Central Team (ID 1070)

• Mark Greatrex
  Chief Executive
  Mark Greatrex

  I became chief executive of the Bellevue Place Education Trust in May 2015. I head the executive leadership team and school leaders, working closely with our board of trustees in fulfilling the BPET vision. I’m responsible for an annual income of £19 million.
  
  I lead and collaborate with our over 525 staff, and together we have the honour of educating more than 3,680 pupils, ensuring that, as an organisation, our education offer is of the highest standard through delivering a broad and rich curriculum offer across the school day and beyond.
  
  I am a Department of Education (DfE) system leader delivering support through the DfE’s Trust and School Improvement Offer. I work with and mentor other trusts’ CEOs, as we all develop our respective offer to the school communities we serve.
  
  I began my career as a civil servant in the DfE, in the Academies Division with just five academies opened nationally. This grew to 203 open academies when I left to join a multi-academy trust. I have been a senior leader in three MATs and BPET is the first I have led. Achievements have included converting and setting plans to transform many failing schools seeing, as a consequence, significant improvement in student achievement. I have opened over 10 new free schools, the first being the first free school of 2011. I’m proud that BPET schools are currently performing 10% above the national average and all are judged Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

  I hold a number of non-executive roles: I am a governor in a maintained primary school, Millfields Community School (Hackney, London); I am also a trustee of Greenhouse Sports, an inspiring charity which aims to give all children from deprived communities access to sport and develop their skills and confidence. Finally, I am very proud of my research work to support Lord Adonis in writing his excellent book about academies ‘Education, Education, Education’.

• Marwa Sadek
  Director of Finance
  Marwa Sadek

  Since joining BPET as Chief Financial Officer (later renamed as Director of Finance) in 2019, I've supported its growth and contributed to the successful onboarding of schools. I manage a comprehensive range of financial aspects, including budgeting, accounting, control procedures, and statutory reporting. I also lead internal and external audits, and offer strategic financial guidance to information to the chief executive officer, headteachers and trustees.

  Furthermore, I've coordinated high-quality management information for various individuals and entities at the executive level, ensuring alignment with with the standards set by the Department for Education , ESFA, and relevant accounting SORPs. With 18 years of experience, I bring expertise in financial modeling, project accounting, resource allocation, internal audit, fiduciary control systems, and personnel management.

  Beyond work, I'm passionate about community service, volunteering with local schools, charities, and events like Cancer Research. I believe in making a positive impact and fostering lasting connections, as evident from my volunteering for the 2012 London Olympics.

• Laura Gregory
  Chief Education Director
  Laura Gregory

  I joined BPET as the Director of Education on 1 September 2019. My role is to support the educational standards in all BPET schools along with overseeing the annual School Improvement Review Cycle, offering and designing CPD programmes for staff and facilitating strong collaboration across our schools.

  Prior to this, I was the principal of a large outstanding primary academy in Hertfordshire – one of the first designated Teaching Schools in England, within a trust. While in this role, I became an additional Ofsted inspector for primary and early years and gained the Professional Qualification for School Inspectors (PQSI), before leaving to be a School Improvement Adviser for Buckinghamshire Local Authority (LA). Here I supported over 25 schools from two very different contextual locations. I then moved on to be the Primary School Improvement Lead for a trust of seven schools, with both primary and secondary schools. All of the schools apart from one were in special measures, so a fair amount of my work was targeted on rapid change and improvement.

  I am also a Fellow of the Chartered College for Teachers, a leadership coach for Ambition Institute and a MAT reviewer for Challenge Partners.

• Alison Colenso
  Director of Education
  Alison Colenso

  I joined Bellevue Place Education Trust as Interim Director of Education in June 2023 whilst Laura Gregory took a year’s sabbatical. On Laura's return I have continued in the role in a part-time capacity. I provide support to all BPET schools through the annual School Improvement Review Cycle; offer and design continuous professional development for all staff; and facilitate strong collaboration across the BPET.

  I began my career in education in 2002 when I re-trained as a primary classroom teacher having previously worked as a management accountant. I have taught classes of children across the entire primary range, as well as taking on several leadership roles, including those of deputy headteacher and headteacher. In fact, I was the founding headteacher at Deer Park School in Richmond Upon Thames – one of BPET’s free schools that opened in 2015. I successfully led Deer Park School through rapid growth, managing change, and with a relentless pursuit of excellence, which was recognised in the school’s outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2018.

