Originating from the West Midlands, I graduated in Geology and Physical Education at Liverpool and then moved to London to pursue my post-graduate teaching qualification, adding Geography to Physical Education for my PGCE. I have travelled widely, starting my career in the East End of London, then moving to work in Lima, Peru for 3 years, followed by world travel for a further year through 26 countries. I am extremely proud of my son and daughter who have both recently graduated from Cardiff and Liverpool Universities respectively.

I have worked in ten+ schools of all types, from inner city, through rural, City Technology College, Public School and Academies. Originally a Physical Education and Geography Teacher, I held the positions of Head of Geography and Housemaster as well as Head of Physical Education in two schools. I held two Deputy Headteacher positions before gaining the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) in 2004. I have led multiple schools and academies as a MAT Regional Director, academy Executive Principal positions, Executive Headteacher and Education Consultant. More recently I have enjoyed leading multiple schools in Interim Executive Headteacher/Principal positions, helping them through difficult times and into more positive futures.

In multiple roles as permanent and interim Executive Headteacher / Principal, I inherited schools that were performing poorly with cultures of low expectation; the consistent bedrock being superb communities which deserved better from their schools. Schools have been re-launched with positive culture, high aspiration, respect and enjoyment central to their respective visions. I lead no quick fixes, concentrating instead upon simple quality and sustainable improvement. The communities are flourishing with new energetic teams of staff focussing upon positivity, excellence and supportive culture. Examination results continue to climb as do the enjoyable cultures evident from the passion of students, staff and parents alike.

I lead schools until they no longer need me, leaving behind well trained leaders and staff with secure foundations for a positive future and a shared vision of excellence. I have recently taken a break from permanent leadership, setting up my business, Executive Leadership Development Ltd. I am enjoying a varied time leading schools and supporting and coaching Headteachers/Principals through difficult times.

I have worked in exceptional schools, transformed schools in difficulty and was extremely proud when we transformed Clevedon School from an Inadequate grade 4 through to an Outstanding grade 1. My methodology for transforming schools often entails making bold innovative decisions, e.g. including my introductions of iPads for all. Building upon the superb quality of independent learning, I led the largest iPad 1:1 project in the UK, the 35th largest deployment in the world. I have provided advice to numerous schools and leaders upon the implementation of technology to benefit learning.

My view is that education should be focused purely upon excellence, with all decisions being based upon the best solution and never the easiest if this is not the best. I also believe that schools should aim for more fun than either students or staff thought possible. I have introduced numerous House Systems in schools, and hosted many, many schools who have visited to learn how to emulate the exceptionally vibrant cultures which become central to school success.

I have been a senior leader and manager for over 20 years and have provided consultancy on many areas across school leadership detailed on my consultancy page. Since I believe that collaboration is the route to success, I have supported leaders across the country, instigated Deputy Headteacher networks and also set up and led a Midlands cluster of academy Principals, forging collaboration and sharing of support for the benefit of all.

Over recent years, relaxation has centred upon my attempts in Amateur Photography and boating, both motor and sailing, with all relevant skippering qualifications. Time has been spent cruising the English Channel with Channel crossings to Brittany, cruising the Mediterranean and a bottle of wine never far away.