Stephen taught in the maintained sector for thirteen years before becoming Headteacher of St. Mary's, an 11-18 school, in Blackpool. Following thirteen years of headship he became the Executive Headteacher of the school and of a one form entry primary school. Along with one other primary school, these schools formed a cross phase multi-academy trust which Stephen led until December 2019. He sought to develop a culture in which staff, children and young people could flourish. At the heart of his philosophy was the professional development of teachers and a more evidence-informed approach to school improvement. His work in Blackpool rooted him in the daily practicalities of teachers' and leaders' lives. He currently works as an educational consultant supporting school leaders. He was Chair of the Headteachers' RoundTable Group for six years, leading on their policy ideas for an alternative to the current high stakes, cliff-edged accountability system. As a blogger (www.leadinglearner.me) he writes on a range of topical educational issues: the core school business of the curriculum, teaching & learning and leadership. He is on twitter as @LeadingLearner. He has previously published two books, Educating with Purpose & Liminal Leadership. Leadership: Being, Knowing, Doing is his third book.
