverty and social mobility stalled, MATs must bridge the gap between academic success and equitable opportunities. Mark Emmerson, CEO of The City of London Academies Trust, shares a bold strategy to embed social mobility into trust operations, drawing on his leadership in transforming school outcomes. Discover how to:

Redesign resource allocation: Prioritise funding for disadvantaged communities to break poverty cycles.

Foster inclusive cultures: Build workforce diversity reflecting local identities, boosting aspiration.

Leverage partnerships: Collaborate with employers and charities to enhance social capital.

Measure impact: Use data-driven metrics to track mobility outcomes, not just grades.
Emmerson’s blueprint offers practical steps to balance financial pressures with a commitment to equity, ensuring every pupil thrives in 2026 and beyond.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Breakout room 1

Protect your people: legal support for staff reputation in the digital age

Since 2018, Education Mutual has been transforming staff absence protection with an innovative, non-profit making approach that prioritises schools, budgets, and wellbeing. As the UK’s largest member-owned provider, recommended by the Department for Education through the CPC framework, we offer an ethical alternative to traditional insurance.

Our multi-award-winning service delivers budget certainty and includes access to a wide range of health and wellbeing services which are all included at no additional cost such as face-to-face counselling, physiotherapy, 24/7 GP access, and occupational health support to reduce and prevent absences.

Tailored memberships combine the benefits of commercial insurance with a community-focused ethos, ensuring every surplus is reinvested directly back to the education sector where it’s needed most!

Andrew Marsh

Head of Sales
Education Mutual

Staff Reputation Legal Protection Workshop
This workshop, led by Andrew Marsh, explores the growing challenge of online defamation and reputational threats facing school staff. With 83% of leaders reporting increased complaints, th...

Staff Reputation Legal Protection Workshop
This workshop, led by Andrew Marsh, explores the growing challenge of online defamation and reputational threats facing school staff. With 83% of leaders reporting increased complaints, the session highlights real-world scenarios, legal consequences, and proactive strategies for schools. Attendees will learn how to respond to false accusations, support affected staff, and implement protective policies. The workshop introduces Education Mutual’s new legal protection service—launched in April 2025—offering rapid support and safeguarding staff wellbeing. Designed for school leaders, this session empowers communities to defend professionalism and restore trust in the digital age.
2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Breakout room 1

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.

Jamie Garnley

Head of Sales
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.
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Breakout room 1

Centralising, filtering, safeguarding and data analytics

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.

Shaun Phillips

Director of Sales, EMEIA
Lightspeed Systems

As digital learning environments expand, Multi-Academy Trusts are increasingly prioritising centralised solutions that improve visibility, online safety, and operational efficiency. This presentation explores how Lightspeed Systems empow...

As digital learning environments expand, Multi-Academy Trusts are increasingly prioritising centralised solutions that improve visibility, online safety, and operational efficiency. This presentation explores how Lightspeed Systems empowers MATs to unify filtering, safeguarding, and data analytics within a single ecosystem.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout room 2

Student device provision – delivered simply

Giving you the freedom to access the latest technology
Co-founded in 2012, by two seasoned financed professionals, Freedom Tech has been delivering value to students, parents and staff through flexible and cost-effective technology financing solutions for the better part of a decade.

We want to enable you to move technology forward in your organisation without having to worry about additional resource, budget or risk.

Our range of technology finance solutions are designed with care to ensure you get the most value possible, with peace of mind that you’re financially secure

Adam Jones

Sales Director
Freedom Tech

Freedom Tech part of the CSI Group of companies has been delivering student devices programmes for over 10 years, currently supporting over 200,000 devices across hundreds of schools.

During the session we will be presenting how t...

Freedom Tech part of the CSI Group of companies has been delivering student devices programmes for over 10 years, currently supporting over 200,000 devices across hundreds of schools.

During the session we will be presenting how to run a successful programme from parental engagement, staff training, device enrolment, on-going repairs, funding models, pitfalls of insurance and much more
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Breakout room 2

The academy trust handbook, your estates management responsibilities

Eddisons specialises in supporting the education sector toward a greener future for staff, students, and stakeholders.

Our varied departments provide exceptional building surveying, valuations and even PFI advice to schools and Trusts across the country, alongside our dedicated decarbonisation specialists to assist with applications and delivery for Salix-funded projects.

