Meet The
Game Changers

To make education happier by raising a generation of emotionally fit, confident and connected children who are able to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Kate is the founder of Learn Happy®, an education and wellbeing club with hubs across Hertfordshire supporting primary-age children through small-group sessions that build confidence, resilience and emotional fitness alongside academics. She also founded the Game Changers Collective, bringing together people committed to improving outcomes for Generation Alpha and Beta. A podcast host and former primary teacher and senior leader, she builds micro communities where children feel seen, valued and able to thrive.

To create a paradigm shift in how children are educated on the power of their minds and emotions - so they grow up with self-worth, self-trust and emotional resilience from the get-go

Shilpa Jamieson is a parent coach, mindset expert and children’s author. She helps families build emotional strength together by teaching both parents and kids how their minds and emotions work - so parents feel calmer, and children are supported to develop self-worth, confidence and resilience.

To help schools and communities become places where children, young people, and families thrive - centred on equity, play, nurture, and human connection.

I grew up inside education - the daughter of teachers, schooled across Germany, South Africa and Belgium. With 20 years in social justice leadership, I now work to make schools nurturing community anchors and champion the power of play.

As a former shy child who became a broadcaster, my mission is to help young people find their voice and feel confident in their communication, and to create equity through oracy.

I am a broadcaster with 25+ years experience in BBC and commercial radio & TV. As an event host and panel moderator, and as a podcast producer I help organisations share their messages with confidence. I also support young people to find their voice through my podcast-based workshops Your Podclass.

To support educators to have a holistic approach to developing children's language and literacy skills. For the education system to be inclusive and respect the individual development of every child.

Helen is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 22 years supporting educators and families. Talk & Move combines her expertise in children's communication with her knowledge as a children's yoga teacher. Helen provides specialist training to primary schools and Early Years settings.

To make learning playful and accessible to all after school.

I have 3 children and a background in AI Strategy and Ethical AI.

Challenging outcome-driven early education by championing play, relationships, wellbeing and thoughtful designed environments - giving every child the time, space and support to truly thrive.

I am an Early Years educator with a passion for enquiry-led learning and creating meaningful, child-centred environments. My work focuses on slowing learning down, noticing deeply, and supporting children to ask questions, think critically, and express their ideas through play, talk and creativity.

To shift how neurodivergent children are understood by creating learning environments where strengths are recognised and learning preferences shape engagement so that students feel capable and valued.

Sophie is the founder of Up To Something Clever and a doctoral candidate in education, specialising in cognitive diversity. With a background in education charities, she works with schools and families to show how neurodivergent children learn.

To build a compelling, joyful and effective alternative to mainstream approaches to learning - small, nurturing, mixed-age communities - demonstrating how much better education can be.

I'm a practicing solicitor of 12yrs and a holistic Fresh Start Life Coach. I spent several years as a school governor, before losing faith in the system, setting up an unschool-and-forest-school-inspired home education hub for my children, whilst I set about building Cultivate School

Good education deserves good marketing. Emily bridges the gap between the classroom and the commercial — so the brands doing brilliant work for children and families get seen by the right people.

Emily is the founder of Emerlilly Digital, a marketing agency specialising in education and family brands — EdTechs, publishers, schools, and family businesses. She's also Head of Education at First News, the UK's children's newspaper for ages 7–14.

To empower and enable schools, leaders and teachers to make choices that bring the curriculum to life for all children, using both an innovative and realistic approach

Alex is a former primary teacher and senior leader, now working as an education consultant. With a passion for curriculum development, he delivers CPD and consultancy, writes blogs and publications, develops curriculum content for Focus Education and trains new teachers for Best Practice Network.

To challenge a system that no longer serves children. To build schools where belonging is non negotiable and where inclusion, play and human development are given the time they deserve.

London primary headteacher with over ten years of headship leading an inclusive school. I work across networks and partnerships to challenge thinking and influence change. I speak at conferences, forums and round tables and focus on belonging and inclusion.

To build confident, compassionate school communities where every child is understood, celebrated, and able to thrive.

Rebekah is founder of The Inclusive Head Teacher Ltd, helping schools embed inclusion by design. A former Head Teacher, Deputy and SENDCo, she specialises in SEMH and neurodiversity, supporting leaders to build inclusive systems where all children feel understood, supported and able to thrive.

To make education more fun in the moment and more meaningful for the future.

Kate is the founder of What If Education?® and author of Awedinary, built on the power of great questions and what they unlock for learning, wellbeing, and possibility. She is an international consultant and coach, helping leaders, educators, and parents bring curiosity, wonder, and connection into

To restore the importance of play and equip the next generation with the thinking skills they need to navigate an increasingly digital world—without becoming dependent on it.

Hannah is the founder of Unplugged Tots, a movement redefining early years education through playful, screen-free learning. An author and STEAM advocate, she connects educators, families, and industry to rethink how children learn, supporting curiosity, problem-solving, and thriving beyond screens.

To build learning environments where young people don't just move through education, but actively shape their own learning and their own futures.

Sally Michaels is the founder of Blue Squid, an alternative provision supporting autistic young people and those with EBSA. A former teacher and SENDCo, she works across education to create environments where young people feel understood, rebuild confidence, and are able to move forward.

To champion and elevate high-quality early years education by influencing practice, policy, and professional learning—ensuring every child receives the strong, equitable start they deserve.

Michelle Windridge is a former senior leader in schools and an experienced primary and early years teacher. National Education Lead for Early Years at Twinkl and a TES columnist, she is also an external examiner and former lecturer, passionate about outstanding early education for every child.

To help organisations doing good in the world communicate their message with clarity, creativity and confidence – using design to inspire curiosity, spark conversations and create meaningful impact.

Marianna is Creative Director of Toffee Design, an award-winning studio working with museums, charities, and purpose-led organisations. With over 15 years’ experience, she uses a collaborative, intuitive approach to transform complex ideas into engaging visual stories that communicate with impact.

To equip young people with the self-awareness, emotional understanding, and tools to build a strong sense of self, so they can navigate challenges, support themselves and others.

Jo Chadwick is Co-founder of The Happy Confident Company, developing evidence-based tools that help children understand themselves, express feelings, and build identity. A neurodiversity advocate, she works with experts and young people to create human, science-led resources supporting emotional awa

To support neurodivergent women, girls and their families by providing education, resources and community, helping them develop a positive sense of self.

I'm a neurodivergent mum in a neurodivergent family, and also author of Nurturing Your Autistic Young Person: A Parent’s Handbook to Supporting Newly Diagnosed Teens and Pre-Teens.

To support the development of education systems where both staff and students can belong, and thrive.

A Doctoral Researcher in Education at the University of Hertfordshire, Beth explores how leaders respond to pressures around wellbeing and social justice. With experience across mainstream and specialist settings, she bridges research and practice to support equitable, context-sensitive approach.

To help educators, organisations and individuals find clarity, move forward with confidence and keep curiosity and play at the heart of everything they do.

Lily Bracegirdle is the founder of Curiosity at Play, working with teachers, practitioners, and organisations through workshops, consultancy, CPD, and content. An EYFS and music specialist with a cross-sector background, she also hosts the Curiosity at Play podcast on playful, human-centred learning

To change pedagogy for every child in KS1 and beyond, moving towards play-based, autonomy-rich teaching and environments where all children belong, find joy, and love learning, with ownership and limi

Emma is the creator of the C.O.O.L curriculum, a continuous provision framework for EYFS, KS1 and beyond. An experienced school leader and former Headteacher, she is an Early Years specialist and consultant, supporting schools to develop autonomy, independence, and high-quality play-based learning.