  Immediately prior to joining BPET, I served as one of Her and then His Majesty’s Inspectors at Ofsted for three and half years. I led inspections of maintained schools and academies, non-association independent schools, initial teacher education and inspections of lead providers of the early career framework.

• Flavia Cerrone
  Head of Marketing & Communications
  Flavia Cerrone

  I joined the central team in June 2022 and work with all schools in order to make sure they communicate with parents, carers and the wider community in the most effective way. I set the marketing and communications strategy and help schools share the fantastic work they do every day. I run parents surveys in order to identify areas of improvement, support social media efforts, and I’m currently involved in managing the redevelopment of all schools’ websites and even the occasional building improvement!

  I started my career as a writer for a marketing agency where I used to spend time with clients to get to know them well in order to shine a light on what they did best, and the passion they did it with. Following that, I worked at the Royal Academy of Dance for nearly a decade, making my way up to the position of Press & Communications Manager. At the RAD I used to manage projects such as website and database developments, I lead the press & PR strategy, and built the RAD’s social media presence from scratch, an effort for which my team and I won an award.

  I then trained as a yoga teacher and became the Teacher Training Manager at one of the most prestigious yoga centres in the world. I managed and was responsible for all teacher training courses and CPDs from timetable to content, and worked closely with the marketing team to fill up places for a value of £300K per year.

• Jane Aust
  Head of Operations
  Jane Aust

  I joined BPET as Operations Manager in January 2022 and in May 2024 I was promoted to Head of Operations. I work with asset management, contract management, compliance, ICT, Health & Safety. I mainly support Headteachers, Office Managers and Site Managers across the trust.

  Prior to joining the central team, I was the Office Manager for a BPET school and have worked in education since 2003, in both class and office based roles across the primary age range 3-11. I strongly believe that happy children learn better, and use this belief to ensure the BPET vision of ‘Learn, Enjoy, Succeed’ is embedded in all schools.

  Prior to working in education, I was a public house manager and a bookmaker; I am a qualified ECB scorer and have spent many weekends following the local cricket team. I have two children and I support Reading Football Club where I am a season ticket holder.

• Leaana Hill
  Head of People
  Leaana Hill

  I joined Bellevue Place Education Trust as the Head of People in March 2024, bringing extensive experience in human resources and people management. As an accomplished people leader, I am deeply passionate about fostering inclusive environments where individuals flourish, feel valued, and are empowered to reach their full potential. The BPET values of Learn, Enjoy, Succeed resonate with me on a profound level.

  I am entrusted with developing a dynamic people strategy that aligns with BPET's to become an employer of choice. I oversee all aspects of the people strategy and culture, including staff growth, training, recruitment and compliance.
  
  

  Prior to joining BPET, I held a leadership position at a top British International School in the Middle East, where I gained valuable insights into cultural diversity and sensitivity. This experience instilled in me a dedication to excellence and high performance within a team environment.

  My career journey has been enriched by organisations that prioritise stakeholder and people focus, providing me with foundational and advanced leadership training. I am driven by a deep-seated aspiration to pay this knowledge forward, fostering growth and development in others.

  Beyond my professional endeavours, I am passionate about holistic well-being, believing in the importance of balance in life. I live in Horsham with my partner, and am a proud mother to two adult children, both of whom reside in the USA. In my leisure time, I am a keen runner, embracing the challenges and rewards it brings to life.

• Daniel Green
  Head of Digital Innovation
  Daniel Green

  I Joined BPET as Head of Digital Innovation in September 2024, responsible for developing the IT strategy across the trust and supporting schools to implement it. My role includes providing support for schools to meet their IT needs, CPD for teacher and school staff and facilitating collaboration across our schools to share best practise and ideas.

  I began my education career in 2013 when I re-trained as a primary teacher via the Schools Direct programme. I spent a number of years in the classroom during which time I was Computing lead and also completed an NPQ in Senior Leadership. In early 2020, I was appointed Deputy Headteacher of a two-form entry primary school. Prior to teaching, I spent a number of years working in the IT industry in support and development roles.

• Emily Martin
  Head of SCITT, Lead Mentor
  Emily Martin

  I joined BPET as Head of School Centered Teacher Training (SCITT) - Lead Mentor in August 2024, responsible for developing new teachers across the trust. My role includes training, observing and providing ongoing support to trainees and school-based mentors completing our SCITT program in partnership with Teach First.

  I began teaching in 2017, when I re-trained via the Teach First program, leaving a career in media and marketing. I have since taught in Primary Schools in North and West London, holding a number of leadership positions including Maths Lead and KS2 Phase Lead. While teaching, I mentored student teachers training through various routes; University based, Teach First and Schools Direct. I also have an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development.

