Leadership Team

Mr Tirrell has established a strong reputation as a strategic, collaborative and highly effective educational leader. Having served as both Head Teacher and Executive Head Teacher in STEP Academy Trust schools, he has consistently focused on improving life chances for children through the delivery of exceptional education and the development of high-performing school communities. His commitment to partnership, school improvement and organisational development has enabled him to make a significant impact across STEP and beyond, supporting schools, trust leaders and multi-academy trusts nationally.

Mr Tirrell holds a BSc (Hons) in Medical Microbiology, an MA in International Business Management, and a PGCE with QTS. He also has completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL). He brings extensive expertise in curriculum, teacher development, leadership coaching, initial teacher training, governance and safeguarding.

A passionate advocate for high-quality curriculum design and evidence-informed practice, Mr Tirrell has worked on cross-trust curriculum initiatives, hosted professional learning opportunities for colleagues across the sector, and contributed to the development of teaching resources used to strengthen curriculum delivery and educational outcomes. He also facilitates the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) programme, helping to develop the next generation of school leaders.

Committed to STEP's mission, vision and values, Mr Tirrell believes that education is the most powerful driver of social change and that investing in people is central to improving outcomes for children. Through his roles as Executive Head Teacher at La Fontaine Academy and Director of the STEP Institute of Education, he aims to develop outstanding educators and improve outcomes for  all children.