School Improvement Team (ID 2276)

• Cori Bateman
  National Leader in Education (NLE), Pupil Premium Reviews, Governor Training
  Cori Bateman

  As an experienced school leader, Cori has served as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher in multiple schools and has supported schools both locally and regionally as a National Leader of Education. As CEO, Cori provides system leadership within and beyond the Trust, coaching and supporting school leaders, building networks and connections in order to grow the Trust and engaging with schools and Trusts beyond Pioneer to develop collaboration and collaborative approaches to benefit the education system. Having taken on the CEO at the point of inception of the Trust in 2019, Cori holds the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and currently facilitates this programme through Best Practice Network. As a Values-based Leader, Cori works as an associate with Values-based Education (VbE) to develop Values-based Education and Leadership across schools and MATs through CPD and quality mark assessments.
  
  In addition to her work with schools in the Trust, Cori works with schools beyond the Trust, offering a range of services including:
  
  Leadership Consultancy and Coaching
  
  Intensive School Leadership Support
  
  School Improvement Advisory Services
  
  School Self Evaluation and Improvement Planning
  
  School Review Services
  
  HT Performance Management
  
  Governor Training
  
  Pupil Premium Reviews
  
  Inspection Preparation and Support
  
  Support with School Structures, Systems and Efficiencies
  
  Values-based Education Training

  Values-based Education (VbE) Quality Mark Assessments

• Jamie Pardon
  Director of Education, Leadership Development, CPD, Governor Training
  Jamie Pardon

  Jamie joined the Pioneer team as Director of Education in September 2022 following over 8 years as a successful headteacher for two different schools. Her experience as a headteacher is of two very different schools. In her first headship, she successfully led the improvement journey of a two-form entry primary in Luton from ‘requires improvement' to ‘good' in 18 months. In her second headship, she not only maintained standards well above the national average in a one-form entry village primary, she improved upon them in both outcomes and progress.

  She passionately believes that school improvement is rooted in strong and trusting relationships where the core purpose of pursuing excellence and equity for children is at the heart. Since joining Pioneer, Jamie has made the role her own by working collaboratively with headteachers and their teams to provide robust support and challenge. Her impact was clearly evident in her first year in the role through her subject leadership CPD and mentoring. Three of our schools had positive Ofsted inspections in Summer 2023 where in all schools subject leaders confidently demonstrated their subjects to the inspection teams.

  As an ex-headteacher, Jamie has expertise in all areas of school leadership, however her passion is curriculum and effective teaching and learning. She would welcome supporting your school with:

  Curriculum Development

  Developing School Improvement Plans and effective monitoring cycles

  Effective pedagogies, including general teaching practices and subject specific pedagogy

  Middle and Senior Leadership (current an NQPSL facilitator)

  Subject Leadership

  Supporting ECTs and ECMs (current ECT facilitator – Pioneer is the delivery partner for Best Practice Network of the ECF for the Primary Luton cohorts)

• Jo Lunn
  Lead Practitioner for Pupil Opportunity and Community (Children's Champion)
  Jo Lunn

  Jo is an experienced primary practitioner having worked in a variety of primary schools for over 20 years. During this time, she has developed a passion for English and her role as English Lead has covered KS1 and KS2. She has led schools in raising standards in reading and writing.

  In addition to this, she has been part of the Senior Leadership Team and developed strategies, projects and whole-school initiatives to raise standards across the school.

  Primary English

  Raising standards in KS2

  Developing the teaching of writing using the principles of Talk for Writing

  Developing teaching and learning strategies

  Promoting a culture of reading

  Developing whole class reading

  Outstanding teaching and learning

  T4W and VIPERs expertise

• Lisa Phee
  Director of Maths
  Lisa Phee

  Lisa has worked with the Pioneer Learning Trust for 8 years leading maths and staff development across our schools in her role as Director of Mathematics. Lisa has extensive experience in supporting schools with mathematics in her SLE role in a variety of ways from delivering staff training, working with school teams to improve the quality of teaching and learning of mathematics and supporting maths leaders. Lisa is an accredited primary maths specialist for the NCETM and leads teacher research groups for Enigma Maths Hub, supporting teachers in developing mastery approaches in their practice. Through Enigma, Lisa visited schools in Shanghai where she was able to see high-quality mathematics being taught in the primary setting. Lisa is a core tutor for the Shire Foundation and CTG and has delivered training to ECTs across two teaching school ECT Induction programmes.