We help to achieve clients’ sustainability goals by sourcing and securing funding for the Low Carbon Skills Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, among others.

All these efforts contribute to helping public and private sectors succeed in line with the UK’s commitment of reaching Net Zero by 2050.

Jenny Fram

Director of Business Development
Eddisons

Under the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook, Trusts must maintain internal scrutiny via an audit that includes monitoring controls such as HR, IT, financial systems and estates.

During MATPN South, we will be talking about what internal...

Under the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook, Trusts must maintain internal scrutiny via an audit that includes monitoring controls such as HR, IT, financial systems and estates.

During MATPN South, we will be talking about what internal scrutiny has been in the past, how it is changing for us in the short-term, and what benefits can be had from preparing early and carefully with our multi-disciplinary method.

Through our surveying, consultancy, planning and building services, Eddisons can support schools and multi-academy Trusts through internal assurance. We help institutions make sense of the Handbook by delivering impartial condition surveys, monitoring projects, management of capital spend, and ensuring that value is upheld in estates-related decision-making.

Additionally, our experiences in securing capital funding and aligning works to statutory and DfE standards have given us invaluable knowledge of government budget and time constraints. As a result, we can help Trusts to meet their internal scrutiny obligations prescribed in the Handbook.
2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Breakout room 2

The Reach Academy Hanworth Park strategy: create confident, engaged, proficient readers

At Daisy Education, we believe every student’s learning needs are as unique and as different as they are. That’s why we provide opportunities for students to discover and develop their love of learning through our personalised online programmes.
• DreamBox Reading Plus is a research-based reading programme designed to accelerate progress and close learning gaps. It improves fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, helping pupils in KS2 to KS4 become confident, proficient readers.
• DreamBox Maths helps primary pupils develop fluency and a deep conceptual understanding of maths. With real-time adaptivity, it tailors lessons to each student’s needs, building confidence and competence while sparking a love for learning.

Lilly Staff

English Lead
Reach Academy Hanworth Park

This session will cover:
• The current challenges of reading in schools.
• Our school’s specific challenges we were looking to improve.
• How the adaptive online reading development programme DreamBox Reading Pl...

This session will cover:
• The current challenges of reading in schools.
• Our school’s specific challenges we were looking to improve.
• How the adaptive online reading development programme DreamBox Reading Plus transformed our reading levels.
• Reach Academy’s reading programme, designed to support pupils’ resilience while fostering a lifelong love of reading.
• Building a culture where loving to read is the norm and where pupils see reading as the key to their future happiness and success
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Breakout room 2

Recruitment like you've never imagined by Eteach Group

The Eteach Group partners with top Trust leaders from Shaw, GLF, Oasis and more, to deliver centralised, scalable recruitment solutions that reduce admin time by 3-5 hours every week, save agency costs and improve long-term strategy. We combine powerful hiring technology built for education with the largest education-specific job board and data-driven marketing to help Trusts attract, hire and retain talent at scale.

Our dedicated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) streamlines processes for busy central teams, while our database of over 2.7m educators ensures faster, more precise hiring. Eteach Group is the only end-to-end solution that centralises every stage of hiring for Multi-academy Trusts.

Rhys Howells

Managing Director
Eteach

Imagine cutting your time-to-hire by 65% and saving thousands in agency fees. Eteach Group reveals how MATs are revolutionising recruitment with one integrated platform that modernises every stage of hiring. Learn how to reach 2.8 millio...

Imagine cutting your time-to-hire by 65% and saving thousands in agency fees. Eteach Group reveals how MATs are revolutionising recruitment with one integrated platform that modernises every stage of hiring. Learn how to reach 2.8 million+ education professionals instantly, broadcast roles across 75+ channels with one click, and automate your entire hiring journey from attraction to onboarding. Take your recruitment strategy to the next level with targeted recruitment marketing that engages passive talent and finds specialists for hard-to-fill roles. Discover how the award-winning ATS, built exclusively for education, eliminates friction, ensures compliance, and provides the ROI metrics that matter. Stop juggling fragmented tools – experience recruitment like you’ve never imagined.
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Breakout room 3

Discover, dream, design, deliver… making the Disney model work for you

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

This session outlines a strategy based on the Disney model to engage Trustees in developing your Vision, Mission and Values and getting buy-in from all stakeholders.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Breakout room 3

