Ever wonder who’s shaping the future of education? This week, we’re diving into the professional journeys of several key individuals taking on new leadership roles within prominent educational organizations. Get ready to meet the ‘Movers and Shakers’ – the people making waves in the education sector!
This bi-weekly column is your insider’s guide to understanding the shifts happening within the schools community. (You can find previous editions here: https://schoolsweek.co.uk/theme/movers-and-shakers/)
Do you know someone making a significant career move in education? We’re always looking for senior-level appointments to feature. Send your submissions to news@schoolsweek.co.uk with ‘Movers and shakers’ in the subject line.
Let’s meet this week’s cohort:
Stephen Morales, Chair at East Midlands Academy Trust (EMAT)
Start Date: October
Concurrent Role: Chief Executive, Institute of School Business Leadership
Interesting Fact: Stephen is a passionate surfer! But here’s the sacrifice: almost 20 years ago, he missed out on potentially epic surf conditions to attend his interview for the bursar position at Watford Grammar School for Girls. Talk about dedication! Could you have made the same choice?
Sophie Kayani, Director of External Relations at E-ACT
Start Date: September
Previous Role: Head of Strategic Partnerships, E-ACT
Interesting Fact: Sophie’s background is surprisingly diverse! She managed DJs in the 90s, worked as an au pair for a Greek shipping magnate’s family in Athens, and even had to arrange for a piano to be shipped into the basement of a Chelsea restaurant for Asian billionaire Li Ka-shing to play. What a story!
Phil Humphreys, Chief Education Officer at GLF Schools.
Start Date: January 2026 (looking ahead!)
Previous Role: Director of Education, Lift Schools
Interesting Fact: Phil and his wife celebrate their wedding anniversary in a truly unique way – by getting remarried every year! And this is the part most people miss… it’s not just a quiet renewal of vows. They have a full-blown ceremony, complete with a wedding dress! Past ceremonies have taken place in a gondola in Venice, a Transylvanian castle (with Vlad the Impaler, or someone dressed as him, overseeing!), and even in a capsule on the London Eye during Covid, with the vicar joining via Teams. Talk about commitment!
Patrick Alexander, Chief Executive Officer at Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE)
Start Date: November
Previous Role: Interim Assistant Director, Hackney Education
Interesting Fact: Patrick faced a setback at this year’s London Marathon. He tripped over a low kerb near the Cutty Sark. Alas, he didn’t achieve his desired time. But he wants everyone to know he still finished ahead of John Terry, the former Chelsea and England footballer. Every cloud, right?
Nick Stevens, Chief Operating Officer at AQA exam board
Start Date: November
Previous Role: Chief Finance and Corporate Services Officer, AQA
Interesting Fact: Nick’s main running partner is his Jack Russell, Cookie. A furry friend makes any run better, wouldn’t you agree?
Liz Murray, SEND Director, Supporting Education Group
Start Date: September
Previous Role: Director of SEND, Star Academies
Interesting Fact: Liz began her learning career in Tokyo, Japan, teaching English as a foreign language before transitioning to an investment bank’s learning and development department. Her experiences abroad solidified her passion for education, leading her back to the UK with a clear vision for her career.
So, there you have it – the latest movers and shakers in the education world! What do you think of their interesting facts? Which one surprised you the most, and why? Let us know in the comments below!