Dave was a late entrant to the world of education. His route into teaching was unconventional to say the least; with a classical law degree from the University of Exeter and a brief spell in business as an Independent Financial Adviser, it seemed unlikely that becoming a primary school teacher was ‘on the cards’. After a chance visit to a local primary school, the rest, as they say, is history…

 

Dave is passionate about the education of the whole child and the importance that a ‘values education' plays in shaping well rounded independent learners who are ready and able to meet the demands of the 21st Century head-on with confidence. 

 

Dave has never lost his belief in education as a powerful vehicle to promote growth, both for children and young people and also for those working with them. 

​

Published Author

Dave is the co-author of EduCaveman®, which is an indispensable guide to transforming school culture.

EduCaveman® is an empowering book for ALL educators, that dares to dream of the schools we all want. 
Prioritising people over paper, the book examines the power of relationships and culture to lessen the impact of the ‘negativity bias’ (a stone age phenomenon), allowing teachers and leaders to unlock their potential and harness the wealth of contemporary educational research on offer.
It marries a nourishing blend of humour with school reality which invites teachers and school leaders to reflect on, and move beyond, some of the more grating and long accepted educational practices. Through pragmatic suggestions, ideas and nuggets it supports educators in planning for cultural transformation.
EduCaveman® is a refreshing read which oozes practical positivity and imbues professional confidence.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘

…This book will leave you energised, enthused and inspired’ – Sir John Jones

 

Find out more: https://www.educaveman.co.uk/buy-the-book.html

 

Experience and Expertise

Since 2003, his involvement in and commitment to education has seen him hold a variety of roles:

 

• School Improvement and Inclusion Adviser - Babcock International (Surrey) 

​

• Primary Link Adviser - West Sussex County Council

​

• School Partnership Adviser - Brighton and Hove County Council

​

• Headteacher Coach - Brighton and Hove County Council

​

• School Partnership Adviser and Leadership Consultant - HSP (Horsham Schools Partnership, West Sussex)

​

• Headspace Programme Leader - West Sussex Headteacher Networking Programme

 

• Leadership Trainer / Programme Facilitator

  • Facilitator for The Future Leaders Trust

  • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools Middle Leadership Programme

  • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools Senior Leadership Programme

  • Programme Leader for the Horley Schools RQT Development Programme

  • Programme Leader for the Warlingham Schools Middle Leadership Programme

  • Programme Leader for the  SESTA Middle Leadership Programme

  • Programme Leader for the  London Diocese Borough Schools Middle Leadership Programme

  • Programme Leader for the  TSA24 Middle and Senior Leadership Programmes

  • Programme Leader for the  West Sussex Special Schools Middle Leadership Programme

 

• Surrey South Farnham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teaching Training) Programme

  • Programme Consultant

  • Recruitment and Marketing 

  • Support Tutor / Trainee Mentor

  • Lecturer - Behaviour / Managing Support Staff / Managing relationships with Parents & Carers

  • Assignment Moderation

 

• Chairperson and Strategic Lead for the Horley Schools Confederation 

 

• Member of the Board of Governors - Reigate Grammar School

 

• 3 x Primary Headships:

  • 2-form entry infant school

  • 3-form entry infant school

  • 3-form / 4-form entry junior school

 

• Special Educational Needs Coordinator

 

• Leading Mathematics Practitioner for Surrey Local Authority

 

Throughout this time he has focused on developing his knowledge and understanding of what makes people ‘tick’ and finding creative ways to share this with hard-pressed school staff and leaders. He has a particular interest in helping leaders and leadership teams to gain a greater appreciation of what they do well, and to use this as a basis for planning and supporting further growth.

 

In his work as a Primary Headteacher, Dave’s style was unique in that he combined two traits which do not usually co-exist. In fact, often they sit at diametrically opposite ends of the leadership spectrum. He combined the rigour required to bring about transformational change with an innate sense of fun and warmth.

 

Approach

In his role as a coach / school development consultant little has changed; Dave has an outcome focus which is informed by his professional background. His style combines challenge with empathy and support. He is clear-sighted and pragmatic, with a sensitive, intuitive approach. He is methodical, systematic and results orientated, whilst simultaneously forging excellent relationships, which motivate school leaders and excite them about their roles.

 

Dave is particularly interested in performance coaching and has a proven track record for creating a culture where staff are independent and solution-focused.

 

This experience, coupled with regular work in primary and secondary schools, keeps his coaching and school improvement work firmly rooted in the real world of education.

 

In all aspects of his work, Dave engages credibly and personably with a wide spectrum of those involved in education – trainee teachers, class teachers, senior staff, Governors and Headteachers / school principals alike.

 

In his spare time, Dave enjoys cycling and surfing. He is married with 3 children.

 

He is based in Surrey, in the Reigate area, near Junction 8 on the M25.