The Team

Fran Cowell

COO

Fran began her career in Education Administration and followed her passion for effective operations before taking up a post within LEARNERs’ Trust in 2016. Fran has over 14 years’ experience in education working across both maintained and Academy Primary, Secondary and Special Schools. Fran has a Level 5 qualification in Leading Business & Operations Management and keeps up to date through the Forum Strategy professional network and her own network of colleagues across the sector.

As Chief Operations Officer, Fran has a drive to ensure that schools are working effectively and are compliant along with achieving the best level of service and value for money from third party companies. A part of Fran’s role is Data Protection Officer where she supports schools to ensure compliance with GDPR. In all her work she strives to follow the Trust’s CHOICE culture. Fran works closely with the whole central team and believes that a successful team is built on communication, effective relationships, helpfulness, hard work and a lot of laughs along the way. The COO leads the administration network across the whole Trust and focuses the network on communication and helpfulness ensuring schools have a positive relationship with the Trust along with sharing knowledge and experience across schools.

Fran enjoys interior design, baking and spending time with her family.

Matt Freeston

CEO

As founding CEO, Matt has designed the operational model and led the Learners’ Trust since its inception in 2016.

Matt is pupil premium kid who grew up in Sheffield and has worked in education leadership for 20 years across Derbyshire and Rotherham.

Matt has completed various qualifications for leadership, including a recent first-class MBA in Executive Education at Buckinghamshire University.  

Matt’s skills and areas of interest are in school improvement strategy, leadership development and operational effectiveness. 

Matt is a qualified executive coach and has worked with leaders across the country, supporting their development as executive leaders.

Matt is a self-confessed IT nerd and poor-quality guitar player, singer and golfer.

Gary Mizler

CFO

Expertise in finance and education

• Gary is a Chartered accountant by profession. 
• Gary has worked in both private and public sector since qualification which has equipped him with sound commercial expertise and the skills to navigate the complex public sector landscape.  
• Initially starting as an external auditor he gained sound knowledge of financial controls, processes and procedures.  Leaving Accountancy Practice Gary then made the move to the Motor Trade to become Finance Director of a multi-franchise dealership, this allowed him to develop and expand his commercial awareness in a highly competitive and unforgiving sector.  Looking for a new challenge Gary then moved to the NHS where he undertook several roles across a number of organisations mainly involving transforming services and cross sector collaboration.  

Summary

• I am passionate about extracting value in all areas of my life, professionally this means I like to see value in expenditure of both time and resource to gain the maximum benefit.  This passion brings about a strong desire to remove waste and inefficiency from all processes
• I am passionate about high quality customer service, to both internal and external stakeholders and look to instil these values within the wider team.  Part of this is taking particular pride in the products we deliver to our stakeholder, irrespective of if these are tangible or otherwise.  

Ryan Longmate

Operations Business Manager

Ryan joined the Learners Trust in 2025, bringing with him over 20 years’ experience across the Higher Education, Further Education, Civil Service, and Hospitality sectors.

Ryan has held senior roles in operational management, Human Resources, and Project and Programme delivery, with qualifications including Business Management, People Management and a PRINCE2 Practitioner, Ryan brings a practical, results-driven approach to operational management, organisational development and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and friends and is a keen follower of football and boxing.

Andrew Jones

Capacity Officer

Andrew is an experienced educational professional and has worked in a wide variety of roles since starting his career as a primary teacher in Manchester in the 1980s.Andrew has undertaken a number of senior leadership roles both in schools and at system-wide level. He has successfully led projects and services at local, regional and national levels. This has led to international work and he believes that there is much to gain from the exchange of ideas between different school systems.

A strategic thinker, Andrew’s areas of professional expertise include system leadership, governance, and strategic school improvement. Growing up in the east end of Sheffield Andrew attributes his later career to the transformative power of education. He is passionate about ensuring that all children have the best start in life.

Andrew loves cooking and baking and enjoys walking in order to neutralise the calories! His Dad jokes are much appreciated by his family.

Lisa Whiteley

Trust Partner

Lisa began her teaching career in Key Stage 1 and Early Years, where she discovered her passion for leadership and the transformative power of education. After supporting PE and Dance development across the Local Authority, she served as Headteacher for 14 years and became a Local Leader of Education.

With extensive experience as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher in various educational settings, Lisa consistently achieved Outstanding OFSTED judgments and successfully supported schools in crisis. She believes that a successful school is built on strong values, effective relationships, and a culture of respect and hard work.