No wrong moves: making the right payroll choice for your trust

“Smarter technology for stronger trusts
Trusted by over 12,000 schools and 75% of multi-academy trusts across the UK, our comprehensive solutions transform how schools manage operations, drive improvement, and deliver better outcomes for pupils. Our solution suite includes Finance & Budgeting, HR & Payroll, Compliance & Estates, Student MIS, Parent Engagement, Cashless Catering, and Recruitment.
From Unity Schools Partnership and Kernow Learning, to Future Academies and Durrington Multi-Academy Trust, we work with leading MATs and schools to connect people with data, turning insights into action.
We’re passionate about helping individuals, teams, and entire trusts succeed. When our technology gives you time back, you can invest it where it matters most: in your people, your pupils, and your purpose.
Time creates value. Value delivers success.

Alex Edwards

Pre-Sales Specialist
IRIS

Payroll isn’t just numbers, it’s people’s livelihoods. With complex contracts, term-time only staff, pensions, and ever-shifting regulations, even small mistakes can damage trust and staff morale. Getting it right, every time, is n...

Payroll isn’t just numbers, it’s people’s livelihoods. With complex contracts, term-time only staff, pensions, and ever-shifting regulations, even small mistakes can damage trust and staff morale. Getting it right, every time, is non-negotiable.
This session explores the options: managing payroll in-house with the right technology or outsourcing to a trusted service partner. We’ll weigh up the pros and cons, share what a smooth transition looks like, and touch on moving away from shrinking LA support. Perfect for leaders who know payroll is too important to get wrong.
2:55 pm - 3:15 pm

Breakout room 3

Effective benchmarking

School Business Services (SBS) provides innovative, MAT-led software and expert consultancy to support Trusts with strategic planning and operational delivery. Our SBS Financial Planner and new SBS ICFP tool are designed with CFOs to meet the scale, complexity, and accountability demands of modern MATs.

We also offer interim finance cover, internal scrutiny, finance support, and MIS & ICT services — all delivered by education specialists. With a people-first approach, we empower Trust leaders to make confident, data-driven decisions that improve outcomes, strengthen financial sustainability, and reduce pressure on central teams.

Helen Dowsett

Product Specialist
School Business Services

Join Helen Dowsett, Product Specialist at SBS and former Financial Controller of multiple MATs to explore the critical role of benchmarking in driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement within academies.
3:20 pm - 3:40 pm

Breakout room 3

Smarter finance, sharper insight: AI for MAT’s

Sage Intacct is a web-based, SaaS accounting and financial management software system designed for use by education organisations, from multi-academy trusts, schools, colleges, and so much more. Sage Intacct is the #1 modern cloud financial management solution, built by finance experts for finance professionals. It helps CFOs access integrated management and financial reports across their business entities in minutes not days to grow and drive their businesses.

Daniel McDonald

Partner Account Manager
Sage

In this seminar, we’ll explore:
• How automation and AI can reduce manual workload and free up time for strategic work
• Practical approaches to deliver faster, clearer reporting across your trust
• Lessons from...

In this seminar, we’ll explore:
• How automation and AI can reduce manual workload and free up time for strategic work
• Practical approaches to deliver faster, clearer reporting across your trust
• Lessons from MATs already adopting cloud finance systems and AI tools
• How smarter finance processes can support long-term planning and more resilient decision-making

Take home points:
• A clearer understanding of how AI and automation can work with trust finance
• Practical tools and approaches you can use to improve efficiency in your organisation
• Insight into the challenges and successes already being experienced by peers across the sector
• Ways to future-proof your finance systems and make finance a genuine strategic advantage

26 November 2025

8:40 am - 8:45 am

Main room

Chair's opening remarks

John Murphy

Education Leadership Mentor
Advisor and Public Speaker

As we gather at a time of unprecedented change in our sector, from Ofsted reforms and AI integration to increasing SEND demands and financial pressures, the need for collaborative and courageous leadership is more urgent than ever.
<...

As we gather at a time of unprecedented change in our sector, from Ofsted reforms and AI integration to increasing SEND demands and financial pressures, the need for collaborative and courageous leadership is more urgent than ever.

This year, MATPN South unites over 150 of the region’s most influential MAT leaders. With a record number of C-suite speakers, new interactive formats, and a stronger focus on practical, scalable solutions, this event is designed to support your most critical priorities.