  Lisa can provide the following support:

  Mastery approaches to support quality maths teaching and learning

  Use of manipulatives to support and challenge EYFS - KS2

  Development in the use of the concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches in maths EYFS – KS2

  Developing fluency across the school EYFS - KS2

  Developing questioning in maths

  Bar modelling & Calculation strategies

  Implementation of a new whole-school approach

  Stem sentences and high-quality reasoning – EYFS – KS2

  Developing the subject leader

  Supporting and coaching staff

  Developing the Middle Leader

  Preparing for Ofsted

  Maths in mixed age settings

• Hannah Page
  Executive Assessment Lead
  Hannah Page

  Hannah started at Chantry Primary Academy in 2011 as an NQT and has held various leadership positions. She is a Deputy Headteacher and SLE with responsibility for the Quality of Education. She specialises in Assessment, Pupil Progress and Standards and Leads on Assessment across the Pioneer Trust.

  With proven experience in raising attainment through effective teaching and learning Hannah has also led on marking and feedback, Pupil Premium and maintaining high-quality teaching and learning; delivering bespoke training to all schools within the trust.

  Hannah has led on partnership working groups within the West Area Partnership to develop new assessment initiatives and implemented these across the trust, in addition to working with ITT networks to deliver and develop training initial teacher training and support ECTs

  Most recently she has supported the onboarding of New schools within the Trust with Assessment and built a Network of Assessment Leads within the schools whilst support Chantry Primary Academy as a Leader and Teacher.
  

  Hannah can offer support in the following areas:

  Assessment of learning EYFS – KS2

  Effective feedback to pupils EYFS – KS2

  Implementing curriculum and assessment models

  Workload management

  Effective classroom management

  Raising standards across the curriculum

  Supporting Year 6 workflows

• Nichola Comben
  Executive SEND Lead
  Nichola Comben

  Nichola is an experienced teacher and has developed her role specifically in SEND and inclusion for 16 years. She has carried out strategic leadership roles for the past 6 years and is currently Deputy Headteacher at Southfield Primary Academy. Nichola remains instrumental in coordinating provision for Inclusion and SEND as well as being the behaviour lead within the school having delivered positive behaviour support and physical intervention training across the trust. Nichola collaborates with staff, external agencies and parents to raise the promotion of mental health and wellbeing across the school and is keen to develop and enhance practice to ensure effective systems are in place to provide the appropriate provision for all children.

  Nichola can provide support in a range of areas:

  Developing classroom strategies and adaptations to curriculum and pedagogy through effective, measurable target setting to promote inclusion for children with SEND.

  Delivering training across schools to all staff to build strength and understanding within the workforce, empowering practitioners and enabling the needs of children to be met effectively.

  Supporting staff to understand, plan and deliver effective provision for a range of SEND needs including behaviours of concern.

  Recognition that effective provision for children is delivered by staff who are well supported in their own wellbeing, developing their own resilience through programmes such as mindfulness.

  Previous delivery of a Restraint Reduction Network approved Positive Behaviour and Physical Interventions Training (Sherwood)

• Amy Moye
  Teaching and Learning
  Amy Moye

• Jenni Lloyd
  Curriculum Development
  Jenni Lloyd

  Jenni started at Chantry Primary in 2001. She has taught in all primary year groups from EYFS to Year 6. She is now a Deputy Head with responsibility for curriculum development, ITT and all things pastoral.

