Educating the whole person for an uncertain world
The Slovakian Educational Leadership Conference 2025
21st and 22nd November 2025
Hotel Alexander
Bardejov Spa
Slovakia
SPEAKERS for 2025
Simon Uttley
Maria Budzynska
Simon Uttley
Dr Simon Uttley is, together with Martin Smilnak, the co-founder and co-Chair of SELC. He is a full Professor and Course Leader for Catholic Education and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame [U.S.A], London. In addition, Professor Uttley is Visiting Professor in Catholic Education, Institute of Education, St Mary’s University,
Dr Simon Uttley is, together with Martin Smilnak, the co-founder and co-Chair of SELC. He is a full Professor and Course Leader for Catholic Education and the Common Good at the University of Notre Dame [U.S.A], London. In addition, Professor Uttley is Visiting Professor in Catholic Education, Institute of Education, St Mary’s University, London, and Visiting Lecturer at UCL Institute of Education, London. Simon is a member of the Board of Advisors for the peer-reviewed academic journal, International Studies in Catholic Education. In the daytime, Professor Uttley is the Headteacher of Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic High School in Reading, 65km from London. Simon is a licensed Catholic Schools’ Inspector for the schools of the Dioceses of England and Wales. Director of Koinonia Educational Partners, Simon is also Chair of the Reading Education Partnership, working alongside one of another of this year's speakers, Reading's Director of Education, Brian Grady.
Sue Matthews
Maria Budzynska
Simon Uttley
Sue Matthews is Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Teaching and Learning and Safeguarding at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School. She teaches both Business Studies and French with previous Head of Department responsibility in both subjects. She holds a BA Honours in French Studies, a Post Graduate Certifcate in Education (P
Sue Matthews is Assistant Headteacher, with responsibility for Teaching and Learning and Safeguarding at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School. She teaches both Business Studies and French with previous Head of Department responsibility in both subjects. She holds a BA Honours in French Studies, a Post Graduate Certifcate in Education (PGCE) a Management Diploma and the National Professional Qualifcation for Headteachers (NPQH). She came into teaching following a successful career in sales and marketing in the French Chemicals and Polymers Industry both in France and the United Kingdom. Sue is married to Jan and is mum to Céline, also a Business Studies and French teacher and Liam a qualifed Occupational Therapist.
Jacek Brant
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Professor Jacek Brant is Full Professor at the world-renowned University College, London’s, Institute of Education Faculty of Education and Society. Jacek worked in manufacturing industry for two years before becoming a schoolteacher of economics and business for 11 years and he is now in his 26th year at the IOE. He has run pre-service a
Professor Jacek Brant is Full Professor at the world-renowned University College, London’s, Institute of Education Faculty of Education and Society. Jacek worked in manufacturing industry for two years before becoming a schoolteacher of economics and business for 11 years and he is now in his 26th year at the IOE. He has run pre-service and continuing professional development programmes for teachers; master’s programmes and modules, he supervises research students and is involved in various international projects. Jacek writes on educational issues concerning curriculum and pedagogy. His latest article is available in an open access journal: Brant, J (2022). The curriculum question and school economics: three educational scenarios for the future. Journal of Social Science Education 21(2). https://doi.org/ 10.11576/jsse-4858 of education: Critique and Possibilities in the Journal of Critical Realism.
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
SELC Honorary Treasurer, Maria Budzynska
has worked in Catholic decondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher). With a background in 11-18 English teaching, she has come to specialise in inclusion, special needs support and whole-school pastoral management. A lea
SELC Honorary Treasurer, Maria Budzynska
has worked in Catholic decondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher). With a background in 11-18 English teaching, she has come to specialise in inclusion, special needs support and whole-school pastoral management. A lead practitioner and an authoritative voice in the area of improving standards, Maria offers fresh thinking.
ProfessDavid Oswell
ProfessDavid Oswell
ProfessDavid Oswell
David Oswell
Professor David Oswell is a sociologist and a deputy vice-chancellor at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He has a responsibility for research, innovation and knowledge exchange, as well as leading on various cross-university and sector-wide projects.
Judy Hutchinson
ProfessDavid Oswell
ProfessDavid Oswell
SELC Honorary Secretary Judy Hutchinson
is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. With over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007. During her te
SELC Honorary Secretary Judy Hutchinson
is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. With over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007. During her tenure in London, she established and led the role of Director of Student Affairs at Notre Dame’s largest global location, where she provided pastoral care for 200 undergraduate and 50 graduate law students each semester. In this role, she also spearheaded the development of numerous experiential learning initiatives, including a robust internship and immersion program. Judy is currently pursuing her doctorate in education at St. Mary’s University in London.