Over the next two days, you will hear from keynote voices such as Sir Martyn Oliver, Lucy Heller, Paul Glover, and James Browning. You will explore frameworks across four focused content tracks and connect with solution providers who understand the challenges and opportunities within multi-academy trusts.

We encourage you to use this space not just to listen, but to question, engage, and lead.

Together, let’s shape the future of trust leadership.
8:50 am - 9:20 am

Main room

Keynote presentation: Building and growing a high performing MAT: inclusion is the key to outstanding

Paul Glover

Chief Executive Officer
STEP Academy Trust

John Halliwell

Executive Director
STEP Academy Trust

With the well-known sector challenges and current landscape, building and growing a high performing MAT with a unique approach to SEND provision and school improvement. Paul Glover, STEP CEO and John Halliwell, Executive Director of Prim...

With the well-known sector challenges and current landscape, building and growing a high performing MAT with a unique approach to SEND provision and school improvement. Paul Glover, STEP CEO and John Halliwell, Executive Director of Primary.

Growing a MAT across geographical areas, whilst strengthening culture.
Investment in Leadership to drive sustained high performance.
Developing the culture of Inclusion, finance, practice and the individual needs of pupils.
The importance of stakeholders.
9:20 am - 9:40 am

Main room

Schools under siege: cyber threats in MATs

Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI-powered platform and expert-led services. It adapts to organizations at any stage of security maturity, combining machine learning, automation, and real-time threat intelligence with human expertise from Sophos X-Ops for 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response.
Sophos delivers industry-leading managed detection and response (MDR) and a broad portfolio of solutions, including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next-gen SIEM. Paired with expert advisory services, Sophos helps reduce risk, accelerate response, and outpace evolving cyber threats.

Roger Neal

Director, Senior Engineering
Sophos

• Why do Organisations Fall Victim to Threat Actors?
• How do Organisations Fall Victim to Threat Actors?
• How Sophos Protected Classroom can help protect Multi Academy Trusts against Threat Actors?
• Key Takea...

• Why do Organisations Fall Victim to Threat Actors?
• How do Organisations Fall Victim to Threat Actors?
• How Sophos Protected Classroom can help protect Multi Academy Trusts against Threat Actors?
• Key Takeaways
– Planning and Preparation
– Prevention
– Protection
– Detection and Response
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main room

Transforming trust-wide english assessment & 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

Amanda Tupper

English Strategy Lead
The Kemnal Academies Trust

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

In this session, Olex.AI COO Victoria Mallinson will show how trusts across the UK are harnessing Olex to reimagine English assessment and feedback. She will share how MATs are using Olex strategically to reduce workload, raise engagement, and standardise assessment practices. Vicky will be joined by Amanda Tupper, English Strategy Lead for The Kemnal Academies Trust, who will share her experience of adopting Olex and the successes they have seen so far.
10:10 am - 10:30 am

Main room

State of AI: a practical framework for schools

Willow: Safe & Personalised AI for Students, Controlled by Teachers
With 75% of students already using ChatGPT for homework, schools face a crisis: students abusing AI instead of developing critical thinking.

Willow prepares students for the AI-driven world, without becoming reliant on it. Students complete intelligent activities, quizzes, and exercises within Willow, lock-step with classroom teaching
Willow lightens teachers’ workloads, while providing deep insights into student progress and abilities beyond standard assessments.
Built for safety: Age-appropriate guardrails, detects if students use other AI platforms, school branding for parent trust. Teachers control student usage: turn on/off, generates bespoke post-lesson activities, receive alerts of misuse/poor comprehension.
Built for learning: AI mapped to your curriculum, reinforcing today’s lesson—never doing the work instead of students, but helping with personalised guidance.
Built for results: 20% grade improvement, 87% increase in student engagement, 79% boost in student confidence (LSE Study, August 2025).

Jordan Caspersz

Chief Executive Officer
Willow Learn

Join us for a data-driven exploration of the latest advancements in AI, the impact on
education, and a comprehensive framework to assess AI tools as a trust.

We’ll examine real data on the student-teacher AI gap, share sa...

Join us for a data-driven exploration of the latest advancements in AI, the impact on
education, and a comprehensive framework to assess AI tools as a trust.

