Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Online
Attendees: All Education staff
Questions: info@libertytrust.org.uk

Click here to book your space now!

Professor Des Hewitt

Professor Des Hewitt is a Member for Liberty Academy Trust and was previously Head of Primary and Early Years Teacher Education at the University of Warwick. Des has vast experience and knowledge in Education including the following:

• Over 25 years’ teaching experience in Schools and Universities.
• Recognised for his National and international profile in teacher Education.
• Awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy
• Advised UK government organisations in developing English and reading for University ITT providers
• Sat on a steering group in the Department for Children, Schools and Families, evaluating the impact of training for inclusion in teacher education

Margaret Mullholland

Margaret is a Member for Liberty Academy Trust and advisor on SEND policy for the Association of School and College Leaders and Whole School SEND Project Director leading an evaluation for the Education Endowment Foundation. Margaret has substantial experience and expertise including the following:

• Over 20 years’ experience in ITT innovation and practice
• Previous Director of Development and Research at a leading Special School
• 13 years working at the institute of Education
• Sits on the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers
• An Advisor to the UK Government on ITT curriculum development
• Writes a column on research and inclusivity for the Times Educational Supplement (TES). 

 

Dr Nicola Crossley

Dr Nicola Crossley is the current CEO for Liberty Academy Trust. Her specialist interest areas are Autism and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SMEH). Nic has varied experience and knowledge including the following:

• Over 25 years’ experience in Education which spans Primary, Secondary, Mainstream and Specialist Provision
• Council member for ASCL (Association of School and College Leaders) as the national SEND representative
• Member of the Ethics, Inclusion and Equalities Committee
• Founding Chair of the Women Leaders’ Network. 
• An Honorary Teaching Fellow at the Centre for Teacher Education, University of Warwick
• Co-author of Inclusion: A Principled Guide for School Leaders
• Nic is also co-author of new book – Inclusion: A Principled Guide for Early Career Teachers
• A member of the Policy Advisory Committee for CST

 

More information to follow...