Endorsements

“Paul is an inspiring, committed Headteacher who is passionate about education and especially about the children in his school whose challenging lives can make it difficult to access opportunities many others take for granted. He is dedicated to nurturing a warm, creative environment in the school and his entrepreneurial business and leadership skills have enabled Gallions and its pupils to flourish. He is unceasing in his quest to get the best for all pupils and his team.”

- Jan Swann | Educational Development and Fundraising Consultant

“Paul is a fantastic Headteacher, who is focussed on getting the best out of of the staff and children at his school. Through the Arts focus of Gallions Primary School, Paul's passion for his job is clear, providing opportunities for all children to visit orchestras and participate in exchange programmes abroad. He has assisted on the Steering Group for the Every Child a Musician, providing invaluable input from a school perspective on programme development. It is always a pleasure working with such a dedicated colleague.”

- Lucy Read | Senior Partnerships and Projects Officer

“I have known Paul for a few years where he is an inspirational Head at Gallions Primary School. He has taken a school in a challenging environment and transformed it through his leadership and, especially, through his passion for music. He creation of an entire school that plays music is highly regarded both in music education circles, as well as the music industry. His innovative work with gaining sponsorship and support from local businesses has enabled him to deliver activities in the school for the children beyond the normal boundries of budget constraints.”

- Paul McManus | Chief Executive at Music Industries Association

“Here's a blog I wrote about the school that Paul is Headteacher of. It really is a magnificent school - and I don't say this lightly, having visited thousands of schools around the world. What a privilege it was to work with Gallions Primary School in Newham last month. Not only were the staff a joy to work with but the learning spaces they had created for their children were a joy to behold. The attention to detail was exquisite – turning the bike shed into the little pigs 3 houses; putting a hillock in their town scene; lots of different types of reading spaces and chairs; a dressing-up wardrobe that they’ve made a passageway into yet another private learning space, and so the list goes on. I’ve uploaded some photos to www.facebook.com/challenginglearning I highly recommend visiting this inner-city school for ideas if you’re planning to improve your indoor or outdoor learning spaces. Check out their P4C as well – it permeates everything. A truly magnificent school!”

- James Nottingham

"This is the best in-service training I have been on in 23 years of teaching!”

- Secondary School Head of Art, Philosophy for Children Level 1 Course.

"This day has made me into a better teacher. I am truly inspired.”

- Participant on P4C Conference.

“This has been a fabulous and thought-provoking course. Thank you so much.”

- Participant on Philosophy for Children for Artists Level 1 course.

“We actually did it (rather than just talking about it!). This is how all courses should be run!”

“A fantastic, inspiring two days that makes me want to develop these ideas even further.”

- Participant on P4C Level 1 course

“I just wanted to say 'thank you' for your time and input today. It was inspirational to visit your school and to see the huge changes you have enacted. A true inspiration for me starting out on the headship journey."

- Participant on P4C Level 1 course

"I just wanted to say 'thank you' for your time and input today. It was inspirational to visit your school and to see the huge changes you have enacted. A true inspiration for me starting out on the headship journey."

- Lewisham Head Teacher