Dr Kathy Weston
Mike Crossley
Dai Preston
James Slocombe
Dr Kathy holds a LL.B., Masters and Doctorate in Social Science (Criminology) from the University of Cambridge and worked for many years as a policy researcher and research fellow in education. She is the co-author of two books for school staff on “Engaging Parents” (Bloomsbury, 2018;2020) and a sought-after keynote speaker. In 2018, she founded Tooled Up Education: a digital library of evidence-based resources for parents and teachers, on all aspects of parenting, education and family life.
Dr Weston works with a team of researchers who collaborate with some of the world’s most eminent researchers. By having access to the most up-to-date research findings, Tooled Up is able to bridge the world of research with real-life by curating and developing usable tips, activities and advice that can empower parents or those who work with children. This unique, digital library grows in response to requests from schools and parents, making it a powerful hub of most relevant content in the educational space today.
Go to www.tooledupeducation.com to read more about her work.
Mike Crossley retired as Headmaster of Langley Preparatory School in 2022.
With over 25 years’ experience as a senior manager in three leading schools, and fourteen years as a Head, Mike offers a wealth of knowledge in the world of education in general and has recently started additional work as a freelance mental health instructor for a leading mental health trust.
Mike is also a much practised ISI school Inspector, experienced leadership and middle management trainer and he qualified as a Head through the government’s National Professional Qualification for Headship scheme via the National College of School Leadership. He is also an ILM Level 7 executive coach and mentor who is currently working with newly appointed Heads for IAPS.
Dai Preston is Headteacher of Arnold Lodge School (a co-educational independent all-through day school for pupils aged 4-18) and Executive Headteacher of Stratford Preparatory School (a co-educational Preparatory School for pupils aged 2-11). Dai has been Headteacher of Arnold Lodge since 2016 and, in that time, the school has grown from 164 pupils to 480 (and is now at maximum capacity). Dai is also an ISA Director and a Team Inspector with ISI.
James Slocombe has substantial experience of outward-facing profile-building roles in education, having served as Chief Academic Officer, Headmaster, Deputy Head (Academic), Head of Sixth Form and Head of Department (Business and Economics) at independent schools in the UK and internationally. James has specific expertise in Compliance and NMSB.
Further to being a qualified teacher (with QTS), James is also a qualified business accountant (with CIMA), and co-founded the British School of Valladolid. James has served as a Governor/Non-Executive Director to 9 schools and businesses since the start of his career. As a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Educators, a Fellow of the RSA, and Quondam Member of the Independent Schools’ Association, James actively contributes to the advancement of educational theory, practice and pedagogy, taking a particular interest in international methodologies.
In 2006, James led the UK’s delegation to the CHOGM youth forum in Malta as a Trustee of the British Youth Council and has remained politically active since. He is a proud member of The Scout Association, to which he credits his ‘can-do people-builder’ attitude and bias to action.