Leadership in our Schools & Colleges team is evolving, as Sophie Jarzebowski and Bryony Staples step into the role of sector co-leads.
Between them, Sophie and Bryony have delivered over 10,000 new school places through the Schools Rebuilding Programme and their leadership comes at a time of real momentum. New frameworks like CF25 and TAS25 are setting the direction for the sector, with priorities around SEND inclusion, biophilic design, Net Zero Carbon, and AI continuing to evolve. Sophie and Bryony are well placed to help clients navigate this landscape, drawing from their strong track record of project delivery.
Leading with experience
They both lead with experience with their approaches reflected in the projects they’re involved with. Sophie has led the delivery of Chilmington Green School in Ashford—a pathfinder DfE secondary that uses thermal labyrinth technology for passive cooling, setting a benchmark for technical innovation. She’s also leading the refurbishment of Gympanzees, a fully inclusive leisure centre for disabled children and young people, now moving into its final stages.
Bryony brings deep experience across DfE frameworks, always with a focus on efficient delivery and high standards. Her recent work includes Bluecoat Trent Academy—a 1,200-place secondary school on a constrained urban site—Belvidere Secondary School in Shrewsbury, Florence MacWilliams Academy with its STEM focus, and the Selby Area SEND School, a 100-place all-through school supporting a range of specialist needs.
A balanced approach
Both will be involved in building and maintaining partner relationships. Sophie will bring an outward-facing perspective and keep a close eye on where the sector is heading to help inform the way we work. Bryony’s role will be more internally-focused, making sure everyone has the right skills, knowledge and resources to deliver at their best.
As part of this transition, Danny Harris will maintain board-level oversight of the sector, following Caroline Mayes’ move into a wider role focused on people development.
It’s our largest and fastest-growing sector, and Sophie and Bryony are ready to lead it. We’ve enjoyed real success through CF21, and with CF25 now underway, we want to keep that momentum going. That means strengthening what we already have and pushing externally where we see opportunity.
Danny Harris, Director
Congratulations Sophie and Bryony! Please get in touch if you’d like to learn more about our work in the sector.
