Transforming Education

Kris Boulton is an international teacher trainer and education writer, with extensive experience advising on national frameworks and standards. He served as an expert advisor on the Early Career Framework (ECT) and Ofsted’s mathematics inspection framework. His advisory roles also include consulting for NFER on the mathematics National Reference Test and supporting Ofqual in evaluating exam board submissions for AS Core Mathematics.

Early in his teaching career, Kris joined King Solomon Academy, an inner-city school serving the most economically deprived ward in London. Within its first two years of GCSE results, the school ranked fourth—and then first—in the national league tables.

As Director at Teach First, Kristopher led the recruitment and training of 200 new teacher educators, supporting nearly 2,000 new trainee teachers each year. Later, as Chief Education and Product Officer at Up Learn, he designed a learning system that guaranteed students an A or A* at A Level—or their money back. That system is now used by a third of all A Level students and in over 600 schools.

His work has been featured on Craig Barton’s maths podcast, in the TES, and in several ResearchED publications on assessment and Direct Instruction. His recent ResearchED talk explores the limitations—and enduring value—of Cognitive Science and Cognitive Load Theory in shaping effective instructional design.

Kristopher’s core interest lies in educational approaches that work for all pupils, not just some. He champions methods that improve outcomes without increasing teacher workload. He is currently writing a book that underpins Unstoppable Learning’s Mathematics Transformation Programme—founded to help teachers and schools achieve exceptional results and make every lesson one of success for every child, and every teacher.

Naveen Rizvi is a distinguished leader in mathematics education and curriculum development, with a career spanning teaching, strategic leadership, and international education roles. She currently serves as Chief Education Officer, overseeing transformative initiatives to enhance teaching standards and student outcomes.

Naveen was part of the founding team at Michaela Community School, where she contributed to its renowned educational model. She then advanced to national roles, including Mathematics Curriculum Advisor at United Learning and National Director of Mathematics at Astrea Academy Trust. In these positions, she led large-scale curriculum reforms, created KS3 and KS4 resources, and delivered CPD to hundreds of educators nationwide. As National Director of Mathematics, Numeracy, and Development at Athena Learning Trust, Naveen drove excellence in mathematics education across all secondary and primary schools.

Her expertise includes system improvement, data-driven solutions, and fostering leadership among educators, expertise that supported the rapid turnaround at Southport, where she was Deputy Principal, and across the network of Mastery Schools Australia, where she served as an Executive Principal.

Naveen holds an MA in Mathematics Education from UCL and a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is a Teach First alumna with a strong foundation in evidence-based educational practices inspired by variation theory and cognitive science.

Naveen’s commitment to educational equity and innovation is evident through her work in empowering schools, teachers, and students to achieve exceptional results.

Jon Hutchinson is a prominent figure in education, known for his expertise in curriculum design, instructional coaching, and teacher development. Currently serving as Regional Director, and previously Director of Teacher Development and Curriculum at the Reach Foundation, Jon builds partnerships with schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) to develop a cradle-to-career approach for their communities. He leads efforts to train and coordinate a network of like-minded school and trust leaders, empowering them to have a direct and lasting impact on children and families.

Jon’s extensive experience includes:

• Founding Meno Academy, an online platform providing concise subject knowledge videos for primary school teachers to enhance their confidence in teaching national curriculum topics.

• Contributing as a Fellow on Ambition Institute’s Master’s in Expert Teaching program, delivering research-informed training to develop the next generation of educators.

• Acting as a curriculum leader at Oak National Academy, where he played a key role in developing primary humanities curricula and teaching over 50 lessons himself, before managing a wider team to design and create over 150 lessons.

• Participating as an expert panellist for the Department for Education’s Early Career Framework, which influencing best practices for early-stage teachers, and several similar government committees.

A former classroom teacher and school leader, Jon’s dedication to education spans primary through A-Level, focusing on robust curriculum design and assessment practices, and supporting MATs in building strategies for sustained student achievement.

Jon holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Cambridge, where his research explored the relationship between educational effectiveness and teacher beliefs. He also earned a First-Class BA in Philosophy from Heythrop College, where he developed a deep understanding of ethics, philosophy of mind, and educational theory.

Beyond his professional roles, Jon is deeply committed to empowering educators and fostering a sense of belonging in classrooms. His work on the Building Belonging Project has provided teachers with resources to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Carla Stevens is a dedicated mathematics educator with extensive experience in teaching, leadership, and supporting diverse learning needs.

She is the Founder of Challenge ME, a mathematics competition for international schools in the Middle East inspired by the UKMT Maths Challenge. Carla is committed to inspiring problem solvers and advancing mathematical excellence across the region.

Carla has held prominent roles such as Head of Mathematics at Jumeirah English Speaking School in Dubai and Mulberry School for Girls, in Tower Hamlets, where she led a team to improve student outcomes and foster a love for mathematics. She has also served as a Deputy Head Teacher at the School of Research Science and as a Mathematics Associate for the PiXL Club, contributing over a decade of expertise to curriculum development and teacher training.

Carla holds an MA in Education and International Development from UCL and qualified as a mathematics teacher through Teach First. She is currently pursuing a Level 5 qualification from the British Dyslexia Association in Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties, further specialising in supporting students with unique challenges.

Carla’s career reflects a passion for education and a drive to create opportunities for all learners. Whether leading teams, designing programs, or mentoring young educators, she consistently demonstrates her commitment to making mathematics accessible, engaging, and transformative.

Petia Tzanova is an experienced facilitator, coach, and consultant with over 15 years of expertise in leadership development, organisational transformation, and project management. She currently serves as a Learning and Development Consultant at The
Management Centre, delivering impactful training programs for non-profit and arts organisations across the UK and internationally.

Petia is passionate about fostering inclusive and transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and organisations to
achieve meaningful change. As an accredited ILM Level 7 coach, she has mentored hundreds of leaders, change-makers, and creative
professionals through tailored programs and one-on-one coaching. She also co-founded STOP London, the first dedicated school of
Theatre of the Oppressed in the UK, using theatre as a tool for social and political change.

With a strong academic background, Petia holds an MA in Creative and Media Enterprise and a BA in Politics and International Studies,
both from the University of Warwick. Her diverse portfolio includes collaborations with prestigious clients like the UN, British Council,
Royal Opera House, and the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Petia’s expertise encompasses:

• Leadership & Management Development
• Project and Program Management
• Participatory Design
• Personal Effectiveness Coaching
• Communications

Yvonne Zhang is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in education, consulting, and leadership. Currently an Associate Partner at Bain & Company, Yvonne specialises in driving strategic solutions for clients, while also dedicating her expertise
to pro bono projects that provide management and leadership training to school leaders and CEOs of multi-academy trusts (MATs).

Yvonne’s passion for education began with Teach First in 2011, where she served as a KS3 Maths Coordinator at Heartlands Academy.
Her commitment to advancing education continued during her tenure as a Governor at Michaela Community School, where she played
a key role in shaping the school’s finance and governance strategies.

A graduate of the prestigious INSEAD MBA program, Yvonne combines her analytical skills and leadership acumen to foster impactful
change both in education and beyond. Her experience also includes roles as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company and an
Assurance Associate at PwC, reflecting her strong foundation in problem-solving and organisational management.

Yvonne is dedicated to bridging the gap between the private and public sectors, leveraging her consulting expertise to empower
educators and drive sustainable improvements in education.