Steve has almost 20 years senior leadership experience. Steve began his career in senior leadership at Grange Technology College, Bradford, progressing to Deputy Headteacher. Steve moved to become the Senior Vice Principal at Trinity Academy Halifax and latterly, Acting Principal. Steve (alongside the principal) led the school from a VA school to academy status in 2010, gaining an outstanding judgement (in all areas) from OFSTED in 2013. In this time, he led on a new academy build programme as client and design consultant, achieving a £32 million building on time and on budget.
Steve was the Headteacher at Rastrick for 8 years. Steve led the school through two successful Ofsted inspections. He led the school strategy that moved the school from a 2013 significant in-year and cumulative deficit to a significant cumulative surplus, preparing the way for a successful transition into a sponsor and multi academy trust.
Steve was appointed as a National Leader in Education (NLE) in 2017. He has supported schools both regionally and nationally, via several funded programmes including STSS programme, Opportunity Areas Initiative, COVID recovery programme and via SLAs with schools, local authorities, and MATs. In 2018 Steve was asked to support Calderdale Local Authority by acting as Assistant Director for Children’s Services for a 10-month part time secondment. During the secondment he supported the LA in moving from RI to good judgment from Ofsted and supported the LA through a positive Ofsted LA wide SEN review. He also presented to and provided advice and guidance to the school’s forum, the council’s scrutiny panel, the primary and secondary heads groups and to the council’s cabinet.
Steve has been the CEO of the Polaris MAT since its inception in September 2021. The trust has grown to five schools in two years. Steve was instrumental in developing the trust’s vision and values, reflecting the trust’s high expectations, inclusivity, systemic leadership, and research led school improvement approaches. The trust has led all its schools through a highly successful series of Ofsted inspections in the autumn of 2023.