• Daena Bennett
  SCITT Lead Mentor
  Daena Bennett

  I joined BPET in September 2019 as part of Deer Park School. In September 2024 I joined the central team as part of my role of Lead SCITT Mentor. my role involves supporting and developing new teachers across the trust. This involves observations, delivering training following the Teach First programme and supporting school based mentors along the trainees journey.

  During my time at BPET I have taught KS1 classes and have taken on several leadership roles which include: ECT mentor, KS1 phase leader and Science lead.

• Claire Kevin
  Executive Assistant
  Claire Kevin

  I joined BPET in 2019 as Executive Assistant to the Director of Education and Chief Executive and am responsible for overseeing the administrational structure of the School Improvement Review Cycle across all BPET schools, the CPD offering for all staff, and the pupil competitions – such as debate, chess and poetry. I also work alongside the Director of Education in organising the annual BPET conference.

  I am responsible for ensuring the arrangements of core business functions are efficient and well organised such as Headteacher Performance Management processes, recruitment, as well as the annual whole-trust celebration event.

  I have 25 years of Executive Assistant and office administration experience, and prior to joining BPET was Executive Assistant to the CEO and Education Director at Bellevue Education.

• Tom Walton
  Finance Consultant
  Tom Walton

  I have been a chartered accountant with ICAEW (FCA) since 2006 and audited charities, SMEs and listed clients during my training. I worked at Merrill Lynch, supporting front desks in the analysis of their P&Ls, and have been involved in educational programmes since 2000; I was Managing Director of a company, which welcomed students from abroad on curriculum enrichment programmes from 2010 - 2019.

  I have provided financial consultancy and training to publicly funded bodies since 2020 and BPET from 2022. My main duties at BPET are preparing and reviewing budgets and forecasts, analysing trends and variances, reporting, training, advising, benchmarking, providing accounting expertise and technical advice, system implementation and improvement, compiling ESFA returns, reviewing and upgrading controls, improving the efficiency of the finance department as well as supporting the Director of Finance and other members in their roles.

  One of the highlights of my involvement at BPET is knowing that I’m making a difference to the schools and the children they serve as well as providing an effective bridge between the finance department and others in the Trust.

  Outside of work, I play 5-a-side and am a keen snowboarder. I am a British and London Junior Chess Champion and always enjoy a game when I get the chance.

• Aseel Ahmed
  Financial Accountant
  Aseel Ahmed

  • I joined BPET as an apprentice in 2016, and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for finance, and progressed to Finance Assistant and later Finance Officer.

  In pursuit of broadening my horizons and gaining invaluable expertise, I moved to a larger trust where I excelled as a Senior Finance Officer. However driven by a deep connection to BPET and a desire to contribute further, I returned to BPET in 2023 armed with enhanced experience, expertise, and a fresh perspective.

  I'm committed to continuous learning and embarked on the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) program in September 2023, with a plan to complete the program by 2025.

  Beyond finance, I'm passionate about football, literature, and traveling. This well-roundedness reflects my commitment to success and drives me to make a positive impact wherever I am.

• Clair Inouye
  Finance and Operations Support Coordinator
  Clair Inouye

  I joined the central team in June 2024 as Finance and Operations Support Coordinator, bringing strong organisational and communication skills I gained through 6 year working at Whitehall Park School. I am committed to using my diverse school-level expertise to support the Finance and Operations Teams in efficiently assisting Schools Operation Managers across the Trust.

• José Otero
  Finance Assistant
  José Otero

  In September 2020, I joined the trust as a Business Admin Executive Apprentice. After successfully completing my initial apprenticeship, I transitioned to the finance team, pursuing a finance apprenticeship to achieve AAT Level 3 certification.

  
  My responsibilities are formed by essential duties: I am responsible for bank reconciliations on a monthly basis, handle procurement card processes for the entire trust, input and manage invoices within the financial system, and communicate with schools and stakeholders.

  This role is not only professional growth but also continuous learning. Pursuing my AAT Level 3 qualification proves my commitment to mastering finance. Through skill development and experience I have and will gain in my time here at BPET, I aspire to contribute effectively to trust’s finance team and our goals.

• Joshua Masila
  Finance Assistant (Apprentice)
  Joshua Masila

  I joined the trust in June 2024 as Finance Assistant Apprentice, with my main goal being to make a positive impact to the Central Team, while also striving to achieve the Level 4 ACCA certification. I look forward to supporting the trust's financial operations, contributing to the efficient management of resources, and gaining comprehensive insights into financial planning and analysis. With an amazing team behind me, there is always an opportunity to strengthen my ability and continuously learn to become proficient within finance.

