About Us

The Alliance of Leading Learning are part of the Marches Academy Trust. The Alliance of Leading Learning at the Marches School Hub are the lead school working with University of Chester from 2018  to deliver School Direct teacher training at secondary and primary level.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our provision and our outstanding employability rate. Through our Teaching Alliance we work closely with 21 primary schools and 10 secondary schools.

We are a hub school for the TES Institute who offer professional development for teachers and are the leading provider of Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Courses.

We are a founder member of West Midlands Teach. This a group of schools across West Midlands, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire who collaborate to ensure that as providers of teacher training we are aware of current changes to government directives and at the forefront of change in ITT.

Meet the Team

Kate Aspinall

My role is Teaching School Development Manager,  I manage the trainee teachers, organise their programme, co-ordinate tutors, lecturers and source their teaching placements. I  also organise training courses and events, liaise with local schools, businesses and individuals.

Elaine Robinson

I am the Lead Associate Tutor for School Direct at the Marches School Hub which means that I am involved in the planning and delivery of the programme as well as supporting trainees on their placements.  I am also a National College facilitator for the NPQ programmes as well as the Specialist Leaders in Education.

Helen Lloyd

Within my role of Courses and Conferences Coordinator for the Alliance of Learning Learning, I support with UCAS applications to ensure that all applicants’ information is passed on to the Teaching School Development Manager so that interview deadlines are met.  I also organise CPD for all MAT staff and general CPD admin.  I organise courses that appear on the Marches Training Calendar and liaise with local schools and business to help meet their training needs.  I also work alongside Cavelle Priestley-Bird with the organisation of our ALL Education Conferences.

Julie Leoni

I teach and lead on the academic courses in school. My areas of expertise include emotional intelligence, leadership, research, reflective practice and I have a wide experience and knowledge of different psychological approaches. I offer bespoke and off-the-peg training in these areas. I am a qualified life and business coach and work with individuals and groups on releasing their highest potential. I am the wellbeing tutor for all the trainee teachers and the NQTs.

Rob Collier 

As a lead mentor for the Marches School Hub my role is to oversee and direct subject mentors of both ITT and NQT students. I also run sessions on teaching and learning as well as elements of educational theory in the ITT seminars and NQT twilight sessions. My role is to support all trainees and NQT’s to ensure they can succeed and achieve to their potential.

Lucy Luke

I am the Early Years and Primary Lead for The Alliance of Leading Learning. I design, write and deliver the programme, source placements and support the trainee teachers to achieve their potential. My input begins at the interview and continues through the PGCE course on to the ECF programme and the NPQ programmes for Middle and Senior Leaders.

Jodie Langford

As a Lead Mentor for The Alliance of Leading Learning, my role is to oversee and direct subject mentors of ITT students. I also run sessions on teaching and learning as well as elements of educational theory in the ITT seminars. My role is to support all trainees to ensure they can succeed and achieve their potential.