Our Team

I’m Kevin and I am the proud Headteacher at Esteem Valley Academy where I have the privilege of working alongside our absolutely wonderful staff team, supporting our amazing students.

My career in education started at a Mainstream Sports College in Derby where I began as a teaching assistant before qualifying as a PE Teacher. I left mainstream to become head of PE in a special school and have a variety of experience in middle and senior leader roles at Special, SEMH & Alternative Provision settings. In the 10 years prior to being appointed at EVA I worked in 2 outstanding schools in London & Nottingham as Deputy Headteacher, Acting Head of School and most recently Senior Vice Principal.

Outside of school I have a young family including 2 mischievous but lovely miniature sausage dogs (Elvis & Burt). I absolutely love being a Dad and all the activities that go with it such as going to the park (at every given opportunity!!!), trampolining and swimming, but going out for dinner and trying new food’s together is our favourite family activity.

I am a massive football fan and love getting to games as much as I can, but my playing days are sadly over. I do like to keep myself fit by running and cycling as well as my latest sporting addiction, Padel. I enjoy a fitness challenge, recently taking part in HYROX London at the ExCel arena. I have climbed Kilimanjaro, cycled from London to Paris and completed Ride London (100 mile course). I am currently contemplating my next challenge (potentially another Hyrox in a more exotic location) as I like to have something to work towards to focus my training and keep me consistent.

I am an experienced educator with a passion for empowering students to achieve their full potential. With 16 years of teaching experience in English, Media, and Film Studies, I have also held roles as Head of Year, Literacy Coordinator, and Raising Standards Lead. I endeavour to support students’ progress and help them to grow as people, believing that becoming a better person by the end of your academic journey is as important as the grades you obtain.

In addition to my role at Esteem Valley Academy, I am Difference Leader, collaborating with AP leaders nationwide to enhance teaching practices and educational policies, driving positive change and elevating standards for students across the country.

Before embarking on my teaching journey, I developed my communication skills as a journalist, contributing to esteemed media outlets such as ITV and Sky Sports, covering a diverse variety of sporting events. As a hockey player I captained Derby Men’s Hockey Club, developing leadership skills within a team environment and represented the East Midlands and England youth hockey teams.

Outside of the classroom and sports arena, I am a family man and avid supporter of Derby County, spending weekends cheering on the Rams at Pride Park Stadium. I have a passion for cinema and gaming, with a particular fondness for the iconic film, “The Dark Knight.”

I firmly believe in the power of music to unite and inspire. Whether teaching in the classroom or exploring the world, I strive to empower others with practical skills and a love for music, fostering connections that transcend borders.