Department for Children, Youth and
Education

Philip Mitchell
Educational Consultant

I took early retirement from headship in August 2006 in order to become an accredited School Improvement Partner (SIP) and Church School (S48) Inspector.

As a SIP I worked with eight Middle schools on the Isle of Wight until all closed in July, 2011 as part of the reorganisation of schools on the Island.

During this period I also worked in a part-time management and advisory capacity with Redditch YMCA in order to develop and deliver ‘Extended Services' to local school communities.

I was Headteacher of Ipsley C.E. Middle School from September 2001, when it opened as part of the LEA reorganisation of schools in Redditch, until 2006.As I retired, Ipsley was a large 9-13 Middle school with 640 pupils, with a commitment to raising pupil achievement. Much of my early role there was involved with the formation of the new school, with building an effective team and with building trust in a community much affected by school closures. OFSTED (2003) recognised the school's capacity for improvement and the very good leadership of the headteacher.

Prior to my appointment as Headteacher of Ipsley I was Headteacher  and Deputy Headteacher of St. Peter's C.E. Middle, Redditch (4 years and 20 years, respectively) and in a former middle school held roles of Year Leader and Head of English.

In all I have 41 years experience in education.

I was appointed as part-time Educational Consultant to the Diocesan Department for Children, Youth and Education in September, 2011. I continue as a Church School Inspector and member of the Worcester Diocesan Board of Education (DBE). I have represented the DBE in the appointments of Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers to Church of England schools, and in an advisory capacity to support school self-evaluation.

My expertise covers all aspects of school leadership and management. I have a reputation as a team-builder, for inclusion and for the high quality of pastoral care in my schools. I have a strong commitment to improving the quality of learning for all pupils.

I am concerned to keep the interests of children at the centre of my work: within a Christian context to encourage enjoyment in learning, to value the importance of relationships and of the pastoral role of teachers, and to encourage learning beyond the classroom.

                                                                                                            Philip Mitchell
                                                                                                            January, 2012