Our Teams

Richard started his career teaching Geography in Leicester before moving to Leeds as Head of Department. Having worked as a Deputy Headteacher in a Bradford school he took up his first Headship in Leeds in 2001 before joining Harrogate Grammar School as Headteacher in 2007 and securing an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted. As well as leading the school Richard was very active in building partnerships and developing the Red Kite Teaching School Alliance as a sector leading school-led organisation with over 50 member schools across the region.

Richard was one of the early National Leaders of Education and has also worked as an Ofsted Inspector. As a National Leader of Education he has provided support for numerous schools, governors and leaders working closely with Ofsted and the DfE. This work has included serving as the ‘School Improvement Partner’ for Headteachers, providing support, challenge and guidance through the performance management process. 

In 2018 Richard became the founding CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust a growing MAT of 16 primary, all-through and secondary schools built on the same strong collaborative values that supported and sustained the successful Alliance for over twelve years. Richard served as the President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) in 2018/19 and took on the role again for 2020/21 becoming the first person to hold the position twice. Richards experience at school, Trust and system level has made him an influential figure in the system. His work was acknowledged with the award of an OBE for services to education. In 2026 Richard stepped away from leading the Trust after 40 years of service as a teacher and 25 years of leading schools. 

Richard serves as a Trustee of the Professional Teaching Institute, and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL). He is also on the advisory board of the Ogden Trust.