  Jenni has recently been instrumental in the overhaul of the entire curriculum at Chantry and is currently supporting other schools in the development of their own curriculum. She has written a bespoke Personal Wellbeing Curriculum which brings together PSHE, Values Education, Relationships, E-safety, mental health, protective behaviours and more!

  She is passionate about the teaching of phonics and early reading and has successfully implemented and embedded effective phonics approaches in her school.

  Her background in psychology has led to an interest in child development and she is able to provide advice and training for schools in attachment theory, behaviours for learning, brain based learning, mental health and wellbeing.

  Jenni also has many years of experience mentoring both PGCE and ECT students and providing training in a range of areas for a number of organisations.

  Primary Curriculum Inc. EYFS

  Phonics teaching and assessment

  Development of teaching and learning strategies particularly in KS1 and EYFS

  Creating positive learning environments including behaviour management strategies

  Children's mental health and wellbeing

  Understanding challenging behaviour (attachment and trauma-based behaviours)

  Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)

  How to support/mentor teacher trainees (ITT)

  How to support Early Careers Teachers

• Carley James
  Curriculum Development and English
  Carley James

  Carley is an accomplished primary practitioner with two decades of experience, primarily within Key Stage 2. As a specialist Year 6 teacher, she has a proven track record of securing excellent end-of-key-stage outcomes, ensuring students are academically robust and ready for secondary education.

  Carley is an experienced Phase Leader and English Lead with a reputation for curriculum strength and a deep commitment to high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects.

  As a Lead Writing Moderator for Luton, Carley provides expert insight into assessment, supporting teachers across various settings to elevate writing standards. This expertise is underpinned by her NPQLTD, which fuels her passion for evidence-based professional development and effective implementation strategies.

  Carley's impact extends to supporting the next generation of educators as an ECF facilitator and experienced coach for both ECTs and mentors.

  Carley has a wide range of experience with implementation and professional development. She has led professional development sessions on a range of curriculum areas, including English, History, and Year 6 success, for schools both within and beyond the trust. Carley's unique blend of 20 years of classroom excellence and leadership expertise uniquely positions her to drive both student outcomes and staff growth.

  Carley can provide support for the following areas:

  English writing and reading - teaching strategies and pedagogies

  Accelerated progress in year 6

  Delivering high-quality professional development

  End of KS2 Writing Moderation

  Implementation of a new curriculum

• Jake Gurney
  Coaching/Staff Development
  Jake Gurney

  Jake is an experienced primary practitioner with over ten years of dedicated service, primarily working across Key Stage 2, with a strong focus on Year 6. Throughout his career, he has developed an in-depth understanding of the national curriculum and the developmental milestones children are expected to achieve before transitioning to secondary school. Jake is deeply committed to ensuring that every child acquires the essential skills and knowledge to reach their full potential as they move forward in their educational journey.
  
  

  In addition to his classroom expertise, Jake serves as an Associate Assistant Headteacher with a particular focus on professional development and coaching. He is passionate about supporting teachers at all stages of their careers, helping them to grow, thrive, and achieve excellence in their practice.
  
  

  Jake's contributions to teacher development include:

  Delivering Early Career Framework training to Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

  Facilitating training sessions for Early Career Mentors (ECMs)

  Leading Geography training sessions for Trainee Teachers as part of the Chiltern Training Group (CTG) in both Luton and Bedford
  
  

  Jake's combination of classroom experience and leadership in professional development uniquely positions him to impact both student outcomes and teacher growth.

• Coralie Bordiak
  SEND/Inclusion
  Coralie Bordiak

  Coralie is the Lead Practitioner of Inclusion at Chantry Primary Academy. She leads SEN and Inclusion across the school and works with a variety of professionals both in and out of school as well as closely with parents. Previously Coralie has led a behaviour support provision in Central Bedfordshire.

  Coralie believes a whole school approach is needed to support children and is committed to ensuring all children receive the best education possible regardless of their needs. She regularly delivers training to staff to share best practice within school and for ECTs.

