Kate Hibbs’ experience encompasses both educational improvement and leadership having been an English and literacy advisor before joining the Matrix Academy Trust. During her fourteen years as a leader within the Trust, she has led on many key whole school strategies including Pupil Premium, SEND, Performance Management and Staff Development. As headteacher of Barr Beacon, her mission is to provide excellence for the pupils in her care, enabling them to strive for success and to be ‘Proud to Succeed’, with the best education from the best staff.

Mrs Kate Hibbs – Barr Beacon School

An experienced educator with over 30 years of experience, Sue started out as a secondary geography and physical education teacher. She later worked for 15 years in a middle school, taking on roles like Head of Year and leading KS3 pastoral care. Her commitment to pastoral care led her to teach at a KS3&4 Pupil Referral Unit in Sandwell for two years, aiding pupils excluded from mainstream education.

In 2008, Sue joined a middle school’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing significantly to its direction. The school achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in 2009. Transitioning to the primary sector as an assistant head in 2012, she then progressed to Deputy Head at another primary school. As the ‘acting’ headteacher of this school, Sue elevated it from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ in 2016.

In 2020, Sue became Headteacher at Bloxwich Academy Primary, successfully improving from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ by 2021. Her leadership emphasises a positive school culture, fostering collaboration and support, embodying the ethos of ‘happy staff, happy kids, happy school’.

Ms Sue Shepherd – Bloxwich Academy Primary

Ian’s experience and expertise includes a wide range of leadership roles gained from his work in a diversity of schools across the West Midlands. During his 24 years of leadership, he has steered strategic school improvement in all areas including curriculum, behaviour, attendance, performance management, PP and improving pupil outcomes. Ian joined Matrix Academy Trust in 2015 as Headteacher of Etone College where his mission has always been to ensure “progress for all”. He gained his NPQH in 2006 and NPQEL in 2019 and most recently, has worked successfully to support new headteachers across the Trust. In this role, he has shared his expertise to help shape and secure school improvement. Ian is also a member of Warwickshire’s FAP Senior Leadership Group and JTTS Strategic School Improvement Board. He is proud to be the Headteacher of Etone College and an integral part of the Matrix Academy Trust Senior Leadership Team.

Mr Ian Smith – Etone College

Ian has been the Headteacher at Smestow Academy since the school joined Matrix Academy Trust in January 2023. As an experienced school leader within the trust, Ian previously helped transform one of the most underperforming schools in the country. He has a wealth of knowledge about establishing a behaviour curriculum, positive school culture and pastoral care. He also has expertise in curriculum planning, curriculum design and timetabling, as well as being a science specialist and Deputy Safeguarding Lead. Ian completed his NPQH in 2020 and has recently delivered the NPQSL programme through the Manor Teaching School Hub. He is passionate about the life changing potential of education and on making a difference for disadvantaged young people.

Mr Ian Chamberlain – Smestow Academy

James Till is an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of improving provision in the settings he works in. Initially joining Barr Beacon School in 2013 as an Assistant Headteacher, he has subsequently taken the role of Deputy Headteacher at Bloxwich Academy, Head of School at Smestow and, since 2021, has been Headteacher at Turves Green Boys’ School. Here, he has implemented a range of strategies that have led to rapid improvements in every area of the school. More recently, James has advised and supported other Headteachers on all areas of school improvement.

He is passionate about creating opportunities for all pupils to reach their full potential academically and places equal importance on building confident, resilient and all rounded individuals who will thrive in their chosen career path.

James was the recipient of a Sutton Trust Alumni Award in 2024: Find out more

Mr James Till – Headteacher – Bloxwich Academy, Turves Green Boys’ School & Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School

Theo Walker is passionate about driving standards in Teaching and Learning to ensure that all pupils have the best chance to succeed, regardless of their background. He has a range of experience in leadership roles at all levels, most recently playing a crucial role as Deputy Headteacher at Turves Green Boys’ School leading ‘Quality of Education’ and ensuring that Turves Green Boys’ ‘is a school transformed’. Theo is passionate about curriculum design and teaching and learning. He also has experience in leading key areas of Personal Development, including careers. Theo is focused on using research-informed approaches to ensure that all staff and pupils have the knowledge and skills necessary to be Striving for Excellence in everything they do.

Mr Theo Walker – Head of School – Turves Green Boys’ School

With over a decade of senior leadership experience, Chris has dedicated his career to shaping educational excellence. His expertise spans curriculum development, data analysis, and the integration of new technologies to enhance student learning. Chris helped guide Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School to a successful Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Mr Chris Seager – Head of School – Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School

Joe Phillips has wide-ranging experience of delivering outcomes for pupils, having previously been an Head of House, Director of Learning, an Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. When at Barr Beacon School as Deputy Headteacher, he oversaw Behaviour and Attitudes which was judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in November 2022. He believes in acting strategically to support those pupils in school meet their life ambitions. He is extremely proud to help serve the fantastic community of Wednesfield with his equally dedicated colleagues.

Mr Joe Phillips – Wednesfield Academy