Since becoming a Trust Partner in September 2019, Lisa has focused on driving strategic improvement and fostering self-evaluation in schools throughout the southern region. She is passionate about coaching and developing school leaders, enriched by her recent First-Class Master’s Degree in Education Management.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys dancing, attending the theatre, and creating cherished memories with her family, reflecting her belief in a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

Jonathan Brookes

Trust Partner

Jonathan Brookes has been a Trust Partner for the central region of Learners’ Trust since 2017. With over 20 years of experience in Derbyshire primary schools, he has held three headships, including one as Executive Head, and has a proven track record of advancing schools, especially those facing challenges.

Jonathan graduated from the University of Exeter, specializing in Mathematics Education, and earned a Master’s degree in the same field. He also holds the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). His contributions include serving on an Interim Executive Board for the DfE, facilitating NPQEL courses, and acting as Strategic Chair of Directors for the Teaching School Hub in Derbyshire. He has international experience through placements in India and Sri Lanka.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and is a fan of football and cricket. His favorite travel destination is India, and he loves cooking and dining out.

Joel Breedon

Trust Partner

Joel joined Learners’ Trust as a Trust Partner for the northern region in December 2023. With over 17 years of experience in Rotherham primary schools, including two headships, he has a proven track record of driving school improvement, particularly in challenging settings and areas with high deprivation.

A graduate of the University of Warwick in Mathematics Education, Joel also holds a Masters in Applied Professional Studies in Education and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).

Joel is passionate about enhancing teaching, learning, curriculum, and behaviour in schools. Outside of work, he enjoys family time and playing rugby.

Tracy Adams

Trust Business Manager

Tracy Adams has been a Trust Business Manager with The Learner’s Trust since October 2021, bringing over 14 years of experience in the education sector. Before this role, she served as School Business Manager at Old Hall Junior School and Westfield Infant School. Tracy is currently pursuing her AAT qualification to enhance her financial expertise.

Her career began in the private legal sector, where she worked for over 22 years as a litigation assistant and PA to the senior partner at a local law firm, specializing in debt collection, employment disputes, contract disputes, and personal injury claims.

Tracy has been actively involved in her community, serving as Chair of the Parents & Friends Association at a local school and treasurer for her son’s football team for over a decade.

Outside of work, Tracy enjoys gardening, baking, traveling, and dining out with her husband, along with spending quality time with family and friends.

Jonathon Elton

Trust Business Manager

Jonathon Elton is a Trust Business Manager at The Learners Trust, bringing over 17 years of experience in school business practices. He holds a Diploma in School Business Management and an AAT qualification, complemented by prior accounting experience.

Jonathon began his career with the local authority, providing financial support for schools before moving into School Business Management at Granville Sports College, where he led the admin team. He then joined Ashgate Croft School, the largest special school in Derbyshire.

For the past five years, Jonathon has supported the central team while remaining based at Ashgate Croft. Recently, he has transitioned to the central team, where he aims to leverage his skills to drive improvements across the trust.

Outside of work, Jonathon is a passionate Aston Villa fan, eagerly anticipating the season ahead. He enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with family and friends.

Helen Dean

Trust Business Manager

Helen Dean is the Trust Business Manager at Learners Trust, bringing over 40 years of experience in education. She began her career at the Northern Examination and Assessment Board as a Personal Assistant, managing Key Stage 2 and 3 examinations across England for 17 years. After relocating to Harrogate, she spent 13 years at Bannerdale Teachers Centre as a Team Leader in the Learning Support Service.

In 2011, Helen joined Mary Swanwick Primary School as a Senior Administrator and later became School Business Manager after the school collaborated with Brimington Junior School. Since the schools joined the Learners Trust in 2016, she has taken on additional responsibilities, culminating in her appointment as Trust Business Manager in October 2021.

Helen has also pursued continuous professional development, earning an NVQ Level 4 in Business and Administration and a qualification in First Line Management.

Outside of work, she enjoys country life with her partner, Patrick, and their three sons: a qualified vet, a trainee farm manager, and a Business Management student at Leeds University. Helen loves walking with her dogs, Rafferty and Amos, and socializing with friends and family.