  Whole school approaches to SEN

  and Inclusion

  Leading SEN across a setting

  Understanding and addressing barriers to learning

  Working with TAs to support children

  Differentiation and child-centred learning

  Working with outside agencies

  Understanding and supporting behaviour

• Hannah Francis
  Early Years
  Hannah Francis

  Hannah is the Deputy Head at Lakeview and joined the Pioneer team in April 2025. With over 17 years of experience in primary education, she provides specialist support in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), helping schools to improve educational outcomes and strengthen their provision.

  Starting her career in inner-city Birmingham as EYFS Lead, she was instrumental in raising educational standards and driving the school's successful transition from Special Measures to a ‘Good' Ofsted rating. Her diverse experience encompasses school leadership, educational consultancy and local authority moderation. Additionally, she has spearheaded EYFS provision and curriculum development for an ‘outstanding' initial teacher training provider, serving Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

  A passionate champion of the EYFS, Hannah believes the earliest stages of education lay the foundations for children's confidence, curiosity and lifelong success in learning. With a proven track record and extensive experience in collaborative working she has successfully strengthened system-wide EYFS practice, developed ambitious curricula, embedded purposeful environments and cultivated robust assessment practice.

  Hannah enjoys working in partnership with leaders and teams to enhance EYFS provision and drive sustainable improvements in outcomes for young children. She would welcome the opportunity to support your school with:

  EYFS curriculum design, development and progression

  EYFS leadership development and strategic support

  Ethos, vision and values for your setting

  Assessment systems and EYFS Profile support

  Bespoke EYFS professional development for teachers, practitioners and support staff

  Planning, pedagogy and provision support

  Professional supervision and leadership coaching

  Moderation of EYFS data and judgements

  Learning environment audits and provision development

  Indoor and outdoor learning environment design

• Michelle Nelis
  Phonics and Early Reading
  Michelle Nelis

• Coby Hitchcock
  Early Reading, Phonics and Early Reading
  Coby Hitchcock

  Coby has over 12 years of experience working predominately in Early Years. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience delivering the curriculum, leading teams and securing the foundation skills every child needs. Coby joined Chantry in September 2022 as an Assistant Headteacher for Early Years. She is also Early Reading and Phonics lead and oversees Year 1 to ensure a smooth transition.

  Coby has become an accredited Jolly Phonics trainer, delivering Phonics training to other providers. She has also worked for the DFE as an Early Years Expert working with local Early Years providers to raise standards and support teams.
  
  Coby can provide a range of support in the following areas:
  
  Early Reading development
  
  Phonics teaching and consistency of chosen SSP
  
  Early Years Curriculum development and coverage
  
  Purposeful staff interactions
  
  Continuous provision in EY and KS1
  
  Enabling Environments

• Carrie-Ann Rayner
  English
  Carrie-Ann Rayner

  Carrie-Anne has nearly 20 years of teaching experience at Southfield Primary Academy. She has a vast experience of teaching across all Key Stages and has led English and Phonics for a number of years. She is passionate about ensuring all children have the essential foundations in English, Phonics, and Early Reading to enable their success throughout their education and life. She has created and implemented a new reading curriculum, delivered a range of CPD to staff, and supported the development of student teachers, apprentice teachers, and ECTs.

  Carrie-Anne now leads Early Years and recently helped Southfield become the first school in the country to achieve the accredited Values-based Education (VbE) Early Years Quality Mark.
  
  

  Carrie-Anne can provide a range of support in the following areas:
  
  Early Reading and Phonics: Developing foundations for long-term success and supporting children through Phonics Screening Checks.
  
  Curriculum Design: Creation and implementation of bespoke reading curricula tailored to school needs.
  
  Assessment and Achievement: Supporting children through SATs and implementing effective assessment strategies to monitor progress.
  
  Professional Development: Delivering high-quality CPD, Phonics workshops, and information evenings for parents and staff.
  
  Teacher Training: Mentoring and training student teachers, apprentices, and Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
  
  Values-Based Education: Implementing accredited frameworks to enhance the Early Years environment.

