School Inspections Digital Conference

Current Education Leadership Expert – focus on strategic risk, corporate governance, school improvement, people development, peer review and trust growth.

Former CEO of two large multi academy trusts. During my tenure, both saw significant improvement in educational outcomes, people development and financial/operational performance (including growth).

I am a former HMI (Schools) and was, before that, the Principal of Nunthorpe Academy, Middlesbrough – judged outstanding by Ofsted in all aspects. I was invited to a Downing Street reception for ‘Inspirational Women Leaders’ in 2014 following this work.

Wide experience in leadership development and school improvement. I have supported national projects, conferences and working parties/groups/advisory boards for the DfE, the IoE (London) and many others. I was also a non-executive adviser for GovNet’s Education Advisory Board for several years and a board member of FASNA (the predecessor body to CST).

I am the Chair of Trustees for Ebor Academy Trust. I am also an associate leadership expert for Forum Strategy UK.

Adrian Gray studied history at Cambridge and spent over twenty years in schools before joining Ofsted as an HMI. His roles there developed to include the management of school inspection guidance, evaluation of inspection work and system research, whilst he also became an executive committee member of the European body that shares expertise between more than thirty inspectorates. He now works as a consultant with River Education Services and as an active historian; he has published around thirty books, including a history of European school inspection, and he works on historical issues with historians both sides of the Atlantic.

Kiran began her career in inner-city London, as an English teacher in schools serving the most deprived postcodes in the country. After five years on the frontline, Kiran left to work in education policy, searching for solutions to the rising number of vulnerable children who fall through the gaps. Kiran was working at Social Mobility Commission when she conceived the idea for The Difference. She has led its work full-time since January 2017.

Kiran is driven by her own family experiences. Growing up with two adopted sisters, Kiran witnessed the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the lack of support for young people with complex needs. This insight is what keeps Kiran striving for the most vulnerable children to get the education they deserve.

In 2017 Kiran co-authored the IPPR report Making The Difference: Breaking the link between school exclusion and social exclusion. Find out more about IPPR’s work on The Difference in this article in The Times.

Fran Hargrove is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Haringey Education Partnership (HEP), a schools-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving education outcomes across North London. With a deep commitment to educational excellence and leadership development, Fran plays a pivotal role in shaping HEP’s strategic direction, working closely with school leaders, local stakeholders, and national education bodies to drive sustainable school improvement. 

With extensive experience in education leadership, Fran has held senior positions, as a headteacher for 10 years and various other school improvement roles, equipping her with a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector. She is passionate about supporting school leaders to create high-quality teaching and learning environments that foster pupil success. 

At HEP, Fran leads on key areas including coordinating the work of all HEP Improvement Partners and project teams, curriculum innovation, and leadership training, ensuring that schools receive the highest level of support tailored to their needs. She is also a champion of collaborative working, believing that strong partnerships between schools and the wider educational system are essential to raising standards and improving outcomes for all children. 

Fran’s expertise in school leadership, safeguarding, and inclusion is underpinned by a strong belief in equity and excellence in education. Her work continues to have a significant impact on the schools within HEP, helping to build a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in education. 

Mr. Asif Bhatti was appointed Headteacher at Town Farm School in 2015 and has successfully led the school through multiple Ofsted inspections, consistently driving improvement and excellence. A highly experienced, dedicated, and visionary leader, Mr. Bhatti is committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where every child is empowered to achieve academically and develop as responsible, confident citizens.

In 2018, Mr. Bhatti expanded his impact by becoming a School Improvement Advisor for Surrey County Council, supporting schools across the county to raise standards. His expertise was further recognised in 2023 when he worked with Ofsted as part of an inspection team, gaining invaluable insight into the inspection framework and strengthening his ability to guide schools effectively. In October 2025, Mr. Bhatti contributed to the national Ofsted pilot, shaping future inspection practices.

Beyond his leadership role, Mr. Bhatti actively mentors new headteachers and participates in several Local Authority projects aimed at driving educational innovation. He brings extensive governance experience, serving at board level and as a National Council Member for SEBDA (Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties Association), influencing policy and practice for vulnerable learners.

Mr. Bhatti is also a thought leader in education; his recent article became the most-read feature in TES, reflecting his ability to inspire and inform the wider educational community.