Brian Grady
ProfessDavid Oswell
Olha Matiychuk
Brian Grady Brian Grady has over 20 years of civic, public service experience, holding Local Government senior leadership positions in England with responsibility for improving educational outcomes across the English education system. Brian has experience in a variety of contexts of Local Government in England, working in London, densely
Brian Grady Brian Grady has over 20 years of civic, public service experience, holding Local Government senior leadership positions in England with responsibility for improving educational outcomes across the English education system. Brian has experience in a variety of contexts of Local Government in England, working in London, densely populated urban settings and more rural districts, delivering early years, primary and secondary provision and overseeing programmes to improve attainment for disadvantaged groups.
Olha Matiychuk
ProfessDavid Oswell
Olha Matiychuk
Olha Matiychuk
is Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Excellence at the Ukrainian Catholic University.
A previous delegate to our conference, we are privileged to welcome her, this time, once again as a distinguished speaker.
Shingi Hopkins
Shingi Hopkins
Shingi Hopkins
is Teacher in Charge of Sociology and Psychology at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic secondary school. She holds a Law LLB and a Master’s in History from the University of Reading, and is currently completing a doctorate exploring women’s experiences of land, memory, and belonging in Zimbabwe. Alongside her teaching role, Shingi leads on s
is Teacher in Charge of Sociology and Psychology at Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic secondary school. She holds a Law LLB and a Master’s in History from the University of Reading, and is currently completing a doctorate exploring women’s experiences of land, memory, and belonging in Zimbabwe. Alongside her teaching role, Shingi leads on student participation, curriculum development, and skills-based learning. She also serves as Lead for Girls’ Achievement and Engagement, and is part of the school’s Character Education team, with a focus on teaching with intention and nurturing the whole person. She is passionate about building inclusive, reflective classrooms that promote confidence, curiosity, and emotional growth. Shingi works closely with schools and cultural organisations to support student voice and purposeful education. She is based in Berkshire and is mum to two children.
Natasha Coccia
Shingi Hopkins
Shingi Hopkins
is Senior Assistant Headteacher at Leighton Park school, the UK Independent School of the Year for 2023. She has worked in education for over twenty years in both the State funded and private sector. A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and scholar from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama she holds BA (Hons), PGCE (State teac
is Senior Assistant Headteacher at Leighton Park school, the UK Independent School of the Year for 2023. She has worked in education for over twenty years in both the State funded and private sector. A graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and scholar from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama she holds BA (Hons), PGCE (State teaching certificate) and the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. She has worked in inner London for 12 years driving whole-school improvement in academic enrichment, co-curricular, pastoral and partnership programmes in one of the most deprived Boroughs of the capital. Natasha is co-founder of the Berkshire Women's Leadership Network, is a school Governor, and sits on the Reading Education Partnerships Board. She
Honorary president ambassador lubomir L'ubomír Rehák
Ambassador Ľubomír Rehák
Ľubomír Rehák graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1992 and started his professional career at the MZVaEZ SR. His first 5-year diplomatic posting abroad was in Moscow as the Private Secretary to the Ambassador and Political Officer for Central Asia (1993 –1998). It was, however, in his later posting as
Ľubomír Rehák graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1992 and started his professional career at the MZVaEZ SR. His first 5-year diplomatic posting abroad was in Moscow as the Private Secretary to the Ambassador and Political Officer for Central Asia (1993 –1998). It was, however, in his later posting as Slovak Ambassador to the United Kingdom that he provided invaluable guidance and support to the SELC Conference founding Co-Chairs, Martin Smilnak and Simon Uttley. Ľubomír Rehák is an Honorary Fellow of the London College of Contemporary ArtsĽubomír was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, and is appointed Knight Grand Cross of Merit (GOMCO) of the Franco-Neapolitan-Two Sicilian Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
the selc executive team
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Co-Founder & Executive Co-Chair
Martin is the former Headmaster of Cirkevná základná umelecká škola sv. Jána Bosca and a highly experienced educator. He is a member of the Slovak National Council, where his expertise provides a valuable contribution at the national and international level.
Simon Uttley
Martin Smilnak
Martin Smilnak
Co-Founder & Executive Co-Chair
Simon is Headmaster of Blessed Hugh Faringdon School in Reading, England. He also holds the position of Professor in Education at the University of Notre Dame (USA), London, and Honorary Professor in Catholic Education at St Mary's University, London.
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Executive Member & Honorary Treasurer
Maria has worked in Catholic decondary education in inner London for over 10 years including in her current role as. asenior leader (Deputy Headteacher).
Judy Hutchinson
Maria Budzynska
Maria Budzynska
Executive Member & Honorary Secretary
Judy is the Senior Associate Director for Study Abroad with Notre Dame Global, University of Notre Dame, USA. With over 28 years of experience in formational education in the Catholic university sector, she has been a pivotal member of the university’s international division since 2007.