My Story
I completed a degree in French and German at University of Durham, year 3 of which gave me my first real taste of teaching as an English language assistant. This experience, coupled with my love of learning encouraged me to me to go on to complete my PGCE at University of Oxford before taking up post as an NQT at Tudor Grange School in Solihull. I had the unusual privilege of having two brothers at the school, one of whom I taught! I spent eight very happy years at Tudor Grange and was given many wonderful opportunities to develop, including a TIPD (Teacher’s International Professional Development) visit to California Rialto District to research gifted and talented education and delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma. As a forward thinking school, I was actively involved in many exciting innovations and after becoming Head of Modern Foreign Languages led improvements in departmental results from 60% A*-C to over 90%A*-C in French, German and Spanish. I also completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and Innovation at University of Warwick as part of the SSAT Developing Leaders programme. In 2008 Tudor Grange was awarded Outstanding Status by Ofsted and I took up the post of Assistant Principal at Grace Academy Solihull with responsibilities for teaching and learning.
I joined SSAT in 2009 as Head of Leadership programmes, working closely with outstanding school leaders like Barry Day (OBE), Sir David Carter and John King (OBE), to develop the suite of high quality leadership programmes for teachers and leaders at all levels, from NQT to Executive Headteacher. I have also had the opportunity to work with leading educationalists and academics such as Professor David Hargreaves, Professor David Jesson and Professor Brent Davies. Our leadership offer continues to grow and now includes programmes for secondary, primary and special schools.
Why I love working here
Working at SSAT is like being on permanent professional development! I am always learning and have so many opportunities to work with outstanding school leaders and inspiring colleagues. I am constantly impressed by the excellent work schools are doing, leading innovations and improvements that raise the achievement and life-chance of young people.
Anything else?
I was born in Oxford, and witnessed Oxford United’s greatest triumph at Wembley in 1986, a 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers. I am married to Anna and enjoy participating in any sport, reading and now that I’m getting a bit older, the odd visit to a stately home or two!
