Simon has been a secondary Headteacher for over 20 years, working in three inner city schools across Wakefield and Leeds.

He became Headteacher of Carr Manor High School in 2005, a school working with some of the most complex and diverse communities in Leeds. In 2012 the school became Carr Manor Community School, a ‘through school’ for pupils aged 4-19. He was appointed Executive Principal for Carr Manor Community School and Wetherby High School in 2014. Simon was seconded to Leeds Local Authority between 2010 and 2014 to support the leadership of Children’s Services.

More recently he has led the formation of the Leeds Learning Alliance which has emerged from a desire to provide a partnership of significant Leeds organisations committed to working inclusively and collaboratively to close outcome gaps especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.