Alex Atherton

5.021 October 2023

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Alex is an incredible coach. I've worked with him 1-on-1 for the past 6 months and have really noticed a difference in my attitude, approach and general outlook to my professional setting and career outlook. He is a great listener and communicator who will challenge you and keep you accountable to your own words and personal goals. We are just starting our second 10 sessions and he has provided / created a strong framework that is suitable to my direct needs. I would highly recommend Alex to anyone who is looking to improve their leadership skillset, management abilities or general awareness in a workplace setting.

5.03 February 2023

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Alex joined the Interim Executive Board of a school which had recently been graded Inadequate. The many challenges facing the Board were increased by having to work during the pandemic. Despite not being able to visit the school in person, Alex quickly became an integral part of the small group, advising and supporting the new school leaders, and ensuring that the critical issues were identified and addressed promptly. The IEB saw significant progress in a short period with the school converting as planned. Alex is a very experienced and professional person, who maintains a clear focus on the essentials of school improvement, while also managing to build good relationships and maintaing a sense of proportion. He is able to draw on a wide network of people he has worked with in the past. He also has good knowledge of the current Ofsted framework and regulatory requirements. A very helpful, encouraging and knowledgable person whom I would highly recommend!

5.03 February 2023

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Alex is very knowledgeable about the current education landscape and he uses this knowledge to support a school in ensuring it is prioritising the right areas for development. Alex worked with our school for two years, in the role of an improvement partner, and we found his skills and knowledge valuable in helping us to further develop. His flexibility of approach ensured that the support given was tailored to the specific needs of our school and included a range of approaches i.e coaching middle leaders, delivering an inspiring training session to the leadership team at a weekend away day etc. Working with Alex is of great benefit regardless of the number of years experience as a school leader. Bola Soneye-Thomas Headteacher Rokesly Junior School

5.03 February 2023

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Alex worked with me and my school leaders, in the role of Improvement Partner, for two years. His advice and support has had a clear impact on our improvement journey. Alex brings his considerable school leadership experience to the role, which means that he understands the challenges and complexities that Headteachers face. Other leaders in the school also enjoyed his coaching and mentoring, which supported them in their leadership roles. Jane Flynn Headteacher Eldon Primary School

5.03 February 2023

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Over the past two years I have received outstanding support from Alex Atherton. Support has included delivering whole school training on Ofsted readiness under the new framework and completion of a report resulting in an extremely comprehensive and detailed review of issues pertaining to exam results. The advice and guidance he has given to me as a headteacher and to my senior leadership team and staff has been accurate and insightful but above all pragmatic and impactful. His attention to detail and knowledge of systems and processes within both classroom and organisation level is outstanding. He has helped me plan strategically but has also been a port in a storm. He is the first person who comes to mind when advice and support is needed in regards to school improvement. I highly recommend him. Heather Johnston Headteacher Abbey Manor College