Matt has over twenty years' experience in the education sector across primary, middle and secondary schools. He has been a headteacher of two primary schools, taking one from an Ofsted judgement of ‘special measures’ to 'good' and one from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’. Before joining The Rivers CofE Academy Trust in September 2023, Matt held the position of director of education in another large multi-academy trust in the West Midlands, overseeing significant improvements in educational outcomes.

Matt was previously one of His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI), leading over seventy school inspections and multi-academy trust summary evaluations. During his time as an HMI, Matt was appointed by Ofsted as their national lead for physical education.

Matt is also a member of the steering group for the Worcestershire CEO network and a board member for the University of Worcester's ITT Strategic Governance Board.

Julie has worked in education for over twenty years with a range of experience from teaching in small village schools to large city primaries. Julie initially trained as a SENCO and later took on senior maths leadership roles within the NCETM before completing her MA in education. 

Julie is passionate about ensuring that all pupils have the necessary tools for success.  In particular, she champions pupils who have additional challenges in life - "Those are the children I get up for in the morning."

In 2016, she transitioned into a headship role and became the executive head of five primaries in Oxfordshire, leading four of them to achieve an 'Outstanding' grade. Subsequently, Julie assumed a senior trust position as the primary director, overseeing thirty-five primary schools.

Julie joined The Rivers CofE Academy Trust in September 2024 as Director of Education and was appointed Chief Education Officer in September 2025.

With over 18 years of experience in education and a distinguished track record of championing inclusive practices, Sally brings a wealth of expertise, passion, and strategic insight to the role of Director of Inclusion.

Sally initially trained as a Secondary PE teacher and worked as a School Sports Coordinator across a cluster of primary schools. Sally’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to supporting and empowering both staff and pupils, which has seen her succeed in a range of curriculum and pastoral leadership roles.

Before joining The Rivers CofE Academy Trust in September 2025, Sally held trust leadership positions as a Director of SEND and a Director of Inclusion within a large multi-academy trust in the Black Country. Her extensive experience leading SEND across twelve schools in three local authorities, combined with her training in SEND law, has given her a deep understanding of both local and national SEND landscapes. Her expertise has enabled her to mentor and support SEND leaders regionally and nationally, extending her impact well beyond her own trust.

Following the completion of her degree in teaching and sports studies, Kerry began her teaching career in 2002, progressing from a year 6 teacher in a one-form entry church school to an Assistant Headteacher of a two-form entry primary school. During this time, Kerry also worked in collaboration with the Local Authority advisors on a maths curriculum framework, was a leading teacher in the authority and a Key Stage 2 writing moderator.

Kerry became a Deputy Headteacher and then Headteacher at Burlish Park Primary School in 2017. Burlish Park joined The Rivers CofE Academy Trust in 2018. Kerry was a Lead Headteacher within the trust before being appointed as Director of Education in 2024. Kerry is responsible for the leadership and development of educational standards and the progress of pupils across our trust. Kerry has strategic oversight of the curriculum, Evergreen, personal development and attendance.