• Rachel Owen
  English
  Rachel Owen

  Rachel is an Assistant Headteacher at Whitefield Primary Academy and before joining Whitefield in 2022, she conducted various leadership roles in primary schools in London. Prior to completing her PGCE, she achieved a degree in Biomedical Science. She is the English leader for the school and has worked collaboratively in developing different curriculum subjects. She supports developing effective teaching and learning and often leads staff CPD. She works with other English leaders across the Trust and has held reviewer positions on different review panels for English.

  Rachel can provide support in the following areas:

  Peer reviews

  RWI phonics and KS2 interventions such as Fresh Start and Reading Fluency

  Leading reading and writing

  Leading science

  Implementing curriculum

  ECT facilitating

  Subject and middle leadership development

  Effective classroom management

• Adrian Bee
  Maths (Mastery Specialist)
  Adrian Bee

  Adrian is an experienced primary school teacher with accreditation as a Mathematics Specialist Teacher (MaST). He has in-depth knowledge of mathematics teaching and assessment and has helped introduce teaching for Mastery in a number of schools.

  He has provided mentoring for ECTs and PGCE students and delivered bespoke mathematics CPD for ECTs across Luton.

  Adrian has supported the development of Middle Leaders to improve teaching and learning and has provided courses to develop the mathematical understanding of teaching assistants.

  Providing support for ECTs and

  PGCE students

  Coaching Middle Leaders

  Developing effective teaching and learning

  Developing number fluency

  Supporting the more able

  Creating positive learning environments

  Introducing a mastery curriculum in mathematics
  

• Linda Godden
  Computing
  Linda Godden

• Adam Nelson
  Education Technology
  Adam Nelson

  Adam has worked across all key stages in a variety of different roles since 2009. He is a year team leader and Computing lead at Chantry Primary Academy.

  Adam has worked with several schools in Luton and the wider area to develop their Computing curriculum, integrate technology into cross-curricular learning and to use ed-tech to support learners with additional needs.

  He is a STEM Learning associated facilitator with the CPD Mark accreditation, a Google certified educator and a Computing at Schools community lead. He runs regular CPD sessions for student teachers and ECTs for the Chiltern Teaching Schools Hub and computing based training for the NCCE and STEM Learning. Prior to this, he set up and led the Ogden Trust Physics Hub for Luton and ran the Science subject leader network meetings for Luton School Support.
  
  

  Adam can provide bespoke support for a variety of areas, including:
  
  

  Developing a strong computing curriculum
  
  

  Implementing the Teach Computing curriculum
  
  

  Making the most of the Google Workspace for Education
  
  

  Using technology to support assessment, learning and pupils with additional needs
  
  

  Using Microbits to enhance learning across the curriculum

• Jess Elbourn-Holmes
  Values-Based Education
  Jess Elbourn-Holmes

  Jessica Elbourn-Holmes has over 8 years of experience in education, specialising in the development of school ethos and Values-Based education. Jessica joined Lakeview School in September 2023 as the lead for Values-Based Education (VBE). She is a dedicated advocate for creating a "values-first" culture, ensuring that ethical principles are deeply embedded in both the curriculum and the daily interactions of the school community.
  
  Throughout her career, Jessica has focused on how a shared moral vocabulary can transform student outcomes and well-being. At Lakeview, she oversees the strategic implementation of VBE, working collaboratively with staff to ensure that values are not just taught, but lived. Her approach bridges the gap between academic achievement and personal development, securing the emotional and social foundations every child needs to thrive.
  
  Jessica can provide a range of support in the following areas:
  
  Values-Based Strategic Planning: Building and launching a bespoke values framework tailored to school needs.
  
  Ethical Vocabulary & Communication: Developing age-appropriate language to help pupils navigate complex social and emotional situations.
  
  Curriculum Mapping: Identifying and creating opportunities to weave core values into the wider curriculum.
  
  Modelling & Staff Development: Supporting staff in "living the values" through purposeful interactions and reflective practice.
  