We’ll examine real data on the student-teacher AI gap, share safe implementation
strategies, and provide clear vendor criteria. You’ll leave with a roadmap for moving
from reactive policies to proactive AI integration, plus see these principles in action
through a live demonstration of an AI platform designed specifically for schools.
10:30 am - 11:10 am

Main room

In conversation with Sir Martyn Oliver, HM Chief Inspector, Ofsted

Sir Martyn Oliver

HM Chief Inspector
Ofsted

Sir Martyn Oliver, HM Chief Inspector at Ofsted, presents Ofsted’s vision to support MATs through robust inspection, collaboration and a focus on educational excellence. Sir Martyn will outline Ofsted’s priorities for 2026, sharing i...

Sir Martyn Oliver, HM Chief Inspector at Ofsted, presents Ofsted’s vision to support MATs through robust inspection, collaboration and a focus on educational excellence. Sir Martyn will outline Ofsted’s priorities for 2026, sharing insights on enhancing transparency in inspections, promoting sector-wide learning, and fostering best practices to elevate standards across MATs.

Join Sir Martyn to explore practical approaches and strategies for navigating inspections and driving improvement in the year ahead. Pose your questions during the Q&A to gain clarity on Ofsted’s expectations and vision for 2026 and beyond.
11:15 am - 12:15 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.
12:20 pm - 1:20 pm

Main room

Candid conversations: CEO-led round table discussions - unfiltered, honest and powerful peer-to-peer Talks

Tiffany Beck

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

Anna Rogers

Chief Executive Officer
Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust

Ali Brabner

Head of Governance and Onboarding
Diocese of St Albans

Shofiquez Zaman

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Community Schools Trust

David Harris

Chief Executive Officer
Engage Enrich Excel Academies

Elliot Morgan

School Improvement Advisor
Knowledge Schools Trust

Steph Roberts

Chief Executive Officer
Orbis Education Trust

Mark Emmerson

Chief Executive Officer
City of London Academies Trust

Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope

Dean and Professor of Education
Plymouth Marjon University

Shaheen Myers

Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Balance-ed

Luke Mulhall

Principal of Online Schooling and Digital Innovation
King's Group Academies

Dr Danny Doyle

Chief Executive Officer
Cardinal Newman Catholic Trust

Join us for peer-led roundtable discussions, facilitated by CEOs (not solution providers) on a topic of choice. Expect high-level brainstorming, candid discussion and plenty of debate. Before closing, each table will share their key disc...

Join us for peer-led roundtable discussions, facilitated by CEOs (not solution providers) on a topic of choice. Expect high-level brainstorming, candid discussion and plenty of debate. Before closing, each table will share their key discoveries and feedback their findings with the room. Don’t hold back – this is a safe space to air your ideas, pose your questions and reflect on the past two days.

Roundtable 1: How are you redefining governance to meet the Children’s Bill? Anna Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Diocese of St Albans and Ali Brabner, Head of Governance and Onboarding, Diocese of St Albans

Roundtable 2: Is culture key to growth, impact and innovation? Shofiquez Zaman, Deputy CEO, Community Schools Trust

Roundtable 3: Where HR systems fall short and what can be done about it? David Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Engage Enrich Excel Academies

Roundtable 4: How to balance ambitious goals with operational realities? Elliot Morgan, School Improvement Advisor, Knowledge Schools Trust

Roundtable 5: How can you best find, recruit and keep top teacher talent?
Steph Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Orbis Education Trust

Roundtable 6: Simplifying SEND – why paying attention to detail can make all the difference
Mark Emmerson, Chief Executive Officer, The City of London Academies Trust

Roundtable 7: Streamlining Governance in Trusts: Balancing Efficiency, Accountability and Collaboration

Discuss the potential benefits and risks of centralising trust governance, exploring how to improve decision-making while maintaining school-level autonomy and stakeholder trust.
Also explore how collaboration between schools can improve access to resources—particularly in rural areas.

Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope, Dean and Professor of Education, Plymouth Marjon University

Roundtable 8: Embedding Wellbeing in Education: Creating Cultures of Care, Connection, and Cost-Conscious Impact
Shaheen Myers, Founder and CEO, Balance:ed

Roundtable 9: What is the role of AI in supporting different people and operational functions?
Luke Mulhall, Digital Strategy, King’s Group Academies

Roundtable 10: What can we learn from Middle Eastern Education?
Dr Danny Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, The Cardinal Newman Catholic Educational Trust
1:20 pm - 1:25 pm

Main room

Chair's closing remarks
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Main room

Networking lunch
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Breakout room 1

Mind the word gap: how Mrs Wordsmith revolutionises vocabulary acquisition

Mrs Wordsmith is on a mission to make reading and writing irresistible. We create research-backed books, games, and apps that are as fun as the movies kids watch and the games they play. Built by artists and educators, our resources use visual learning, spaced repetition, and gamification to boost vocabulary learning and build essential literacy skills. Designed for ages 3–13, everything we make blends education with entertainment. Whether at home or in school, we help kids fall in love with language—and give teachers the tools to make it stick.

Jo Jackson

Head of Education
Mrs Wordsmith

At Mrs Wordsmith, we believe words are the foundation of learning, communication, comprehension and belonging. To close the word gap, we combine the rigour of the science of reading with the magic of world-class entertainment. Led by art...

At Mrs Wordsmith, we believe words are the foundation of learning, communication, comprehension and belonging. To close the word gap, we combine the rigour of the science of reading with the magic of world-class entertainment. Led by artist Craig Kelman (Madagascar) and supported by literacy expert Emma Madden, our supplemental resources bring vocabulary to life through games, books, songs, podcasts, animations, AI and Humans. In this session, we’ll explore the vocabulary crisis, the joyful solutions we are providing, and real examples of our resources transforming classrooms across the UK.
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Breakout room 2

Developing strategic vision: leading with purpose and confidence

Part of Supporting Education Group, Judicium Education and Neo People Management support over 4,000 schools and trusts with the challenges of running safe, compliant, and high-performing organisations. Judicium’s services span Health and Safety, Fire Risk assessments, Data protection, Clerking and Governance, Safeguarding, and SEND, while together with Neo we provide integrated Employment Law, HR, and Payroll support. Our joined-up approach reduces duplication, streamlines compliance, and frees leaders’ time. With deep sector knowledge, we deliver scalable, practical solutions that align people, processes, compliance, and planning. We help trusts maximise resources, strengthen staff culture, and achieve sustainable outcomes through collaborative partnerships.

Louise Durbin

Senior Employment Law Consultant
Judicium Education & Neo People Management

This presentation supports MAT leaders in developing strategic vision that aligns purpose, culture, and people. It explores how to move beyond compliance toward intentional, values-driven strategy development that builds clarity, confide...

This presentation supports MAT leaders in developing strategic vision that aligns purpose, culture, and people. It explores how to move beyond compliance toward intentional, values-driven strategy development that builds clarity, confidence, and resilience across all levels of the Trust. Amid increasing educational and financial pressures, leaders are encouraged to reflect, refine, and realign their strategic priorities through purposeful decision-making, organisational health checks, and investment in leadership capacity. By leading with courage, empathy, and purpose, MATs can create coherent, confident systems where every decision reinforces the shared vision for sustainable growth and educational excellence.
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Breakout room 3

JoinUp with Juniper

JoinUp reflects how Juniper thinks and works. It’s a connected approach that brings school staff, families, systems and services into alignment, focused on the challenges that matter most. We support schools facing rising absence, behaviour pressures, stretched teams and limited resources. We understand the value of informed parents, supported staff and tools that work the way schools need them to. JoinUp builds stronger relationships, clearer systems and steadier leadership by improving how decisions are made, information flows and progress is shared. Everything we offer, from managed services to parental communication, creates a joined-up experience built on care, connection and shared effort.

Chris Scarth

Chief Executive Officer
Juniper Education

Behind every great school are people dedicated to providing the best education for their students. They deserve HR systems that make their work life easier. JoinUp with Juniper brings a transformational approach to how Trusts manage HR a...

Behind every great school are people dedicated to providing the best education for their students. They deserve HR systems that make their work life easier. JoinUp with Juniper brings a transformational approach to how Trusts manage HR and Payroll. Supported by Juniper’s expert consultants, with over 200 years of combined experience, Trusts benefit from one connected platform that gives leaders clarity and confidence through real-time insights. Powered by PeopleFirst, our HR and Payroll services enable teams to work smarter and move faster. In this session, discover how JoinUp helps your Trust focus on what matters most improving lives through education.