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Learn Academies Trust Central Team

• Jane Jones

  CEO

  A graduate of Law from Cambridge University, Jane had a thriving 18-year legal career in both public and private sectors. Transitioning to the education field six years ago, Jane's passion lies in children's education and well-being. Her goal is to work collaboratively with the Trust's senior leaders to create a positive, nurturing, and inclusive primary school experience for students. Jane is dedicated to challenging and supporting students to achieve their full potential, empowering them to confidently pursue present and future opportunities with courage and optimism.

• Steve Roddy

  Director of Education and Deputy CEO

  As Headteacher at Church Langton CE Primary School Steve led the successful application to launch Learn-AT Teaching School in 2017, which continues to operate as Learn-AT Professional, and launched Learn-AT Associate Research School as part of the Education Endowment Foundation funded Research School Network in 2018. As Director of these two elements of the Trust, Steve has successfully launched a partnership with Church of England Foundation of Educational Leadership to deliver National Professional Qualifications. Steve has served on the Board of Education for Diocese of Leicester and Leicestershire Education Effectiveness Partnership, and has been a governor at five different schools. He completed his Masters in Educational Leadership in 2021. As Director of Education/ Deputy Trust Leader Steve works to improve outcomes and opportunities for all of the Trust's children.

• Richard Gray

  Director of Finance and Operations

  Richard is a chartered management accountant, and has had a highly successful career across a number of multi national companies with a wide span of control and responsibility across finance, property, legal, IT, procurement and health and safety. As a volunteer outside of his career, he has also served as Chair of Governors at an academy in Nottinghamshire and continues to serve as a local churchwarden and as a panel member on a youth offending service. In his spare time he loves to spoil his baby granddaughter and walk his 2 dogs.

• Joe Bladon

  Head of Digital Strategy (Infrastructure and Innovation)

  Joe works across Learn-AT academies to build a secure and efficient network which supports both trust wide management information systems and IT for teaching and learning.

• Kate Jones

  Head of People and Culture

  Kate started her career in the banking sector. As her career progressed she had the opportunity to lead UK wide teams focussing on the delivery of improved customer experience across a multi-channel business. After 17 years in the private sector, Kate made the move into the public sector, wanting to make a difference in education. After completing her School Business Management qualifications, Kate has worked in both stand-alone education settings and multi academy trusts. Kate joined Learn Academies Trust in 2017 and has worked closely with the school and central leadership teams to deliver process, HR, premises and operational improvements. Kate also has a trust-wide role in driving improvements in processes related SEN pupils. Outside of work, Kate is mum to three girls and two cute dogs. She loves to play rounders, watch sport and renovate her home.

• Susie Murtagh

  Head of Marketing and Communications

  Susie leads on marketing and communications both for the Trust and the Institute of Education, which provides professional learning and fellowship for staff. Amongst other things, she is responsible for strategic delivery of social media, newsletters, market research and promotional materials, including digital and printed content, and improving staff and parental engagement. She also supports new schools joining the Trust as part of a project team. Susie has a degree in Communications and a Diploma in Executive Marketing and brings skills to the Trust from her previous communications roles in the private sector working for several large multinational companies. She joined the Trust in 2018 as an Office Manager, enabling her to gain front of house, operational experience. Outside of work her life is dominated by sport, with a houseful of ardent football fans and grassroots players. She runs a school football club supporting their development and has set up a ladies' netball club for like-minded players in her local area. She plays in a ‘friendly’ women’s netball league every week and often has the bruises to prove it!

• Alan Eathorne

  Trust Director of Institute of Education

  Alan has been the headteacher at Husbands Bosworth CE Primary School for six years having previously worked in other schools in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. Within Learn Academies Trust he is responsible for supporting RIPPLE Leaders in each school. He has recently completed a Masters in school-based leadership and management and has presented at regional, national and international events focussed on professional learning and Lesson Study. For three years he has been an Evidence Leader of Education (ELE) for Kyra Research and Learn-AT Associate Research schools.

• Nadine Weedall

  SEND Strategic Lead

  Nadine Weedall is the SEND Strategic Lead for Learn Academies Trust. She has experience as teacher, SENCO, SEND Chaplain as well as school and trust leadership roles. Nadine enjoys working closely with SENCOs and senior leaders across the trust and is passionate about ensuring every child can reach their full potential. Her past educational expertise and external leadership experience means that she is skilled at networking and collaborating with a range of stakeholders and can provide high quality support to colleagues both within and beyond the trust. Nadine is deeply committed to ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to ensure children in their care thrive. Nadine has also developed strong knowledge of support available for children and their families and has developed good links with the local authority. She believes a child-centred, unified approach is key to ensuring children receive the very best educational experience.

• Steve Snelson

  Area Director of Schools

  Steve Snelson is an Area Director of Schools for Learn Academies Trust, working as part of the central education team to support six of the Trust’s schools. In this role, he provides school improvement guidance, professional challenge and high-quality assurance to headteacher colleagues and their school communities, working alongside them to secure the very best outcomes for all pupils. Steve is committed to ensuring that children remain at the heart of all decision making and that every action taken across the trust contributes to their success, safety and well-being. With over 25 years’ experience in schools across Leicestershire and Leicester City, Steve brings a wealth of leadership expertise and a track record of sustained improvement. He began his headship journey in 2008 and has since served as headteacher in six schools, including most recently as Executive Headteacher of three schools within the Trust. Steve is a founding Trustee of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) and spent nearly a decade as a member of the Department for Education’s Primary Headteacher Reference Group, contributing to national discussions on educational policy and practice. He holds both the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). Evidence led, sustainable school improvement underpins Steve’s leadership approach. He works closely with school leaders to coach, mentor and develop them—building strong teams and nurturing the next generation of education leaders.

• Sarah Sadler

  Area Director of Schools

  Sarah Sadler – Area Director of Schools, Learn Academies Trust Sarah Sadler is an experienced education leader with over 25 years of work supporting children and young people. She is a graduate of Nottingham Trent University and champions leadership development, professional learning communities, and innovative approaches to curriculum and wellbeing. Sarah is one of the Area Director of Schools at Learn Academies Trust. Here, she supports headteachers and provides advice so that her schools deliver high quality teaching, inclusive practice, and strong pupil progress. Sarah provides guidance, coaching, and oversight to school leaders and governors. She focuses strongly on improving opportunities for disadvantaged pupils. Sarah began her career as a classroom teacher and quickly developed a passion for creating engaging and supportive learning environments. Her time as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo) strengthened her commitment to making sure that every child receives the right support to succeed. Sarah has also worked as a Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, and School Improvement Partner. In these roles, she led improvement projects, built community partnerships, and supported school leaders to make strategic, evidence based decisions. Sarah’s leadership is guided by a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the very best start in life, and it is the responsibility of educators to help make that possible. Through her work, she continues to inspire, support, and lead with integrity, making a lasting difference in the lives of pupils, staff, and communities.