Central Senior Leadership Team (CSLT)

Julian Scholefield
Chief Executive Officer
About Me
In 2018, Julian founded Esteem Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), a dynamic educational organisation based in the East and West Midlands. As the founding CEO, he established the Trust with a vision to provide exceptional learning experiences and support to pupils with diverse needs. Under his leadership, Esteem MAT has grown to include several academies, each committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.
Beyond his leadership at Esteem MAT, Julian has served as a lead Ofsted inspector. His extensive experience in school inspections has provided him with a deep understanding of educational standards and quality assurance.
Julian also contributes to several influential boards and advisory groups. He serves as a trustee for the National Autistic Society, leveraging his extensive experience to advocate for the rights and needs of autistic individuals. Additionally, he is a co-opted member of the East Midlands Advisory Board, providing strategic advice to the Department for Education’s regional directors in the East Midlands. He also serves as a trustee for Oasis Community Learning, playing a pivotal role in shaping educational strategies and policies.
Julian’s dedication to educational excellence and inclusivity continues to inspire and drive positive change within the educational community.

Clive Lawrence, OBE
Chief Education Officer
About Me
Before joining Esteem MAT, Clive has previous experience as a Strategic Director of Academies for a large national MAT, overseeing a group of Special Schools and leading the SEND improvements strategy across 34 mainstream schools. Clive has substantial experience as an Executive Headteacher, where he led a large split site special school to Ofsted ‘Outstanding’. Under his leadership, the school gained national recognition as a DfE Teaching School, DfE National Support School, World Class School status, and SEN School of the Year.
With experience as a Lead Ofsted Inspector and DfE National Leader of Education (NLE), Clive supports schools facing significant challenges. He also serves as a Trustee for two mainstream MAT’s and is an independent member on the Governments Education Honours Committee.
His drive for equity and inclusion is personal – growing up in social housing as a child and a kinship carer for his niece, as part of a Special Guardian Order (SGO), he understands through his ‘lived experiences’ the challenges faced by disadvantaged pupils and their families. Awarded an OBE in the Queens New Years Honours list 2022 for services to education, Clive is committed to transforming lives through the power of education.

Karen Hayes
Chief Operating Officer (Interim)
About Me
Previously, she was Esteem MAT’s Director of Partnerships and Provision, fostering collaboration and enhancing educational services. Before that, she served as Principal of Derby Pride Academy for eight years, which was one of the county’s first Alternative Provision (AP) free schools and securing several outstanding Ofsted ratings.
Karen has extensive experience as an Ofsted inspector, deepening her expertise in educational standards and quality assurance. She has also played a key role in commissioning arrangements and worked closely with local authorities to implement day 6 provision, ensuring timely and appropriate support for pupils.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and alternative provision, Karen is the East Midlands lead for PRUsAPUk, supporting pupil referral units and AP settings. Her commitment to excellence and inclusive education continues to shape and influence the sector.
Before transitioning into teaching, Karen held executive roles in school business management, equipping her with a strong blend of business and educational expertise vital to her role as interim COO.

David Smith
Finance Director
About Me
David Smith is the driving force behind our financial strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and strong financial governance. With over 30 years of experience across finance, IT, marketing, and operations, he brings a dynamic, cross-sector perspective to the trust.
Before joining Esteem MAT in 2023, David was Finance Director at SDL Surveying Limited, leading financial operations for over six years. His career spans major organizations, including British Gas, Santander, TDX Group, Capital One, and The Boots Company, equipping him with a wealth of expertise in financial leadership and business transformation.
An ACMA-qualified accountant since 1999, David also holds a Bachelor of Humanities in Business Studies from Liverpool John Moores University. Passionate about community impact, he serves as a voluntary Director on the Board of Central Nottingham Citizens Advice Bureau.
David is committed to delivering financial excellence that empowers education, ensuring Esteem MAT continues to thrive and make a difference.