• Ore Ayoade
  Digital Marketing Assistant (Apprentice)
  Ore Ayoade

  I joined BPET in February 2024 as a Digital Marketing Assistant Apprentice. My main responsibility is supporting the Head of Marketing & Communications in the delivery of the BPET Marketing Strategy by handling various tasks, while simultaneously working towards a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer qualification.

  I aim to continuously grow my expertise in this field to contribute to the trust as effectively as I can.

• Tahmima Khatoon
  Business Admin Assistant (Apprentice)
  Tahmima Khatoon

  I joined the BPET team at the beginning of February 2024 as a Business Support Apprentice. In this role, my main focus is to assist the Executive Assistant in managing the organisational and administrative framework within BPET.

  I am also pursuing a Level 3 Business Administration qualification. Committed to making a positive impact, I am determined to support the trust in its growth and attainment of all goals.

Trust Champions (ID 1294)

• Dan Bavington
  Sports Champion, Berkshire
  Dan Bavington

  Daniel joined Braywick Court School and BPET in September 2018, shortly after completing his Physical Education and Sports Coaching degree at the University of Chichester. Since his appointment, PE at Braywick has developed at a phenomenal pace, with sport being at the heart of the curriculum.
  
  Daniel has driven his vision centred around lifelong participation, with the goal of every child developing a love for sport. Throughout his five years at the school, there have been many successes including the introduction of 30 minutes of active exercise for every pupil, achieving Gold School Games Mark (2023) for outstanding sport and physical education provision, and leading the Key Stage 2 Boys’ Football Team to the English Schools FA Finals (2022).

• Jack Briley
  Sports Champion, London
  Jack Briley

  Jack brings over a decade of experience in coaching children's sports, a journey that has seen him achieve significant milestones. His career includes international coaching assignments and the development of comprehensive sport and fitness programs for holiday companies. Jack has progressively advanced within the sports coaching industry, culminating in his recent tenure at Whitehall Park School with many achievements such as Gold School Games Mark (2024) for outstanding sport and physical education provision, leading the Key Stage 2 mixed cricket team to Islington borough champions and reaching the finals of the William Greaves trophy which was played at Lord's cricket ground (2024). One of Jack's favourable achievements was leading a Key Stage 2 mixed SEN team to Islington ten pin bowling champions and making it to the London finals! (2022).

  In addition to this current position, Jack has established his own coaching enterprise, providing comprehensive PE lessons, lunch time and after-school enrichment programs, and early childhood sports initiatives working within nurseries.

• Gemma Sloan
  SEN Champion
  Gemma Sloan

  Gemma is the Deputy Headteacher at Rivermead Primary School, with a vast experience of work with children with special needs. During the first year of her appointment, Gemma is collating examples of best practices across BPET schools and the wider sector, whilst working alongside the BPET Director of Education to design and pilot a SEND review visit ahead of a graduated launch in the academic year 2024-25

• Sarah Storey
  EYFS Champion
  Sarah Storey

  Sarah is the Kilburn Grange's Deputy Headteacher. In this role, Sarah works closely with the BPET Director of Education and leads the Early Year Foundation Stage (EYFS) moderation, including baseline moderation, facilitate the EYFS Leader Network meetings, deliver group training and support developments within teaching and learning when required.

  Sarah is currently covering for Natalia Levene, who is on maternity leave.

Advisers and Consultants (ID 1295)

• Stephanie Hilder
  Specialist English Adviser
  Stephanie Hilder

  Stephanie Hilder is an experienced education consultant specialising in English.

  With a strong interest in the development and assessment of writing, Stephanie has collaborated extensively with the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) in the production and training of national materials, and moderated writing at KS1 and KS2 for three local authorities, as well as for the STA.

  Additionally, Stephanie is a lecturer in Reading for Pleasure (RfP) at The Open University, where she works on the whole school RfP programme. She thrives on working collaboratively with schools, teachers and leaders, actively engaging with them to develop their priorities for English.

  Furthermore, she serves on the editorial board of English 4-11 magazine, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and expertise with a wider audience.

• Nathan Crook
  Specialist Maths Adviser, Berkshire
  Nathan Crook

  Prior to becoming a maths consultant, Nathan taught children in Years 1-6 across three Oxfordshire primary schools, including those in both urban and rural settings. During this time, he qualified as a Maths Specialist Teacher (MaST). This consequently led to him becoming part of the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s ‘small schools making an impact’ programme.

