About Oxlip Education

Oxlip Education was co-founded by Lydia Mahoney and Cecilia Marshall to bring coherence, compassion and credibility to a complex SEND landscape.

We believe that inclusion isn’t just policy — it’s people, practice and purpose. Our work is grounded in lived experience, strategic insight and a commitment to systems that listen well and work better.

Together, we offer a blend of expertise and empathy working alongside local authorities, families and partners to deliver change that is principled, practical and personal.

Lydia Mahoney

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Lydia is a qualified teacher and experienced SEND specialist with a background spanning classroom teaching, local authority leadership and strategic consultancy. She has worked across multiple system levels, supporting families and services to navigate complex processes and improve inclusive practice.

Her experience includes leading EHCP audits, designing training programmes and supporting service redesign within local authorities. She has also delivered strategic projects outside of local government, including work at the University of Cambridge.

As Director of Oxlip Education, Lydia works with families and local authorities to strengthen statutory delivery, improve service coherence and support inclusive provision. She is known for:

  • Clear thinking in complex statutory contexts

  • A relational approach that builds trust and shared understanding

  • Practical strategies that support compliance and compassion

  • Calm, thoughtful support through conflict and change

Lydia also serves as a SEND governor in a mainstream school and holds a master’s degree in psychology. Her work is shaped by professional experience, reflective practice and a belief in inclusive systems built through listening and care.

Cecilia Marshall

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY

Cecilia is a strategic leader with experience across education, publishing and organisational development. Skilled in relationship management, she works across all levels of organisations and is trained in change management. Bringing a crucial outside perspective, Cecilia brings a sharp eye for policy developments and reform. 

As Director of Strategy, Cecilia is responsible for the strategic direction of Oxlip Education. She is known for:

  • Providing structure to enable strategic decision-making

  • Comprehensive market and competitor analysis

  • Financial modelling and data analysis

  • Emotional intelligence

Cecilia trained in strategy with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She is passionate about the power of strategy in helping individuals and organisations navigate change and uncertainty. 

Why Oxlip?

We founded Oxlip Education to bring clarity, compassion and coherence to a complex system.

We believe that inclusive systems are built through thoughtful design and principled delivery — not just policy. Our work is grounded in lived experience, strategic insight and a deep understanding of how services and families interact.

We offer a rare combination:

  • Professional rigour and relational depth

  • Strategic thinking and practical delivery

  • Insight from both inside and outside the system

We don’t take sides. We listen well, work carefully and shape support that builds trust — whether we’re working with a local authority or a family.

Our consultancy is values-led, flexible and focused on what matters: making the SEND system work better for everyone.