The United Learning Way - primary academies

Karen Matthews

Primary Regional Director (East London and South)

Karen joined United Learning in September 2022. She started teaching in 2004 and has had a successful career in education as a primary teacher, deputy headteacher and headteacher. This experience includes working in maintained schools, MATs and schools in challenging contexts and areas of high depravation.

Karen is a lead Ofsted Inspector with experience of inspecting schools in all remits. Karen has also worked as a lead adviser for an inner London local authority supporting primary headteachers.

Claire Ferens

Primary Regional Director (Swindon)

Claire joined United Learning in 2017. In addition to her Regional Director responsibilities, Claire serves as an Executive Headteacher and Chair of Governors for schools operating in challenging contexts. She is also a Programme Director for United Learning’s Middle Leadership programme, shaping the development of future leaders and embedding a culture of professional growth across the organisation.

Claire leads on Inclusion across our Primary schools, with a strategic focus on Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Behaviour. The work of her Regional Inclusion Lead Team ensures that all children, regardless of background or need, has access to high-quality education and the support required to thrive.

Michelle Green

Primary Regional Director (North/Midlands)

Michelle is currently serving as Executive Headteacher with United Learning and has a wealth of school improvement experience. She started teaching in 1997 and has had a successful career in education as a primary teacher, deputy headteacher, headteacher and Executive Headteacher.

As part of leading one of the first National Teaching Schools Michelle has supported many schools in challenging contexts, securing rapid improvement and removal from Special Measure to Good and Outstanding. During this time Michelle was also appointed and trained as an Educational Advisor for the DfE.

Michelle’s passion is the development and leadership of people, supporting them to be the very best teachers and leaders.

Catherine Horton-Hale

Primary Regional Director (North)

Catherine joined United learning in September 2014 as a Deputy Head Teacher. Since then, she has worked as Principal at Hunningley Primary Academy taking the school to an Outstanding Ofsted judgement, as an Executive Head Teacher and now as a Regional Director and lead for Education with Character.

Catherine is also a Senior Leader of Education, a Chair of Governors, has trained as a school Kagan facilitator and has undertaken Conscious Discipline training with Dr. Becky Baily in America.

Catherine is passionate about supporting schools in challenging circumstances to bring about the best possible educational experience for children. She achieves this through the implementation and leadership of a high-quality curriculum, investing in people and leadership at all levels and developing a school family culture where all feel valued.

Lindi Nejrup

Primary Regional Director (North and Midlands)

Lindi Nejrup is Primary Regional Director at United Learning, leading on attendance across the Trust’s primary schools. She is an experienced educational leader with over ten years’ experience of headship, including executive headship, where she has successfully guided schools out of special measures and supported leaders to drive rapid and sustainable improvement.

Trained in coaching, Kagan, and Conscious Discipline, Lindi is passionate about ensuring every child attends school every day to access highest quality of education so the child thrives and succeeds.

Alex Pearson

Primary Regional Director (Oxford)

Alex Pearson began his teaching career in 2006 and has over ten years of experience in headship, much of this as an Executive Headteacher. Alex joined United Learning in 2022 and leads the trust’s strategy for supporting disadvantaged pupils in primary schools.

Alex has a strong track record of transforming schools and improving pupil achievement. His work at the multi-academy trust (MAT) level includes leading initiatives in curriculum development, assessment, staff development, and targeted support for vulnerable learners. His strategic leadership and commitment to excellence have made a measurable impact on the communities he serves.

Alex has a passion for ensuring all pupils have the same opportunities, experiences, and access to high-quality education, regardless of their background.