23-24 September, The Apex Hotel, Bath, Somerset
Simon Spry Chief Executive Officer, Learning Academies Trust
Simon is an experienced education leader with nearly 30 years in primary education in the South West of England. Until recently, he served as Executive Headteacher of two large Plymouth primary schools and was the founding CEO of the Learning Academies Trust, an 8-school Multi-Academy Trust educating nearly 3,000 pupils. A National Leader of Education (NLE) and joint lead of the Plymouth Teaching School Alliance, Simon has supported numerous schools through leadership programs and advisory roles. He has also worked with Ofsted, the Department for Education, and the Education Development Trust, contributing to school improvement both in the UK and internationally.
Paul WalkerChief Executive Officer, First Federation Trust
Paul Walker has been the CEO of the Trust since his appointment in January 2018. Paul has been the headteacher of several schools in Devon, many in challenging circumstances. Previously he was the CEO of the small Genesis Trust, which merged with the First Federation in September 2017. Paul is a Local Leader of Education and has recently qualified as a Lead Inspector for Ofsted. He has also served on the Devon Association of Primary Headteachers for many years; chairing the group for several years.
Adrian RogersChief Executive Officer, Chiltern Learning Trust
Adrian Rogers is the CEO of Chiltern Learning Trust, leading its growth from three to eighteen schools and establishing key education hubs and training programs. With over 20 years in leadership, including roles as Headteacher and Executive Head, he has driven school improvement and innovation. A National Leader of Education, Adrian is committed to expanding opportunities for students, inspired by his own journey from a mining family. Passionate about music and sports, he integrates these influences into his leadership approach.
Matthew ShanksChief Executive OfficerEducation South West
Originally from Manchester, Matthew Shanks has spent 26 years in education, including 17 as a senior leader. As a Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, and Chair of Governors, he has successfully led both secondary and primary schools out of special measures to achieve Ofsted outstanding and good ratings. A National Leader of Education and trained Ofsted inspector, he is passionate about improving school cultures and creating opportunities for all children, beyond just exam results. As a Level 7 executive coach and mentor, he supports leaders in driving positive change. A trustee of School Leadership Services, he believes in collaboration, humility, and the transformative power of education.
Paul PlumbridgeDeputy Chief Executive OfficerHumber Education Trust
Paul Plumridge is the Deputy CEO and Strategic School Improvement Lead for Humber Education Trust. He has significant experience in this role across a range of schools and trusts and enjoys supporting and challenging colleagues in a practical and collaborative way. Prior to taking up the post of Deputy CEO, Paul was the Headteacher of Adelaide Primary School and Associate Headteacher of Eastfield Primary School.
Ian YappChief Executie Officer
The STAR Multi-Academy Trust
The STAR Multi-Academy Trust
Ian Yapp is the CEO of STAR Multi-Academy Trust, having been part of its journey since its inception as an alliance and its growth into a Trust. Ian began his teaching career in Leeds in 1988 before moving to North Yorkshire in 2000, where he served as Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher, with his first headship at Husthwaite CE School. In 2008, he became Headteacher at Riverside School, one of STAR's founding schools. His passion for school culture and community is evident in his leadership and work within STAR. Additionally, Ian serves as Chair of the North Yorkshire Schools Forum and has been a governor at the Boroughbridge High/King James Federation for over 12 years. Outside of work, he enjoys running, working in the allotment, and spending time with his family and their large goldendoodle.
Ann Palmer
Chief Executive Officer & Trustee
Fig Tree International Ltd
Chief Executive Officer & Trustee
Fig Tree International Ltd
Ann Palmer has over 30 years of experience in inner-city schools, specializing in leading and turning around schools in challenging circumstances. With headship roles in large, culturally-diverse primary and secondary schools, Ann is described as a visionary leader and an inspirational figure in education. She has extensive experience as a tutor on the NPQH programme, an accredited coach, and a keynote speaker for organizations like the SSAT and the National College of Teaching and Leadership. Ann has worked with governors, local authorities, the Department for Education, and universities both in the UK and internationally. She mentors, coaches, and appraises principals and trains professionals in the education sector. As a facilitator on the NPQEL programme and a member of the National Governance Association’s Diversity and Equalities Advisory Group, Ann is also the founder of the ‘Confident Executive Leadership’ programme for Black and Asian leaders. Additionally, she oversees the accredited RACE Charter Mark for schools and colleges and serves as CEO of Fig Tree International and Managing Director with the Federation of Independent Schools. Ann was awarded Freedom of the City of London in 2010.
Julian DrinkallChief Executive OfficerGLF Schools
Julian Drinkall is the CEO of GLF Schools. With extensive experience as a proven MAT CEO, Julian previously served as the CEO of AET for five years, where he led a major transformation of the organisation. His career includes a diverse background, having worked with schools and other organisations across the state, non-profit, and private sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Julian is committed to building on the strong foundation of GLF Schools, supporting each school in the Trust to go from strength to strength and ensuring the best possible provision for the 17,000+ children in GLF Schools. He is dedicated to furthering the Trust’s values and working closely with students, staff, parents, carers, and the wider community.
Dave Baker
Chief Executive Officer
The Olympus Academy Trust
Chief Executive Officer
The Olympus Academy Trust
Dave Baker is the Chief Executive Officer, Accounting Officer, and a Trustee of The Olympus Academy Trust. Dave was the founding Headteacher of Bradley Stoke Community School, which opened in September 2005, and led it through its first seven years until the oldest students graduated in 2012. In 2011, he took on interim responsibility for Abbeywood Community School, which became an academy under The Olympus Academy Trust in 2013. Under his leadership, the Trust has grown significantly, now serving 6400 learners and 750 staff across nine schools, with four schools re-brokered from other Trusts, including three that were previously judged inadequate by Ofsted. With over three decades of experience in education, Dave is passionate about improving the life chances of young people and fostering collaborative approaches to teaching, learning, and leadership. He is also a National Leader of Education and has contributed to regional and national leadership training programs. Dave was an elected member of the Headteacher Board for the South-West of England from 2014-2017 and currently coordinates a Trust leaders' network for the South West region.
