Executive Team

Claire taught at a number of schools in Hertfordshire before becoming head of SJL in 2006.  In 2008, Sir John Lawes became a National Support School and Claire was made a National Leader of Education, since when she has led on school to school support work with several local schools, leading to the setting up of the Scholars Education Trust (Sir John Lawes Academies Trust), of which she is CEO, in 2011. 

Claire has sat on the Regional Schools’ Commissioner’s Head Teacher Board for the NWLSC region since its inception and is also on the board of the Harpenden Secondary Education Trust, which is setting up a new secondary free school (Katherine Warington School) in Harpenden.  She is a founding trustee of HertsCam Network, a group which aims to improve teaching through teacher leadership and also a member of the Executive Committee of UCET (The Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers).  Claire was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June 2018 for Services to Education.

Matt taught Business and Economics at a number of schools in Hertfordshire before being appointed deputy head at Sir John Lawes School in 2007.  Matt was appointed Head of Francis Bacon School in 2011 after it was placed in an OFSTED category and led its transformation into Samuel Ryder Academy, Herts’ 1st all-through school.

As Deputy CEO, Matt is now supporting other schools in the Trust, mentoring newly appointed head teachers and providing leadership and strategic guidance, particularly over data and curriculum.  Matt is a board member of the Alban Teaching School Alliance, Governor and Chair of the Resources Committee at the local Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), as well as a member of the St Albans Strategic Partnership Executive Group.

Hazel has worked in education for a number of years achieving her SBM qualification in 2004 followed by the NPQH in 2008.  She is a NASBM Fellow and was awarded NASBM School Business Manager of the year in 2015. 

Hazel was part of the original EIP team that supported Samuel Ryder and is now responsible for our central provision that encompasses SBMs, finance, payroll, governance, IT, attendance, HR and PR/marketing. Hazel’s expertise has led to her being frequently approached to speak at local and national conferences and to provide consultative support for a number of schools.  Hazel is a key member of the school to school support team.