References and testimonials
As an Education Consultant, I worked with Chris at Bishop Challoner over a three-year period (2011-2014). His clear thinking, creative and rigorous approach ensured that the school made great strides forward. He can synthesise a wide range of evidence and data to identify priorities and uses this information to draw up detailed strategic plans. I have been consistently impressed by his ability to find innovative solutions, even in the face of difficulty.
Working in partnership is a key feature of Chris’s work: he possesses considerable skill in using his expertise to guide and coach staff. He has the skills necessary to help busy school leaders plan and deliver initiatives and strategies, and his meticulous approach and attention to fine detail will help you ensure nothing is overlooked. He is well organised and intellectually rigorous, bringing an energy which both supports and challenges leaders and practitioners in their drive to raise standards. Chris is also flexible: he will support you when it is right to change strategy/direction.
When Chris became a headteacher, I welcomed the opportunity to join the governing body of his school. In all aspects of his work he demonstrated commitment to the highest standards and made significant changes to bring the school up to date in a short space of time. His proven expertise in such areas as quality review, curriculum design, staff development, policies, and safeguarding would be of benefit to any school seeking support from an Education Consultant.
Chris is calm in periods of difficulty and has considerable experience of working in a range of diverse communities. He quickly forms excellent rapport with students and staff, and his experiences stand him in good stead to work with a wide range of practitioners and schools in their pursuit of excellence. He is dependable and cooperative and is able to meet tight deadlines. Furthermore, he has a passion for education, is adaptive to change, and is an excellent analytical thinker.
In summary, I have every confidence in commending him as a true and inspirational professional, and an asset to schools who engage him as an Education Consultant.
Beverly Dobson -- Retired Secondary School Headteacher, Independent Educational Consultant
I have known Chris for many years since he trained as a teacher. His commitment to education and realising students’ potential is unfailing. He has a wealth of knowledge through superb school leadership experience.
Matthew Glenn -- Independent Education Consultant, former Principal of an all-through school
- The quality of teaching is impressive. A significant amount of teaching is outstanding. Its high quality inspires students to do their best and make rapid progress.
- Senior leaders and governors carefully analyse all aspects of the school’s work. This has helped to secure outstanding teaching through improved training. A detailed analysis of data has led to improved target setting which has improved achievement so that it is now outstanding.
- Students and their parents praise the quality of teaching. Many students, of all ages, showed great enthusiasm when talking about the quality of teaching. Teaching in subjects as diverse as English, French, history and mathematics was highly praised, with some sixth form students highlighting the quality of teaching in physics. As one sixth former commented, ‘We are so lucky to have so many such good teachers.’
- The quality of teaching has improved well since the previous inspection. The school has many gifted teachers who are highly committed to the students they teach. Excellent procedures are in place to ensure that the quality of teaching remains high and improves further.
2014 Bishop Challoner Girls School & 6th Form Ofsted Report (Outstanding in all areas)
Confidential references available on request:
