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12 November 2026

Movers and shakers: SAfE, Excelsior, Centre for Education Systems

This week's movers and shakers include a descendant of Starburst fame and mega fans of Take That members

Schools Week Reporter

1 min read
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This week’s movers and shakers include a school leader whose grandad invented Starburst and a Take That mega fan.

This column is our regular guide to who is moving where in the schools community.

We are keen to hear about appointments at a senior level. Please send submissions to news@schoolsweek.co.uk with ‘Movers and shakers’ in the subject line.

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Headshot of Olivia Page

Olivia Page

Deputy chief executive officer, Schools Alliance for Excellence (SAfE)

Start date

November

Previous role

Director of professional growth, Orion Education

Interesting fact

Olivia’s grandfather invented the sweets Starburst, formally known as Opal Fruits. Before them, there were boiled fruit sweets and caramel toffee but opal fruits were the first chewy fruity sweet.

Headshot of Jonathan Dando-Laing

Jonathan Dando-Laing

Chief executive officer, Centre for Education Systems

Start date

February 2027

Current role

Director of external relations and school support, Oak National Academy

Interesting fact

In a previous role Jonathan was responsible for giving the King his birthday cake on his 60th birthday. Rather than being employed as a royal butler, he worked at The Prince’s Trust, and was hosting a visit with a group of young people in East London.

Headshot of Jennifer Maskell

Jennifer Maskell

Director of education, Excelsior Multi Academy Trust

Start date

November

Previous role

Primary strategic lead, Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Interesting fact

Jennifer's two great loves (apart from her children) are Aston Villa and Take That. She is totally crazy about both of them and follow her team and the group wherever possible.

Headshot of Rachael Breen

Rachael Breen

Regional safeguarding lead, north, E-ACT

Start date

September

Previous role

Deputy designated safeguarding lead, Sandwell Academy

Interesting fact

Rachael loves adventuring to new places and spent a large part of her 20s travelling. She lived in Australia and the Netherlands and has travelled to many other countries such as China, America and Dubai, to name a few.

Headshot of Stacey McDermott

Stacey McDermott

Regional SEND lead, north, E-ACT

Start date

September

Previous role

Assistant headteacher and SENCo, E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy

Interesting fact

Stacey sets herself a new personal challenge every year. Last year, she visited 12 countries in 12 months, and this year she's taking on a new adventure by running a 5–10K event every month across the country – with just two more to go.

Headshot of Lucy Dan

Lucy Dan

Regional safeguarding lead, south west, E-ACT

Start date

September

Previous role

Designated safeguarding lead, Pyrland School

Interesting fact

Lucy has travelled to various European countries, with her friends of 40 plus years, to see Robbie Williams in concert.

Headshot of Jess Shakespeare

Jess Shakespeare

Regional SEND lead, south, E-ACT

Start date

October

Previous role

Co-headteacher, The Gallery Trust

Interesting fact

Jess learned to handle high-stakes environments early in life. Having achieved grade 8 in classical singing at age 15, she spent her weekends performing at weddings. That's not your average Saturday job!

Headshot of Bethan Cullen

Bethan Cullen

Deputy chief executive officer, Centre for Education Operational Excellence

Start date

November

Previous role

Deputy chief executive officer, Institute of School Business Leadership (part of the CEOE group)

Interesting fact

Bethan has had the pleasure of dancing with Bob Holness from Blockbusters. She simply said: "Can I have a D for dance please?"

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