Phillip Hedger - CEO

Phillip Hedger is the Chief Executive Officer of LEO Academy Trust, a high-performing multi-academy trust serving over 6,000 pupils across South West London and Surrey. Since LEO’s formation in June 2015, Phillip has led its growth with a strong focus on educational excellence, digital innovation and social equity. In 2025, he was named CEO of the Year at the #MATExcellenceAwards, recognising his sector-leading leadership and national influence.

Phillip began his career in 2001 as a teaching assistant at Avenue Primary School in Belmont and progressed through classroom and senior leadership roles, including Headteacher at Cheam Park Farm Junoir Academy and Executive Headteacher at Cheam Common Junior Academy.

He is nationally recognised for his work in school improvement, digital strategy, PedTech and assistive technology. Phillip is a Senior Partner in Challenge Partners, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Educators, a Freeman of the City of London, a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and a member of the LGfL Teaching & Learning Group. Under his leadership, LEO has become a lead trust in the National EdTech Hubs network and a Google for Education Reference District, known for delivering digitally enriched, inclusive, and ambitious learning environments.

He is a regular contributor to education policy and practice at a national and international level, speaking at Bett UK, the Department for Education, and the United Nations General Assembly with the Foundation for Education Development (FED). Phillip’s leadership is driven by a belief in social mobility, equity, and empowering educators to lead transformation within their communities. He regularly contributes to educational thought leadership and is currently working with schools across the UK, as well as in a range of countries including: Denmark, Finland, Singapore and the USA.

Phillip is a Foundation Director for Christ the Redeemer Catholic Education Trust; a multi-academy trust with schools in Kingston, Richmond & Wandsworth.

Outside of education, Phillip is Chair of Trustees for the Sutton United Foundation, which supports grassroots sport and community engagement across the London Borough of Sutton.