Ritchie Doidge undertakes both the role of the COO (Chief Operating Officer) and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) combined as the CFOO (Chief Financial & Operating Officer) within Matrix Academy Trust.

Efficiency focused and innovative, Ritchie is a talented, high functioning leader who leverages over 20 years of industry experience. As the Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Matrix academy Trust, Ritchie is responsible for all operations, finance, estates & facilities, HR, IT, media, payroll, procurement, catering, governance and leads on ESFA compliance and completes all necessary returns. He has an ability to problem solve the most complex issues and challenges, find sound solutions and implement processes and structures that continue to move the trust forward. Ritchie has a broad and vast knowledge of school operations and back office functions.

Ritchie works with schools outside of Matrix Academy Trust offering his expertise in roles such as chair of governors, governor and most recently as an IEB member elected by the regional commissioner.

Ritchie is qualified through CIPFA and with over 20 years in the public sector, undertaking roles within HM Prison Service, New South Wales (Australia) Ambulance Service and has experience working within the Education sector since 2007 when he started at Matrix Academy Trust. Ritchie has been through every academy transfer within Matrix Academy Trust leading on diligence processes and growth.

Ritchie is driven by a commitment to improve the life chances of children whilst maintaining staff wellbeing, he is dedicated to driving operational success and delivering value for stakeholders.

Director of School Improvement David Lowbridge-Ellis has extensive experience of leading successful change, having been an Advanced Skills Teacher, an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher. Leadership of impactful change was the focus of his Masters degree. Beyond Matrix Academy Trust, he has worked with many organisations on curriculum development, assessment, teacher workload and wellbeing and equality and diversity. He delivers both the NPQSL and NPQH for Manor Teaching School Hub and has been published widely. David was the recipient of an MBE for ‘Services to Education’ in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023.