Make a Difference Day 2025
Posted 7th July 2025
On Friday 4 July 2025, Red Kite Learning Trust brought together colleagues from across its 16 schools, Central Team and Red Kite Education, plus a number of delegates from Red Kite Alliance, to participate in its highly anticipated Make a Difference Day, a full day of professional development, inspiration, and collaborative learning.
At Temple Learning Academy in Leeds, pupil-facing colleagues took part in a powerful programme centred on inclusion and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). The event featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and experts from across the education sector.
Margaret Mulholland, a nationally respected specialist in inclusivity and SEND, shared insights from her extensive work in shaping policy and practice. She is the SEND policy advisor for the Association of School and College Leaders, Project Director for Whole School SEND leading an evaluation for the Education Endowment Foundation, and advisor to the UK Government on ITT curriculum development. Margaret also writes a regular column for the Times Educational Supplement and is a member of the Universities’ Council for the Education of Teachers.
Fintan O’Regan, one of the UK’s leading Behaviour and Learning specialists, also addressed attendees. He currently serves as an ADHD, Neurodiversity and Behaviour Consultant for a range of schools and organisations. Fintan is an associate lecturer for several respected institutions including Leicester University and the Institute of Education and holds leadership roles within multiple national and European SEND organisations.
Alex Yates, an experienced school leader and former Headteacher of the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School in Camden. In 2023, he led the development of new provision supporting children experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). A founding Director of the National Association for Hospital Education and regular TES contributor, Alex now focuses on solution-focused approaches and training through Camden Learning.
The day also featured expert-led workshops, meaningful reflection, and collaborative sharing of inclusive approaches across schools and phases, all designed to help every child feel understood, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Meanwhile, operational colleagues gathered at Harrogate Grammar School, where sessions focused on innovation, collaboration, and how emerging tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can support smarter, more efficient working.
In addition to targeted workshops, the day featured a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Mark Roberts, co-founder of Beer Hawk, shared insights on leadership and innovation, drawing on his experience scaling the business from 2 to over 200 employees and authoring the top-selling book The Entrepreneur Within. His FORGE methodology illustrated significant benefits for both private and public sector organisations, including MATs.
Jonny Wathen, seasoned CIO and Data Protection Officer, spoke on harnessing digital technologies and AI, sharing lessons from his extensive career leading digital transformation in multi-academy trusts and contributing to national initiatives with UCL and the University of Leeds.
Stephen Morales, CEO of the Institute of School Business Leadership, brought his 20 years of expertise in operations and finance, discussing the transition from the National Association of School Business Management and his ongoing collaboration with the Department for Education. Furthermore, ways and means to improve business efficiency and effectiveness through ISBL’s professional standards and operational excellence.
Together, the two events reflected Red Kite Learning Trust’s commitment to developing every member of its workforce to positively impact the lives of more children and young people.
A huge thank you to all our incredible speakers for sharing your knowledge, experiences and expertise. Your contributions were both inspiring and practical, and we’re truly grateful for your support.
We’re also extremely grateful to our event sponsors: Pagabo, Daisy Education UK, One Day Creative , Lexia Learning, Provide Education Ltd, Magma, YPO, J.A. Financial Planning Ltd, and Pearson, whose generous support helped make this event possible. Thank you for investing in the professional development of our education community.
Make a Difference Day will now be a bi-annual event, establishing it as a key feature of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, innovation and professional growth.