Collaboration Sharer Group
Join Empower Trust’s Collaboration Group – Having all the benefits of working with a Trust, without having to join one!
Empower Trust is inviting schools to become Group Sharers, giving you the opportunity to tap into the strengths, networks, and expertise of our Trust while maintaining your independence.
For an annual contribution of just £500, you’ll gain access to:
- Our Edushare Network – connect, collaborate and share resources
- Attendance at Trust Conferences with national speakers and practical workshops
- 3 Coaching Sessions (group or 1:1) tailored to leadership, school improvement, or operational support
- 24/5 Phone Support for advice and problem-solving when you need it
- Expert input into school improvement and operational challenges
- Ongoing access to the collective knowledge and support of our Trust leaders
This is your chance to be part of a trusted community of collaboration, where schools work together, share expertise, and strengthen outcomes for children.
Meet our Strategic Team

Sam Scott
Director of Education

Beck Preece
SEND Strategic Lead

Sarah North
Achievement Strategic Lead

Kelly Lee
Teaching and Learning Strategic Lead

Karen Matthews
Inclusion Strategic Lead – Inclusion

Kelly Lee
Teaching and Learning Strategic Lead
Kelly is an experienced school leader and headteacher at St George’s Junior School, known for her keen interest in curriculum design and development. Her leadership has played a key role in implementing the NPQLT flex approach across the trust, demonstrating her commitment to teamwork and educational success.
Using evidence-informed practices, Kelly has developed trust-wide principles for teaching and learning, outlined in the FAME framework (Frame it, Assess it, Model it, Explore it). By using an evidence informed approach from materials such as the EEF and Walkthru materials, Kelly has created a clear policy and monitoring framework that promotes consistency and high standards across all schools in the trust.
Her collaborative nature has allowed her to work effectively with teachers throughout the trust, ensuring that effective teaching practices are embedded in everyday learning. Kelly’s dedication continues to encourage growth and improvement in education.

Sarah North
Achievement Strategic Lead

Sally Brayne
Assessment Strategic Lead – KS2
Kerry and Sally share the role of leading assessment processes across the trust, combining their extensive experience to improve outcomes for all pupils. Kerry, with a background in EYFS and KS1, has worked closely with the local authority as a KS1 moderator. Sally brings her experience as a school leader in KS2, where she has successfully supported KS2 teachers with moderation processes, fostering a deeper understanding of assessment strategies.
Together, they have led the development of robust assessment and tracking processes, offering a clearer picture of pupil outcomes throughout the trust. Their collaborative work allows for identifying areas of strength and pinpointing where further focus is necessary. By systematically analysing data, Kerry and Sally uncover learning gaps, which they communicate back to inform the trust’s priorities for development. Their commitment to continuous improvement not only enhances the quality of assessment but also enriches teaching practices and outcomes for all pupils.

Beck Preece
SEND Strategic Lead
Beck is the Strategic Lead for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Empower Trust and serves as the Headteacher at Woodfield Infant and Nursery School. With the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination, she demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering inclusive education for all children. Beck collaborates closely with families, outside agencies, trust leaders, and other professionals to identify and implement tailored support strategies that address individual needs. She actively engages with parents to ensure their voices are heard, facilitating partnership-based approaches.
Beck provides guidance and training to staff on best practices for supporting pupils with SEND, striving to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Her proactive leadership involves regularly monitoring progress and adapting interventions to ensure the highest standards of support. Through her dedication to SEND, Beck plays a vital role in shaping trust policies that enhance inclusivity, ultimately empowering children to achieve their full potential.

Sam Scott
Director of Education / Strategic Lead for Safeguarding
As the Director of Education and Training and Partnerships lead, Sam focuses on the development and implementation of training strategies, build partnerships with external organisations, oversees staff development and quality assurance, promotes innovation and best practices, contributes to strategic planning, and facilitates communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, Sam’s role includes being school improvement advisory, conducting curriculum reviews and provides support, and offer coaching and mentoring to Headteachers.
The Strategic Lead for Safeguarding oversees and coordinates safeguarding policies and practices across the trust, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and fostering a safe environment for students and staff. This role develops and updates safeguarding policies using national legislation and best practices, supports Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), monitors safeguarding practices through audits and quality assurance, and collaborates with external agencies to enhance safeguarding provision. Regular liaison with the safeguarding trustee ensures a commitment to the welfare and protection of all children.

Karen Matthews
Inclusion Strategic Lead – Inclusion
Karen is an experienced school leader and is headteacher at Wilfred Owen Primary School. As a qualified SENCO, she understands the needs of individuals, is dedicated to creating inclusive environments and values community connections. Karen employs a research-based approach to relationships inspired by Paul Dix, focusing on effective relational and behaviour management strategies while fostering inclusivity.
Karen collaborates with local and national groups to support children’s needs and is currently developing a community hub to strengthen these ties. Through her expert consultation, schools receive comprehensive audits of their practices alongside tailored support to enhance their overall approach. Karen has received positive feedback, such as from Greenacres Primary School, praising her clear strategies and helpful guidance. Her commitment ensures all students feel valued and supported, making Karen an asset to our trust.

