The people behind
The Portal.

Learner. Father. Teacher. Challenger of norms. Networker. Believer in the human spirit. I know we are not here to be shaped into products by systems, but to become the very best version of ourselves. That journey begins within; when we have the courage and opportunity to look inside, we create the possibility for a better world outside. If we can walk that journey alongside young people—learning, growing and discovering together—we can help change the world for the better. The Portal is where that change begins, right here, right now.

I have been involved in education around the world for 26 years and have worked in a multitude of environments. From these experiences, it has become my mission to help young people realise their true potential.

I have been working in education for 26 years. I began my career in the secondary sector before moving into primary education in 2014 as a Deputy Headteacher of a local junior school. After a brief spell working at a home learning community in Suffolk, I currently teach in a specialist SEN setting working with children with social, emotion and mental health needs. My leadership experience centres on curriculum design and assessment. Between 2016 and 2022, I led the development of a project-based learning curriculum inspired by Ron Berger, building partnerships across cultural, scientific and heritage organisations and securing funding to support its delivery. I also redesigned assessment systems to promote authenticity, engagement and meaningful outcomes for learners. My experience in home education introduced me to the work of Peter Gray and Dr Naomi Fisher, leading to pivot towards self- directed learning and its potential for emancipating learners and learning, especially for neurodiverse young people. The Portal represents an extraordinary opportunity to help create a bold new educational model for Norwich; one that better meets the social, emotional and educational needs of children, young people and families.