Stephen has held leadership roles at a range of levels throughout his career, including Headteacher and Executive Headteacher. His experience spans school improvement and leadership in a variety of settings, with a strong focus on raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils.

Among his key career achievements, Stephen is proud of leading rapid improvement in school performance, including moving one of the most deprived schools in the Dudley Borough from Satisfactory to Securely Good. He has also overseen exceptional academic outcomes, achieving the highest Maths progress scores and the second highest Reading progress scores in the borough for two consecutive years at the same school. He is currently Principal of one of the most popular and high-achieving schools in Halesowen.

Stephen holds a PGCE from Oxford, along with the NPQH and NPQEL from Ambition Institute.

He was inspired to enter education by a desire to make a meaningful difference, change life trajectories, and support the nurturing and celebration of talent in both pupils and staff. He values creative and relational leadership and believes strongly in the power of education to transform lives.

At Newfield Park Primary Academy, Stephen is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where the school’s values of Nurture, Inspire, Respect, Achieve are lived every day. These values underpin all aspects of school life, from planning and curriculum design to daily interactions and relationships. The school’s nurturing approach has been shaped by a three-year Local Authority project and continues to guide its work with children and families. The Academy also works closely with local agencies, including Phase Trust, to support vulnerable pupils and families, and has been described as “the power rangers of inclusion”.

Stephen is Chair of the Halesowen Teaching and Learning Community, bringing together local schools to collaborate on improvement and support for children and families across the area.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys writing and playing music, reading, travelling, spending time with family and sport.