Jena believes education can shape society by unlocking human potential and creating meaningful, lasting impact. Motivated by this philosophy, she focuses on delivering excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education, aligning with a vision to foster sustainable growth and positive change for individuals, organisations, and communities.

 

Jena is a dynamic leader with twenty years of experience in education management, strategic marketing, business management, governance, and strategic growth. Her expertise spans early years education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and digital innovation. Renowned for improving operational efficiency and pioneering educational advancements, Jena supports organisations and investors (including in private equity) in making informed, impactful decisions that drive sustainable success.

 

As the Founder of Woodward Nursery Group, Jena is leading an early-stage investment in the early years education sector in South West London and Home Counties. She combines her passion for creating high-quality learning environments with her proven entrepreneurial acumen. Her strategic vision positions the organisation as a trailblazer in early childhood education, delivering innovative solutions to meet the sector’s evolving needs and growing demand.

 

Previously, as the founding CEO of Little Ashford Preschools in South Africa, Jena transformed the organisation into a thriving network of 16 nursery schools, employing over 250 staff. Under her leadership, the organisation achieved significant growth in its reputation as a destination school, revenue and enrolments, secured private equity and philanthropic capital for expansion, and executed detailed due diligence and acquisition processes for growth. Her innovative strategies established operational excellence and created a lasting legacy of quality education delivery.

 

Passionate about inclusive education, Jena has championed SEND initiatives, embedding best practices within teaching and learning frameworks. Her leadership in curriculum development and operational transformation has enhanced educational outcomes for children while positively impacting staff and parents. These efforts reflect her unwavering commitment to ensuring that education is accessible, inclusive, and transformative.

 

Jena’s governance contributions are equally impressive. As a Governor at Stowe School, one of the UK’s premier independent senior schools, she shares expertise on Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards, ensuring the highest quality of education across the group of schools. As a Trustee of the Invictus Education Trust, she drives strategy, diversity, and operational efficiency, strengthening the organisation’s long-term impact. Additionally, Jena is an advisor to PushFar, the world’s leading mentoring platform, where she supports leadership development through structured mentoring initiatives.

 

Jena’s exceptional achievements have been widely recognised. She was a Top 3 finalist in the UK South African Chamber of Commerce’s Business Woman Award (2021) and a Finalist for the South African Business Leaders Award (2017). She is an alumna of the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women Class of 2015, a prestigious programme recognising high-potential female entrepreneurs. Jena has also been celebrated for her academic excellence, earning the Faculty Award for Exceptional First-Year Lecturer, highlighting her contributions to higher education. Furthermore, as a registered psychologist, her affiliations with the British Psychological Society and the American Psychological Association demonstrate her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in her field.

 

Jena is also certified in key areas critical to education and child protection. She holds qualifications in Trustees’ Duties to Safeguard and Protect and Safer Recruitment in Education, both issued by the NSPCC in the UK. These credentials underpin her dedication to creating safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environments.

 

A thought leader in education innovation, Jena’s influence extends beyond her executive roles. She is committed to shaping the future of education by delivering inclusive learning environments, driving educational advancements, and forging impactful funding partnerships. Her insights and expertise make her a sought-after advisor in education strategy and operational transformation.

 

Jena’s academic achievements include an MSc in Psychology, an MCom in Business Management, and a BCom Honours in Marketing Management, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to leadership and education. Her vision and dedication continue to shape the landscape of modern education, setting new standards for excellence and innovation.

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Email: jena@bridleclose.com