: Evidence Leads in Education and Core Team

With over 20 years of experience in primary and early years education – both in the classroom and as a school leader – Claire has had the privilege of working in diverse school settings. 

She is deeply passionate about supporting and developing teachers and school leaders to ensure pupils receive the highest quality education. Claire believes that the integration of research evidence with professional expertise provides educators with the best opportunity to succeed.

Jen is the Trust Lead for Early Career Teachers within the Greater Manchester Education Trust, where she ensures that Early Career Teachers transition smoothly into their roles and establish a strong foundation for effective teaching practice. Alongside this, she works as a UCL facilitator, supporting Year 1 ECTs and their mentors.

Jen is excited to join Alexandra Park Research School as Assistant Director and looks forward to working collaboratively with colleagues to promote evidence-informed practice and empower educators to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.

Aimee is Executive Assistant for the Greater Manchester Education Trust with a background spanning marketing, events, project management, communications, and copywriting.

She is joining Alexandra Park Research School as Project Manager/​Administrator, where she will support the development and delivery of research-informed initiatives. Aimee is passionate about effective organisation, creative communication, and building strong partnerships to help drive positive change across the Trust. 

Mike has taught for 14 years and leads maths at Alexandra Park Primary. A Mastery Specialist, NCETM PD Lead, and White Rose Champion Teacher, he is passionate about making maths accessible and inspiring for all learners through evidence-informed practice.

Toby Butt is a Y6 class teacher and the school’s Oracy Lead, facilitating the implementation of quality speaking and listening opportunities.

Alice has over a decade of experience in education and works as a Specialist Teacher and Evidence Lead in Education at Alexandra Park Primary. With a Master’s in Special and Inclusive Education, she leads on PSHE and supports colleagues to embed inclusive, research-informed practice.

Jessica is a Year 1 teacher and Evidence Lead in Education at Alexandra Park Primary. With experience across Key Stages 1 and 2, she is passionate about inclusive practice, language development, and supporting Early Career Teachers to grow in confidence and expertise.

With 30 years of experience in the Primary Sector, Helen’s career has been defined by her passion for high-quality teaching and a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Currently serving as a Deputy Headteacher in a Resourced Primary School, she continues to teach in the classroom for part of the week. As an English Lead and previously a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), she is dedicated to improving outcomes in reading and writing. I am particularly interested in how we can translate research into the high-leverage classroom practices that support all learners.

Luke has worked in primary education for over 15 years, developing knowledge and skills which facilitate him in his current role as Assistant Headteacher at Alexandra Park Primary School. He is passionate about literacy and using evidence to make informed decisions on how to embed effective implementation strategies and improve outcomes for all children.

Sarah has worked in education for over 20 years and her experience lies within teaching across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She is passionate about supporting all children develop the fundamental skills needed to become happy, confident lifelong learners with a particular dedication for supporting families with their child’s development.

Dave Seneviratne has 13 years of experience teaching across primary education and currently teaches in Year 2. He has previously worked as a Reading Lead and played a key role in developing a vocabulary programme as part of an EEF trial across six schools.

James has over 10 years of experience teaching across Key Stage 2 and currently teaches in Year 5, where he also leads Art and Design. With a Master’s in Psychology and Education, he focuses on developing metacognitive strategies that help pupils become reflective, independent learners.

Megan is a Year 2 teacher and Co-Maths Lead at Alexandra Park Primary with five years of experience. She has led professional development through NCETM, White Rose Maths, and SCITT programmes, and has a strong interest in the link between mathematical reasoning and language.

Beth is the Nursery Teacher at Alexandra Park Primary. With six years of teaching experience, she specialises in creating creative, purposeful learning environments that inspire curiosity and promote language, play, and exploration.

Phil’s teaching career began with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) at a teacher training college in rural China. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in Stockport schools, and for the past 6 years, he has been the headteacher at Alexandra Park. Phil is deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves the highest standard of care and education.

Having worked in primary education for over 15 years in a range of roles from class teacher to her current role of Deputy Headteacher, Hayley currently leads early literacy and phonics and is passionate about ensuring every child is a reader.