Our resident education experts
At Access Education, when we say, 'Education software made by education experts for education experts,' we truly mean it. Our resident experts have been in your shoes – as ex-teachers, senior leaders, governors, and more – so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about your challenges.
And with that experience, they are at the at the forefront of thought leadership within the EdTech space. In other words, you’re in safe hands.
That’s why over 9,000 schools, academies and trusts look to us for guidance and support in the day-to-day operations of their educational institutions and in the pursuit of delivering an outstanding education.
James Kirby - Education Finance Expert
Meet James Kirby, an education finance expert whose wealth of knowledge evolved from his extensive background in finance for schools, particularly within the Hampshire Local Authority, the second-largest LA in England.
Drawing on his experience, James possesses a deep understanding of how LAs operate, including their budgetary and financial requirements. He applies this knowledge to navigate the intricacies that filter down to the school level, where he helps enhance financial processes and ensures efficient reporting back to the LA.
In his current position as Senior Consultant at Access, James leverages his comprehensive finance knowledge to aid our education finance customers. From implementation and migration to CPD and training, he imparts his expertise to schools, academies, and trusts.
Additionally, James collaborates with LAs to streamline reporting requirements, ensuring a harmonious meeting of both school and LA needs.
James is a fountain of knowledge in all aspects of education finance, and he goes above and beyond to support our customers in any way possible.
Emma Slater - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Expert
Meet Emma, who is dedicated to supporting schools in their pursuit of digital learning excellence.
10 Years experience as a Lead Practitioner and Head of English in LEA and Trust run schools across SE London developed her passion for developing knowledge and skills rich curriculum. As a PiXL Associate working with 100’s of schools up and down the country and as an author of T&L resources for OUP, Collins and York Notes she gained a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the education sector.
Her dedication to education led her to a pivotal role as Director of Education at GCSEPod, where she merged her love for education with her publishing experience to pioneer a values-driven approach to EdTech. Emma championed the cause of providing diverse and inclusive learning content that delivers a rich curriculum in a form that supports all pupils to learn succeed.
Now, at The Access Group, Emma brings her skills and experience in strategy, education, and product development to oversee the growth and delivery of innovative 'big ideas' that support the education sector. Her passion for supporting schools in their curriculum journey is deeply rooted in her extensive classroom experience.
Rich Newsome - Thought Leadership Expert
Meet Rich Newsome, a thought leadership expert with a passion for education that stems from his background as a teacher. Committed to shedding light on the most significant issues in education, Rich goes above and beyond to provide schools with the guidance and support they need without the burden of extensive research.
Drawing from his firsthand experience, he brings the voices of the education sector to life, allowing those within schools to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and explore best practices.
As our in-house Content Manager, Rich is dedicated to creating a platform where the collective wisdom of educators can flourish, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Nicola Ransford - Education Payroll Expert
Meet Nicola, our dedicated professional with a rich background in the Public and Education Sectors spanning over 12 years. Initially immersed in payroll processing for local councils and schools within our Payroll Bureau, Nicola has spent the past 9 years as an onboarding consultant. In her most recent role as Payroll Product Owner, she actively seeks out improvements to the onboarding process, emphasising a commitment to enhancing customer experience.
Nicola's expertise extends to onboarding a diverse range of educational institutions, from small independent schools with approximately 30 employees to large multi-academy trusts boasting over 3000+ employees. Her in-depth knowledge encompasses education legislation, including the Green and Burgundy books, and she is well-versed in the intricacies surrounding LG and Teachers pension processing and reporting requirements.
With over a decade of experience, Nicola brings a wealth of insights and solutions to streamline processes and enhance the overall onboarding experience. Her commitment to excellence and understanding of the nuances within the Education Sector positions her as a reliable partner for institutions seeking top-tier payroll solutions.
Jane Gibson - School Financial Management Expert
Meet Jane, who boasts an impressive career spanning over 30 years within the education sector. Jane's wealth of experience includes working in various educational organisations, providing her with a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the intricacies that schools, academies, and trusts face in financial management at all levels.
Throughout her extensive career, Jane has honed her expertise to pinpoint exactly how educational institutions need to streamline their finance and budget processes. Her insights are instrumental in helping not only improve financial health but ensuring budgets stretch further for maximum impact.
Beyond her professional role, Jane is deeply committed to the success of educational institutions. As a governor in two schools, she actively contributes to supporting and improving operations, fostering an environment conducive to school success.
Her dual role as both an expert in school financial management and a hands-on contributor to school governance reflects her dedication to the holistic improvement of educational institutions.
