Jon Tait

Jon is an experienced education leader with over 25 years in the profession, having held a range of senior leadership roles across schools and Multi Academy Trusts, including Deputy CEO, Director of School Improvement, and currently Executive Director of Education. His work centres on the strategic leadership of teaching and learning, professional development, initial teacher training, behaviour, quality assurance, and system-wide school improvement, alongside extensive work supporting schools through external partnerships.

Alongside his leadership roles, Jon is a recognised voice in education as an international author, keynote speaker, and podcast host. He has written multiple books spanning classroom practice, leadership, and parental engagement, and also blogs regularly, sharing articles and thought-provoking pieces across his professional social media platforms. Jon regularly speaks at national and international conferences, sharing practical, evidence-informed approaches to improving outcomes for young people. In 2015, he delivered a TED Talk on The Future of Learning, and continues to challenge established thinking by promoting innovation, clarity, and sustainable change in education.

Jon is passionate about supporting not only teachers and leaders, but also parents. Through his From the Sidelines work, he helps families better understand how to support learning at home, offering accessible strategies that bridge the gap between school and home. He also hosts several education podcasts focused on positive, practical, and modern perspectives on education, extending his reach to a global audience of educators and families.

A graduate of both NPQH (2017) and NPQEL (2021), Jon brings a system leadership perspective informed by a wide international network of education professionals. His work increasingly focuses on helping organisations rethink established habits, using creativity and innovation to drive meaningful, long-term improvement.

Outside of education, Jon is married and has two college/university aged children, has played in the FA cup as a semi-professional footballer, coached American Football for Great Britain and was recognised for his work with young people by carrying the Olympic Torch in the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.