CSM Directory

Biography:

With over 35 years in education — including 20 as a Headteacher — I now coach leaders across a range of settings, helping them thrive in their roles. I support school leaders with everything from performance management to day-to-day leadership challenges, managing work life balance and their personal well-being. I also work with Civil Engineering degree apprentices, guiding them through the demands of work, study, and personal development, with a key focus on their well-being. I have been coaching in a variety of forms throughout my career, both as a teacher for 33 years and as a Headteacher for 20 of those years. I worked for Suffolk County Council (in addition to being a Headteacher) as part of their Challenge Partner scheme and School to School support scheme - supporting/coaching other Headteachers/school leaders. I was also part of a Suffolk CC training programme, developing coaching materials for school leaders, working alongside their advisory team at the time. I've delivered coaching and facilitation on national leadership programmes like NPQH and NPQSL, for various delivery partners. I support trainee teacher recruitment and advise on apprenticeship strategy, through my work with CLAAS UK — where I also serve as an Apprenticeship Trustee. My practice is grounded in structured approaches like the GROW model and shaped by decades of real-world experience. I also draw on training delivered through the Church of England NPQ programmes, where clarity of purpose and values-driven leadership sit at the heart of the coaching relationship. I’m always reflecting on my work and actively exploring new ways to support those I coach — being a sensitive listener, adapting to individual needs, specific in-school challenges, staying curious, and learning from every interaction. Coaching isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about building a relationship of trust and confidence, asking thoughtful questions, and helping people unlock solutions that are truly their own.