Learn Academies Trust Central Team
Learn Academies Trust is a school-led Trust. Collaborative professional learning and policy development happens regularly through a range of networks including:
- Head Teachers' Strategy Group
- Chairs' Forum for Chairs of Local Governing Bodies
- Curriculum and Pedagogy Group
- Designated Safeguarding Leads Group
- SENCO Network
- Business Managers and Office Managers Networks
- Faculty and Phase Networks
Personnel across the Trust, based in schools, contribute to trust-wide leadership and management, working closely with the 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 Trust Leader
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
Trust Communications and Marketing Manager
Susie leads on marketing and communications both for the Trust and for Learn-AT Professional, which provides professional learning and fellowship for staff. Amongst other things, she is responsible for 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 and worked 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 sits on the Committee of her sons’ football club supporting their development and recently 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!