Teaching & Learning Conference – Teaching with Insight, Intention and Innovation

SPEAKERS

Dr Stephen Belding is Director of Academic Programmes for Rugby School Global Partnerships and former Head of Chemistry at Rugby School. He holds an MChem and a DPhil in Chemistry from Oxford University, as well as a Masters in Education from the University of Buckingham, where his research explored school inspection reports and the drivers of excellence in schools. He also serves as the governor responsible for teaching and learning at Ashlawn School in Rugby, sits on the governing council of ISEB, and works as an A-level examiner.

Rachel Dove has over 20 years’ experience in both primary and secondary education, having served as an English teacher at Key Stages 2 to 5 and latterly as an educational consultant. She has held middle, senior and Trust-wide leadership roles from 2002-2018, with a focus on literacy, oracy, transition and teaching and learning. From 2018, Rachel spent over 5 years as a senior Programme Lead at the UK’s national oracy charity, Voice 21, developing and delivering national oracy programmes for teachers and leaders focusing on the fundamentals
of oracy pedagogy and practice, as well as curriculum design and leadership development. She also delivered bespoke oracy-focused consultancy from EYFS to FE. Most recently she has led oracy provision for United Learning Trust, defining the vision and mission for oracy across a nationwide group of schools, and advising and developing practice.

Rachel Ballantyne is the founder of Edify and Empower Tutoring, an education specialist with more than thirteen years of experience teaching and leading in UK independent and international schools. Her work is grounded in a simple philosophy: kindness creates confidence and confidence drives academic excellence. Rachel is a qualified English teacher, an experienced academic mentor and a Designated Safeguarding Lead. She is known for combining compassionate, pupil-centred support with high expectations, clear structure and strong subject
expertise. Her approach helps students move from uncertainty to clarity. Edify and Empower Tutoring reflects Rachel’s commitment to purposeful, high-quality education that protects, challenges and inspires young people to thrive.

Marcus Sharrad is the owner of The Crafted Concept, a performance coaching consultancy working across education and elite sport, with a focus on pedagogy, leadership, and individual and team performance. Through The Crafted Concept, Marcus supports schools nationwide to strengthen internal professional learning in line with Ofsted and ISI expectations, working with senior leaders, middle leaders, and subject departments. As a qualified executive coach, he also works one-to-one with senior leaders and Heads. Alongside his work in
education, Marcus provides pedagogical and performance support within elite sport, including professional football and Olympic pathways, supporting players, coaches, and coaching staff. He previously served as Director of Coaching & Mentoring at Marlborough College, leading staff induction, PGCE and ECT programmes, internal professional learning, and a data-led, whole-school academic intervention initiative.