Chair of the National Association of  Small Schools

Teaching Career of 40 years including 15 years as a Headteacher and 15 years as a Deputy Head

Fellow of the Chartered College of Education

Guest lecturer at Winchester University

Official for the National Association of Headteachers

Trustee on the Portsmouth and Winchester CofE Board of Education

After Headship of a Small School and joining NASS as their Headteacher Liaison Officer,  I have worked closely  with Lee Owston from OFSTED on a small schools group and our feedback fed into the training for inspectors about small schools. Following a FCCT Roundtable  with Sur Martyn Oliver ,this connection continues and in the New Year NASS will give direct feedback to Lee about inspections under the new framework.

I have also worked with Frank Norris OBE to ensure OFSTED are aware of the extra stresses placed on small schools and our Schools Week article prompted them to make further changes. I’m also a researcher working with Huddersfield University, focussing on OFSTED’s  impact on staff health and well being

Darren Northcott has been National Official for Education at the NASUWT since 2004.  Previously, he was a National Officer at the FDA, the senior Civil and Public Service Union.  Darren began his career as a primary school teacher and has worked in schools in Newham, East London and in Cheshire East.

Six years as CEO of Coop Academies Trust, followed by senior adviser to the Coop Group on education and five years advising the Northern Powerhouse Partnership on education, including skills.

Former Independent chair of the Blackpool Education Improvement Board and former Chair of the town’s Priority Education Improvement Board.

Trustee and chair of Finance and Resources at Great Academies Education Trust

Former Vice Chair and current Board Member of Liverpool Education Board

Advisory Board member of InnovateHer

Co-Lead of the Forum Strategy’s Education Leaders’ Network

Former senior HMI manager responsible for school, early years and initial teacher education inspection delivery, including Framework Development

Ranked 26th most influential colleague making an impact on education in 2025 by Education Business.

Awarded MBE for services to education in 2019 and made a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching in 2021.

Joint lead of The Alternative Big Listen and The Alternative Big Consultation with Prof Colin Richards.

Matt is an experienced safeguarding professional with experience in shaping policy, practice, and compliance across education settings nationally. As National Safeguarding Lead, Matt provides strategic leadership and specialises in translating regulatory frameworks into practical, actionable processes that empower leaders and staff to meet and exceed inspection standards.

With deep knowledge of the revised Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its new safeguarding evaluation criteria, Matt supports academies in preparing for the ‘Met / Not Met’ judgment. His work focuses on embedding safeguarding into leadership practice, strengthening governance oversight, and building readiness for inspection scenarios. Matthew is passionate about creating safe environments where every child’s welfare is paramount and safeguarding is seen as a shared responsibility.

Debbie Thomas is an experienced educational leader with over 20 years in teaching, including 10 years of headship and two years as an Executive Head. She has also served as a Trust Improvement Lead and is currently Director of Primary Education for Consortium Trust. Debbie works across 12 primary schools, ranging from small rural schools of around 20 pupils to larger settings of over 300. A curriculum specialist, she understands the importance of being clear about the unique context of each school and is skilled in using data intelligently—without overcomplicating systems—to identify clear, concise leadership priorities. Debbie is passionate about mentoring and developing teachers at every stage of their career, from Initial Teacher Training through to headship, and is committed to building confident practitioners and sustainable leadership across primary education.

Current Education Leadership Expert – focus on strategic risk, corporate governance, school improvement, people development, peer review and trust growth.

Former CEO of two large multi academy trusts. During my tenure, both saw significant improvement in educational outcomes, people development and financial/operational performance (including growth).

I am a former HMI (Schools) and was, before that, the Principal of Nunthorpe Academy, Middlesbrough – judged outstanding by Ofsted in all aspects. I was invited to a Downing Street reception for ‘Inspirational Women Leaders’ in 2014 following this work.

Wide experience in leadership development and school improvement. I have supported national projects, conferences and working parties/groups/advisory boards for the DfE, the IoE (London) and many others. I was also a non-executive adviser for GovNet’s Education Advisory Board for several years and a board member of FASNA (the predecessor body to CST).

I am the Chair of Trustees for Ebor Academy Trust. I am also an associate leadership expert for Forum Strategy UK.