I have been privileged to work for the benefit of young people throughout my career and champion their development, particularly through the arts. I began on this pathway at the age of 17 as a means to engaging with disaffected young people in my community, and find myself as motivated to make a positive difference today as I was when setting out over 2 decades ago. For me my school experience truly changed my life and opportunities afforded to me through the relationships built in school which we’re key. I promote the importance of positive relationships in all that I do.As a senior leader within the education sector I have been able to play a pivotal part in driving positive change through relentless high standards and in the belief that we are truly able to change lives, not only in the classroom, but beyond through extensive extra curricular programmes and opportunities that make the school experience wide and varied. My career in education has been spent raising cultural capital, increasing participation, developing student leadership, building ethos and community, raising profile through positive PR and marketing, championing effective communication, and advocating high profile rewards and celebration which in turn supports raising aspirations.I believe in a holistic approach to education and community development and see this as pertinent to the upward mobility of young people growing up in areas of high deprivation. I have been fortunate to receive personal accolades for my work which have included a sought after invitation to Buckingham Palace and a range of local community based awards. I am most proud of leading groups of young people in a range of pursuits that have resulted in prestigious awards and opportunities, including awards for theatrical productions and opportunities to perform at world renowned venues such as Wembley.Whilst the demands of senior leadership are plentiful, I am proud and privileged to be delivering on the elements of my role that matter most to me, serving the interests of the communities I serve, flying the flag for the importance of both personal and academic development and creative subjects in education.