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Don has over 18 years’ experience in education, spanning both primary and secondary phases and roles from class teacher to Headteacher and Executive Headteacher. He has worked extensively across the South of England, leading schools in diverse contexts – from inner‑city London to rural and urban communities across Essex – many of which serve high levels of deprivation, disadvantage, and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Driven by a deep commitment to improving life chances for all children, Don believes in the power of high expectations, inclusive practice, and strong community engagement. He views schools as transformative anchors within their communities and champions the role of education in changing lives. His leadership is underpinned by a strong track record of raising standards, improving struggling schools, and strengthening curriculum design, teaching, and assessment.

A firm believer in the value of partnership, Don is committed to system‑level collaboration as a driver of excellence and equity. He contributes to wider educational improvement through his roles on the Anglia Ruskin University Partnership Advisory Group and the Essex Schools Forum, advocating for coherent and collaborative approaches to school improvement and leadership development.

Don holds the NPQSL and NPQEL qualifications and is currently working towards Chartered Teacher (Leadership) status through the Chartered College of
Teaching.