: Meet our extended team

I have over 30 years’ experience in teaching, leadership and school improvement roles, having worked as an Executive Headteacher, LA School Improvement Advisor, School Improvement Partner, Pupil Premium Reviewer and Consultant.

I have designed and led a number of national and regional leadership programmes and was part of the expert panel involved in the publication of the EEF ​‘Effective Professional Development’ guidance report published in 2021.

I am passionate about tackling the inequalities which come from educational and social disadvantage, having worked in and with a diverse range of schools over many years. I am an experienced coach and mentor and have supported many new and more-experienced school leaders. I have a strong awareness of both the challenges and opportunities which school leadership brings and is passionate about helping leaders to be the best they can be.

Follow Helen on X: Helen Bellinger (@helenbellinger1) / X

As a secondary Director of Maths and evidence lead, I work across multiple secondary schools to improve maths achievement and teaching quality. My background as a Specialist Leader of Education has allowed me to support maths departments in various schools, both regionally and nationally. I’m particularly interested in how cognitive science can inform effective teaching strategies, assessment design, and data analysis to ensure students truly retain mathematical concepts. I believe that evidence-based practice is crucial for driving school improvement and raising student outcomes.

Follow Danny on X: Danny Peaker (@MrPeakerMaths) / X

As Assistant Headteacher for Staff Development Standards at a Sheffield school, I spend every day working with colleagues on evidence informed practice and pedagogy. I have held many other roles in my 10 year teaching career including Lead Practitioner, Curriculum Leader of Mathematics and Assistant Headteacher for Impact of Teaching.

One of my proudest achievements was transforming outcomes in maths as Curriculum Leader, driven by the use of evidence-informed practice to improve quality-first teaching. I am particularly passionate about subject specific pedagogy and believe that focussing on mathematics teaching as a distinct skill set is the key to raising achievement for all students.

Follow Drew on X: Drew Sherratt (@DrewSherratt23) / X

I am incredibly proud to be an Evidence Lead in Education, having developed a passion for research over 20 years ago. I have been lucky to work in many roles supporting colleagues within the profession, including Advanced Skills Teacher, local authority consultant, school improvement partner and within school leadership teams. I thoroughly enjoy writing and delivering professional development events, having worked both nationally and internationally for a range of CPD providers. My areas of specialism include Special Educational Needs and Disabilities having carried out the role of SENCo and Inclusion Manager in a variety of settings, as well as leading at trust level. I am also trained as a Specialist Leader in Positive Regard and enjoy supporting colleagues in improving behaviour in schools. Early Years is where my heart lies and I currently lead Foundation Stage at a special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties.

I am an experienced Primary Maths Consultant supporting schools to deliver a Mastery curriculum. I work with school leaders, teachers and pupils with a passion that all can achieve highly in maths. 

I also work as an Every Child Counts Lead Trainer, Maths Hub work group lead, facilitator for the NPQLPM programme with The Exchange Partnership and Maths Researcher for the Department of Education at Oxford University. I have delivered numerous, successful EEF trials for Oxford University and Edge Hill University. I lead work groups for the Mastery Readiness programme, Targeted Support in Maths, the Research and Innovation programme and the Y5‑8 Continuity Project for the Maths Hub. All of my work is research and theory based. 

Follow Jamie on X: Jamie Heathcote (@heathcote17) / X