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I have worked as an independent consultant, writer and researcher for the last fifteen years. I completed my doctorate research at the University of Warwick in 2014, looking into the relationship between school leadership, trust, community engagement and educational outcomes in English secondary schools. I have written extensively about this. My latest book
'Flipping Schools: why it's time to turn your school and community inside out' was published by John Catt in January 2020, while 'Leadership for Tomorrow' was published in November 2017 by Crown House.

My previous career experience includes:

Senior Adviser, Specialist Schools Trust

  • Led the development of national advisory services for schools involved at any stage in the Specialist School Initiative
  • Particular responsibility for supporting and developing the community role of specialist schools
  • Developed and managed programmes of international professional development for teachers (TIPD)
  • Managed large team of external consultants
LA inspector
  • Specialist in 14-19, youth work, family learning, adult learning, community education and extended community schools,
  • School improvement in primary, secondary and special phases
Also formerly
  • Deputy Chief Executive of Changemakers
  • OFSTED registered secondary inspector
  • School Improvement Partner
  • NPQH assessor
  • Advisor for Investors in People
  • Chair of secondary school governing body
  • Fellow, Royal Society of Arts
  • Member, BELMAS
Through my work in adult education, I am particularly interested in how lifelong learning is best fostered and encouraged. I was the first youth community tutor in Kent, pioneering approaches to the community involvement of young people and their active participation in decision-making processes, which has remained a key belief and focus. I am particularly skilled in helping schools and other organisations build coherent and consistent approaches to development planning using rigorous self-evaluation to support this and build their strategy.