  Impactful Collective Worship: Designing assemblies and reflection spaces that resonate with a diverse school community.
  
  Enabling Ethos: Creating physical and cultural environments that celebrate and reinforce the school's core principles.

• Ashleigh Mills
  Art
  Ashleigh Mills

• Gemma Hourican
  Design Technology
  Gemma Hourican

  Gemma joined the Chantry team in 2016, bringing expertise and experience across all Key Stages and a deep specialism in Year 2 and primary education. As a dedicated advocate for pedagogical excellence, Gemma holds both an NPQLT (Leading Teaching) and an NPQLTD (Leading Teacher Development) qualifications, which underpin her sharp eye for high-quality classroom practice.

  As the school's Design and Technology Lead, Gemma has worked on transforming a new curriculum. She authored the comprehensive progression documents that now serve as a strategic roadmap for skill-building, ensuring a seamless journey from EYFS through to Key Stage 2. Gemma firmly believes that DT is not an isolated subject but a vital thread that can be woven into all areas of learning, equipping children with versatile, real-world skills.

  Beyond her curriculum work, Gemma is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of educators. She serves as an ECT Facilitator and provides ongoing mentorship to trainee teachers, sharing her expertise to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning across the profession.

  Based on her leadership as DT Lead and her advanced professional qualifications, Gemma can provide specialised support in the following areas:

  DT Planning: Aligning EYFS–KS2 lessons with National Curriculum standards.

  Pedagogy: Applying retrieval practice, modelling, and scaffolding for better pupil outcomes.

  Mentorship: Coaching ECTs and trainees through the Early Career Framework (ECF).

  Curriculum Mapping: Weaving DT skills into wider subject areas.

  Teacher Development: Strategic guidance on high-quality classroom practice.

• Katherine Green
  PE
  Katherine Green

  Katherine is a visionary P.E. Lead who brings a perfect blend of high-level strategy and genuine passion to the Trust. With an NPQLT under her belt and a sharp eye for pedagogical rigor. Katherine has spearheaded transformative curriculum changes, authoring the progression documents that now serve as a roadmap for skill-building from EYFS right through to Key Stage 2. Her expertise in quality assurance is well-proven, having worked closely with Ofsted and School Improvement Officers to showcase exactly how a robust P.E. strategy translates into measurable student success.

  She is a firm believer that a great P.E is built on collective confidence, which is why she's dedicated to upskilling staff and mentoring colleagues to ensure every lesson hits the mark. Beyond the school gates, Katherine is a master of making things happen—from securing external funding and building lasting partnerships with local sports clubs to resourcing high-performing school teams that children are proud to play for. Whether she's signposting talented pupils toward elite external pathways or simply inspiring a child to find their sporting spark, Katherine has cultivated a vibrant, inclusive culture where physical activity is celebrated as a vital part of every student's journey.
  
  

  Katherine can provide support for the following areas:
  
  

  Developing a unique curriculum
  
  

  Developing a pedological approach across the school
  
  

  Provide a range of CPD opportunities
  
  

  Delivering Early Career Framework training to Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
  
  

  Purposeful staff interaction
  
  

  Inclusion in PE
  
  

  Creating purposeful environments
  
  

  Creating external partnerships
  
  

  Fundraising

• Shaela Malik
  Securing Excellence in Year 6
  Shaela Malik

  Shaela joined Chantry in 2011 and has extensive experience of working with Year 6 students, having spent many years in primary education. She is currently an Associate Assistant Headteacher, focused on raising standards in Upper Key Stage Two.

  Shaela has a strong background supporting children with SEND as well as those with emotional needs. She is passionate about ensuring every child reaches their full potential and that no child is left behind. In addition, Shaela has experience mentoring Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and has worked closely with SACRE to develop the new local agreed syllabus for Religious Education.
  
  

  Shaela can provide support in the following areas:
  
  Accelerated progress in Year 6
  
  

  Teaching Relationships Education
  
  

  Key Stage Two moderation and standardisation
  
  

  Talk for Writing