Your Partner in Practical Growth
For over 20 years, I have worked across primary and all-through education as a headteacher, deputy headteacher, trust leader, SENDCo, various subject leadership and designated safeguarding lead. Originally from Newcastle and now based in Leeds, I have supported schools across Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Huddersfield. My career has been built around one central goal: helping schools create exceptional outcomes for children through high-quality teaching, strong leadership and inclusive practice.
I have led and supported schools at every stage of improvement, from developing curriculum and teaching practice to strengthening behaviour, culture and staff development. As part of the founding leadership team at Dixon Trinity Chapeltown, I helped establish an outstanding all-through school from the ground up, working closely with primary and secondary colleagues on curriculum design, sequencing, routines and evidence-informed teaching approaches. Later, in a trust-wide role with Dixons Academies Trust, I supported headteachers, senior leaders and subject leaders, on curriculum development, leadership growth and inclusive classroom practice across multiple schools. This work contributed to sustained improvements and outstanding outcomes across the trust.
Today, I work freelance because I am passionate about helping schools develop their people. My Embedded Coaching style coaching combines instructional coaching, live coaching, deliberate practice and subject-specific development to create meaningful and lasting improvement. I am particularly skilled at developing staff at all career stages, from teaching assistants to headteachers, through clear feedback, strong professional relationships and practical modelling. My approach is rooted in the science of learning, evidence-informed practice and a belief that small, consistent improvements have the greatest impact. Above all, I help schools build cultures where staff feel supported, valued and empowered to improve, because great professional development ultimately leads to better experiences and outcomes for children.
What Sets Me Apart
I don’t run mock Ofsteds designed to catch people out. Instead, I help schools build consistent classroom practice over time so staff feel prepared, confident and ready to showcase the excellent teaching already happening in school.
I don’t believe professional development should only be for ECTs or staff causing concern. Everybody deserves feedback, coaching and opportunities to improve — from teaching assistants to senior leaders.
I help schools prepare confidently for external scrutinyI work with everybody
I don’t make teachers worried about me, senior leaders or Ofsted walking into classrooms unexpectedly. Through regular low-stakes observations and supportive feedback, staff become confident talking about their practice and proud to show what they can do.
I work alongside teachers in classroomsI don’t spend long periods sitting in meetings or writing lengthy reports for leaders. My time is spent where it has the biggest impact — alongside teachers in classrooms supporting teaching and learning in real time.
I build staff confidenceI don’t give advice, disappear for six weeks and return expecting everything to have changed. I provide regular follow-up, coaching and support until strategies become consistent and sustainable.
I don’t just give feedback and hope for the best. I demonstrate strategies in real classrooms, with real children, so teachers can see exactly what effective practice looks like.
I stay with teachers until improvements are embeddedI model strategies in practiceI don’t add additional pressure or unnecessary workload for senior leaders. Headteachers can trust that teaching and learning is being supported consistently while they focus on strategy, operations and the wider needs of the school.
I provide practical teaching and learning capacityI am a safe pair of hands for leadersI don’t leave headteachers to carry the implementation burden alone. I work directly with staff, revisit feedback, support implementation and help maintain momentum so leaders can focus on the wider demands of running a school.
Ready to Move Forward? Let’s Talk
Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll set up a free, no-pressure chat to explore how I can help.