Karen Barnes

Trust Business Manager

Karen Barnes is the Trust Business Manager at Learners Trust, responsible for the financial and administrative operations of six schools. With over 20 years of experience in finance—13 in education—she is a qualified AAT professional known for her exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail.

Karen began her career in 1992 with South Yorkshire Police, advancing from Admin Assistant to Finance Manager. There, she supported initiatives aimed at reducing crime and managed funding programs. In 2010, she transitioned to education as Bursar at Catcliffe Primary, later becoming School Business Manager for High Greave Junior and High Greave Infant School in 2015. She stepped into her current role as Trust Business Manager in 2021.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys family time, reading, and socializing with friends.

Fariheen Salahudin

Marketing & Communication Officer

Fariheen Nur Sheikha is a dynamic Marketing and Communication Officer from the lively island of Penang, Malaysia. Armed with a degree in Marketing and Public Relations and a diploma in Mass Communication, she’s worked across diverse fields—starting as a Social Media Manager in tech, co-founding a video production team, freelancing in creative spaces, even representing Sheffield Hallam University as a Student Ambassador and She’s also part of The Wireless Gig, a community of creatives pushing boundaries in digital and visual arts.

With a passion for performing arts, public speaking, and creative communication, Fariheen is known for her bold personality, humor, and drive. Whether she’s collaborating with creatives or yapping her thoughts out with friends, she’s always bringing energy and connection to the table.

John Bell

Extended Services

John Bell began developing the Extended School service in 2009, initially supporting six schools in Rotherham with enrichment activities, after-school clubs, and holiday programs.His background also includes experience in funding applications and project management.

Through his collaboration with  Learners’ Trust, the service has grown substantially and now reaches 46 schools across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. With nearly 700 after-school clubs offered, John is dedicated to creating engaging opportunities that help children continue their learning beyond the classroom.

Outside of work, John enjoys managing a children’s football team, exploring the Peak District, and playing board games with his kids.

Nicola Barnsley

Admin

Tom Sheffield

IT Manager

Tom began his journey at High Greave Junior & Infant School in 2013 as an IT Technician during his placement year for a degree in IT and Business at Sheffield Hallam. Thanks to an offer from Matt Freeston, he transitioned into a permanent role as his placement wrapped up, continuing to support the school as he completed his degree.

Since the LEARNERs’ Trust was founded in 2016, Tom has been instrumental in providing IT support across every school that’s joined the Trust. Leading a team dedicated to advancing EdTech, he ensures that each device—from iPads to laptops and networking systems—functions seamlessly to minimize classroom disruption. Tom and his team work closely with school staff and the Central team, conducting regular site visits and offering remote support to keep learning uninterrupted. With the education sector a prime target for cyber threats, Tom also oversees the security of the Trust’s IT infrastructure, ensuring a safe digital environment for all users.

When he’s not solving tech challenges, Tom enjoys unwinding at the cinema to catch the latest films or embarking on city breaks to explore new destinations.

Matt Duffell

I.T Technician

Matt has been part of The Learners Trust IT team since 2018, bringing 18 years of experience in school IT support. Passionate about enhancing technology in education, he ensures that all schools run smoothly and stay up to date, including installing new equipment as needed.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys motorsports with family and friends.

Harvey Lewis

I.T Technician

Harvey has been in the I.T Sector since 2014 where he was an apprentice for a few years to achieve a High Level IT Professional qualification. He then moved into the Education sector back in 2018 offering IT Support at a large Secondary school for a year before joining the Learner’s Trust in 2019,  joining the IT Team which supports all the schools and trust staff.

As part of the IT Team Harvey supports schools helping with any simple issue such as replacing a faulty cable all the way up to fixing complicated network issues and everything in-between. If something has a power cable, or connects to the network the IT Team will most likely be the ones to fix these when they go wrong. The IT Team also monitor and maintain the networks and devices within schools making sure everything runs smoothly. Harvey also helps identify where networks and devise can be upgraded to keep schools up to speed with the ever evolving world of IT.

Harvey enjoys his cars and Video Games, Walking his howling Husky X Malamute and spending time with his Family.

Andrew Blench

Governance Professional

Andrew has been a School Business professional since 2003, working mainly in secondary education. In 2016 he set up his consultancy ‘School Business Partner’ which supports schools and trusts with financial effectiveness, leadership & management training/coaching and governance services. School Business Partner provides governance services to the trust board and also its local school champions network. In his spare time, he enjoys  singing in choir as a Tenor