English School Improvement

I have a strong belief in the power of education to develop others and to encourage social mobility.

Alongside my work in the arts, I’m a School Improvement Director specialising in Secondary English, passionate about transforming outcomes and culture in schools serving communities with deprivation. I’ve led English strategy at trust level - as Trust English Consultant for the Harris Federation (TES Large MAT of the Year 2025), Trust Director of English at Share Multi-Academy Trust (Educating Yorkshire), and, more recently, as improvement consultant for the government’s RISE project. I’ve helped schools facing deep-rooted disadvantage achieve gains in progress and attainment, and have successfully guided eight through Ofsted inspections.

Alongside this, I’m Assistant Lead Examiner for GCSE English Literature, helped design and deliver the National Institute of Education’s English ITT curriculum, and have represented English at the House of Commons. I’m a Teach First ambassador, have hosted educational conferences, and launched and produced an education podcast (see below), interviewing leading voices such as Mary Myatt, Tom Sherrington, and Tom Bennett - exploring what drives great teaching. Most recently I interviewed His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, for an audience of senior leaders in Westminster.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from a wide range of interesting and talented people along the way, and continue to do so. I’m always keen to collaborate and widen my impact; please do just get in touch!