  Driven by his passion for helping to ensure that all children access mathematics learning to the full, Nathan has more recently worked both in-person and remotely as an NCETM accredited independent maths consultant to support schools across the country in delivering high quality teaching and learning.

  As well as providing training, he has continued to work alongside classes and groups of children, as well as their teachers and support staff, to explore how they learn best. He also believes in the power of mentoring and coaching, around which he has refined his skills whilst completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme.

  Nathan is an active member of the National Association of Mathematics Advisers (NAMA), which develops his understanding about the national mathematics landscape. He has previously sat on the Executive of the Mathematics Association until summer 2022.

• Joe Burbank
  Specialist Maths Adviser, London
  Joe Burbank

  Joe has over 18 years of experience in primary education and possesses an in-depth understanding of mathematics teaching in the EYFS, KS1, and KS2. He served as the Assistant Headteacher at Stockham Primary School for 11 years before transitioning to a full-time role as an independent maths consultant. Throughout his career, Joe has held numerous leadership positions, including Acting

  Headteacher, Key Stage Leader and School Governor. His contributions were instrumental in Stockham Primary School achieving an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2019.

  Joe believes that maths is an exciting, interconnected subject that all children can access, enjoy, and achieve in, regardless of their prior experiences. He strongly believes that all children need to master key mathematical knowledge and concepts, and being able to reason mathematically, make connections, and solve problems are the keys to long-term success.

  Joe holds qualifications including the MaST (Maths Specialist Teacher Programme), NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship), and NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) Professional Development Lead Qualification. He serves as a Local Leader of Maths Education and facilitates Work Groups for the BBO, Mobius, and Enigma Maths Hubs. Additionally, Joe provides support to schools across Oxfordshire and beyond enhancing their maths leadership capacity and teaching and learning

• Christopher Sanderson
  Safeguarding and Compliance Consultant
  Christopher Sanderson

  Christopher has provided consultancy and training to BPET since its inception. He runs his own company, Amadeus Consulting and Training, offering consultancy in many aspects of nursery, primary and secondary education to schools, groups and associations both in the UK and overseas.  His experience and empathy make him a welcome advisor in many schools. 

  Chris worked as a school inspector for 20 years, leading inspections in Early Years, primary, secondary and international education in the UK and in British schools overseas. He has also worked as a School Improvement Partner and a GCSE examiner in French and maths. Chris runs training and speaks at conferences for a number of organisations. In addition, he is Director of Compliance and Policy with a leading group of UK schools and nurseries, a consultant for the Association of Muslim Schools, and a music examiner with Trinity College, London.

  His four headships together spanned an age range from 2 to 19, including boarding, day and international schools, in both the independent and maintained sectors. Prior to headship, he held positions of Head of Modern Languages, Director of Music and Head of Cricket and Hockey.

  Originally from Yorkshire, he still maintains a keen interest in the fortunes of Halifax Town and Yorkshire Cricket; he plays cricket at home in his Cambridgeshire village and for a club in Brittany. Outside school, his main interests are in music, sport and renovating an old farmhouse in Brittany.  He is a former conductor of the National Children’s Choir and spent several years singing as a cathedral lay clerk. 

• Sarah Evans
  Education Consultant
  Sarah Evans

  Sarah is a highly experienced school leader and Headteacher, having worked across the state and independent sectors. A proven ability to lead, motivate and sustain through change whilst raising standards, Sarah has supported schools to achieve both ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ inspection outcomes within both state (Ofsted) and independent school inspections (ISI).

  Educated at The University of Manchester, followed by a post graduate PGCE in Primary Education, Sarah has a wealth of experience across the primary age range, including federated leadership, Executive Headship and working within academy trusts, as well as most recently as Headteacher within the Bellevue Education group of independent schools.

  Experienced in mentoring and coaching leaders, devising and delivering training, strategic planning for school improvement, identifying priorities for development, working with Headteachers, senior leaders, leadership teams, governance and governing bodies across schools, Sarah is excited to work with education leaders across BPET. Among her other roles, Sarah is also supporting Headship at a school within the GLF Academy Trust.

  Sarah has a full and busy family life with two daughters growing up fast and loves entertaining, live music, walking, and travel and has also just started her own business as a trained Celebrant, working to create and present bespoke and personalised ceremonies such as weddings, commitment ceremonies, anniversaries, celebrations of life, indeed for all of life’s events!