Three-day
virtual summit

Al Kingsley MBE is CEO of NetSupport / Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust and previously alternative provision, specialist provision, and all-through academies. As well as his 30-year CEO and Chair roles, Al also chairs his region’s SEND Board, sits on the Regional Schools Directors Advisory Board for the East of England, and is Chair of the BESA EdTech Group. He’s a well-known face in EdTech around the world; author of “My Secret #EdTech Diary” and the best seller “My School Governance Handbook, My School & Multi-Academy Trust Growth Guide”, plus his most recent book “The Awkward Questions in Education”. Al writes and speaks internationally on the effective use of educational technology and is a Forbes Technology Council member.

Ben is a freelance consultant working with a number of clients on both digital and cultural transformation. Prior to this, Ben worked for 15 years in education as an Assistant Principal and Curriculum Manager, focusing on apprenticeships, digital transformation, and formerly in his subject specialisms of Religious Studies & Sociology. He is co-host of the popular “Edufuturists” podcast, where he explores the future of education by interviewing thinkers from around the world, most notably around the implications of A.I. in education. Ben has travelled around the world talking about effective tech integration that has an impact on learning and culture, and is the author of the book “The Ideas Guy”, released in January 2025.​

David Meades is the CEO and Accounting Officer of Samphire Star Education Trust, bringing over three decades of invaluable experience in education to his pivotal role. A seasoned educator, David qualified as a teacher in the early 1990s and has dedicated his career to elevating educational standards, including a tenure as a literacy advisor for a local authority and four years as an Ofsted inspector.

An integral part of the Trust Schools since 2007, David has witnessed and steered its significant evolution from a maintained federation to an academy trust in 2012. He played a vital role in the Trust’s 2022 rebrand, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to achievement for all and ensuring students receive the very best learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. David’s steadfast mission is to uphold excellence and enable communities to thrive through high-quality education, with his leadership continuing to shape and strengthen the future of learning for all within the Trust’s collaborative family of four schools.

James Darnley serves as the CFOO for a four-school Multi-Academy Trust, where he’s brought his considerable financial and operational acumen to bear over the past four years. This follows a rather distinguished 14-year career in audit and accounts, providing James with a thorough grasp of financial rigour, compliance, and shrewd business operations. This blend of experience makes him a compelling voice on financial management and operational efficiency within the education sector.

Laura is the Head of Curriculum, Assessment and Pedagogy at Anthem Schools Trust, which is a MAT comprised of 16 primary and secondary schools distributed from the north of Lincolnshire down and across to Oxford. In the first year of Laura’s role she brought leaders from 16 geographically disparate schools together to collaborate on The Anthem Way which is a codified, research driven model of excellence in teaching. Since then it has become a true shared language and has improved quality of education across the trust. A trustee recently commented on the impact of The Anthem Way: ‘In some places the only thing that connects one classroom to another are the heating pipes. Not at Anthem!’

Laura continues to drive the Anthem value of collaboration on quality of education via her leadership of trust networks for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment and subject communities of practice. Prior to her current role Laura was a Head of School and Trust Deputy at a small high performing trust in West London and has facilitated SENCo collaboration across ARK schools.

Matthew Wemyss is an international school leader and bestselling author with over 11 years’ experience driving innovation in education across the UK and internationally. Specialising in AI and adaptive learning technologies, Matthew is passionate about leveraging emerging EdTech tools to personalise learning and equip students with essential future-ready skills such as creativity, communication, and problem-solving.

He co-hosts the “Ctrl+Alt+Teach” podcast, where he explores the transformative potential of technology in education alongside fellow educators. In 2024, Matthew was honoured as the Edufuturists AI Pioneer, recognising his significant contributions to advancing AI in education.

Oliver Burwood has been CEO of DNEAT since 2019, leading the trust through challenges like COVID-19 and driving its growth to include more church schools. His previous roles include School Improvement Lead (AGEP) at DNEAT, primary and infant school headteaching. In these roles he led schools to improved outcomes for children and Ofsted grades, including outstanding. Oliver has extensive experience in teaching and leadership across Norfolk and has represented DNEAT at national conferences and engaged with the DfE and ministers on small school issues.

After earning a degree in The Teaching of English and playing american football at The University of Illinois, he turned down a professional wrestling contract to pursue higher education in the UK as a fulbright scholar. He completed an MPhil in Shakespeare Studies and English Literature at The University of Birmingham and The Shakespeare Institute.

Since then, Stephen has now lived in the UK for over two decades.  Having founded Solihull Academy in 2018, Stephen has grown the organisation into a multi-site trust that now serves hundreds of students across the West Midlands. As an experienced leader in Alternative Provision, Stephen understands the importance of tackling difficult conversations, managing conflict, and fostering inclusion. His expertise isn’t confined to the education sector—Stephen has spoken at major conferences, sits on the Secondary Council for NAHT, co-leads for PRUsAP in the West Midlands, and has been deeply involved in initiatives for vulnerable and challenging youth.