Johanne Clifton is the Director of Curriculum and Virtual Learning for the Elliot Foundation Multi-Academy Trust. The Trust works with over 30 schools in three regions: the West Midlands, East Anglia and London. Johanne’s role is to work with each school to develop a curriculum which is relevant and engaging for the school and community that it serves. Her philosophy is that any curriculum in the Trust’s schools must be broad, offer a range of subjects to all students but above all ambitious and innovative. The curriculum should focus on enabling the voice of the community and pride in local identity and heritage as essential for success. The use of technology is central to this development.

Johanne has been a headteacher in Birmingham for many years and is a passionate advocate for the role of the Arts and Culture in transforming education. She is a board member for international theatre company Stan’s Cafe and Creativity, Culture and Education, who work to promote creativity in teaching and leadership across the globe. Until recently, Johanne was the Executive Principal at Billesley Primary School which has been recognised for its outstanding curriculum. Johanne is also a National Leader of Education and works to promote the Arts and Creativity in education on a national scale.