Rachel Kershaw

Rachel Kershaw, Director for Leadership and MAT Development

Rachel has an extensive and diverse knowledge of a wide range of educational issues with over 25 years’ experience working in the public sector.  In her early career, Rachel worked for the Department for Education developing policy, as well as supporting and advising Local Authorities on a range of school place planning and education development issues. 

For more than 13 years Rachel worked within a North East local authority having risen to Head of Service, with lead responsibility for an extensive range of services including Governance, Admissions, Transport, Special Educational Needs, School Place Planning, Capital Asset Management, School Forum, Children’s Safeguarding, Exclusions and in-depth involvement in all general school and pupil support queries.

Over the last ten years Rachel has led the conversion process for over a 150 schools, supported the formation and development of multi academy trusts across the country and been part of the project board for the establishment of three free schools.  In 2021, Rachel was approved as a National Leader of Governance as part of the DfE accredited programme delivered through the NGA.

With her comprehensive knowledge of the education system, Rachel is committed to supporting school leaders to achieve the very best for their establishments.  Rachel has developed excellent negotiation skills, is a confident keynote speaker or presenter, is diligent, proactive and efficient in all areas of her work. She has excellent interpersonal skills, is friendly and approachable, and always willing to offer support and advice based on her depth of experience.