Directors’ Backgrounds  

For several years now, the education sector has experienced ever-increasing demands on a diminishing budget. The current system does not seem adequately resourced to meet the needs of schools and their leaders. We know that you need fast and effective support now more than ever. With over 20 years of school leadership experience between the directors, we have the breadth and depth of expertise to provide it. If you need dedicated, accountable and impactful education consultants, you’re in the right place.

Justin

I am a highly effective practitioner with experience across the primary age range. Of my fourteen years in schools, twelve of those were in a senior leadership role. What’s more, for the last five years I was a successful headteacher.

The contexts I have served have been diverse:

  • My first school was in an area of exceptionally high deprivation with a large traveller intake.
  • The next setting had a very high level of SEND and social challenges.
  • I was headteacher in a large town primary school which also served a rural population. Additionally, there was a substantial proportion of military families.

In my last post, I led the successful transformation of the school (which had been performing well below national). This was acknowledged with a very secure ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement: “Applegarth Primary School is the hub of the local community. Pupils are safe and happy. They are proud of their school. There are high expectations for behaviour and learning. Pupils behave well. They are respectful and kind. Bullying is very rare.”

My proven track record of leading change for improvement and substantive experience as a leader and Headteacher put me in an excellent position to offer support which is highly-effective and in tune with the current educational landscape.   

Qualifications and Training:  

  • Coaching Accreditation: ILM Level 7 – Executive Coaching, October 2024
  • Leadership Training: National Professional Qualification in Headship, January 2019; Targeted Leadership Programme, September 2016;  National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership, July 2013
  • Specialist Leader in Education (SLE): English, Curriculum, Attendance and Assessment (Prince Bishops Teaching School Alliance) 2015 – 2018
  • PGCE: Primary School Teaching (Northumbria University) July 2011
  • Degree: 2:1 in English and Philosophy (University of Liverpool) July 2009  

Lily

With eleven years of experience as a senior leader in a three-form entry primary school situated in an area facing significant socio-economic challenges, I have honed my skills in curriculum leadership, teaching and learning, and staff development. My role extends beyond my own school; I have experience as an SLE, NPQSL facilitator and frequently provide outreach support in other schools in the following areas:

  • Curriculum Development: I collaborate with subject leaders to design and refine curriculum frameworks, empowering them to confidently lead their subjects from the beginning of EYFS to the end of KS2.
  • Teacher Mentoring: I offer guidance to accelerate the improvement of teaching practices. My efforts have successfully supported teachers in advancing to phase leadership roles, navigating capability processes, and developing as Early Career Teachers (ECTs).
  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Development: This involves strategic curriculum planning, enhancing both indoor and outdoor learning environments, conducting staff training, fostering team cohesion, and promoting effective communication and language practices.

I am passionately committed to the growth and development of both children and adults, striving to help them reach their fullest potential as individuals and as integral members of a highly effective team.

Qualifications and Training:  

  • Leadership Training: National Professional Qualification in Headship, January 2019  
  • Specialist Leader in Education (SLE): Mathematics, Curriculum and Assessment (Carmel College) 2015 – 2018
  • Masters: MA in Educational Research (Durham University) July 2012  
  • Degree: First-Class Honours Degree in Primary Education (Northumbria University) July 2009