Joshua Berry
Rochdale,Greater Manchester
Summary
Transformational educational leader skilled in designing and implementing knowledge-rich curricula aligned with the UK National Curriculum. Experienced in delivering evidence-informed CPD to enhance subject knowledge and pedagogical practice. Proven expertise in leading teams to achieve high standards through strategic planning and quality assurance. Strong analytical skills support evidence-based decision-making for continuous improvement in teaching quality and pupil outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of post-secondary education
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Headteacher
Co-op Academy New Islington
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2024.02 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership and vision, driving continuous school improvement while maintaining consistently high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil achievement.
- Led, developed, and inspired staff through effective performance management, coaching, and professional development, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
- Analysed performance data to inform decision-making and implement school improvement initiatives, sustaining outstanding educational outcomes across key performance indicators.
- Ensured the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil wellbeing, behaviour, and inclusion, creating a safe, supportive, and aspirational learning environment for all students.
- Oversaw financial, operational, and resource management, ensuring effective budget allocation and compliance to maximise educational outcomes.
- Built partnerships with governors, parents, local authorities, and external agencies to enhance school performance and strengthen community engagement.
Director of Curriculum
Co-op Academies Trust
North West
2022.01 - 2024.02
- Provided strategic leadership for curriculum, teaching, and learning across a large multi-academy trust, developing and implementing a coherent, evidence-informed curriculum that secures consistently high standards and equitable outcomes for all pupils.
- Led the design, implementation, and quality assurance of trust-wide curriculum frameworks, ensuring progression, consistency, and full alignment with the National Curriculum, research-informed practice, and statutory requirements.
- Monitored and evaluated curriculum implementation and pupil outcomes through qualitative and quantitative evidence, providing strategic challenge and support to inform decisions and drive improvement.
- Drove continuous improvement in teaching and learning through instructional coaching, professional development, and robust quality assurance, building leadership capacity and improving classroom practice across all schools.
- Partnered with Headteachers and senior leadership teams to identify priorities, develop targeted school improvement strategies, and deliver sustained improvements in educational quality, supporting schools to achieve positive Ofsted outcomes.
- Built collaborative networks across the trust to share best practice, engage external expertise, develop subject leadership, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence, strengthening educational provision across all schools.
Class Teacher, Assistant Headteacher
Heatherbrook Primary Academy
Leicester, Leicestershire
2017.08 - 2022.01
- Provided strategic leadership as Assistant Headteacher, leading whole-school improvement initiatives that enhanced the quality of teaching, learning, assessment, and pupil outcomes.
- Mentored, coached, and developed colleagues through instructional coaching, modelling exemplary practice, and delivering high-quality professional development to strengthen teaching across the school.
- Led the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning through lesson observations, work scrutiny, pupil progress analysis, and curriculum reviews, using evidence to drive continuous improvement.
- Delivered consistently outstanding teaching, securing high levels of pupil progress and attainment through an engaging, inclusive, and evidence-informed approach to classroom practice.
- Championed high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, attendance, and pupil wellbeing, fostering a positive, inclusive school culture that enabled all children to thrive.
- Built partnerships with parents, governors, and external agencies to enhance pupil outcomes and support school self-evaluation and development planning.
Teaching Assistant
Oaklands Special School
Winsford, Cheshire
2016.10 - 2017.08
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and external professionals to implement Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), adapting learning activities to meet individual needs and enhance pupil engagement.
- Supported pupils with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through tailored interventions and personalised learning strategies, enhancing academic progress and wellbeing.
- Fostered a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment by providing consistent behavioural, emotional, and pastoral support, enabling pupils to develop confidence, resilience, and positive relationships.
- Monitored and recorded pupil progress, contributing to assessment and planning processes while maintaining effective communication with colleagues and families to support positive outcomes for every child.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Education - Education
University of Birmingham
Birmingham 2017.08 - 2018.07
Bachelor of Arts - Ancient History
University of Nottingham
Nottingham 2012.08 - 2016.07
Skills
- Expertise in designing and implementing ambitious, knowledge-rich curricula aligned with the UK National Curriculum, ensuring coherence, progression, and excellence in curriculum delivery
- Highly skilled in designing and delivering impactful, evidence-informed continuing professional development (CPD) that enhances subject knowledge, pedagogical practice, and professional capability at all levels
- Proven ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve and sustain high standards against the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework through strategic planning, coaching, and rigorous quality assurance
- Strong understanding of educational research and the ability to translate evidence into practical, sustainable improvements that enhance teaching quality, curriculum implementation, and pupil outcomes
- Highly analytical and strategic, with the ability to interpret performance data, evaluate impact, solve complex challenges, and make evidence-based decisions that drive continuous improvement
- Skilled in building collaborative partnerships and securing stakeholder buy-in through effective consultation, relationship management, negotiation, and a shared commitment to organisational improvement
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, engage, and build credibility with senior leaders, governors, staff, parents, and external stakeholders
Certification
National Professional Qualification in Headship (NPQH)
Accomplishments
Central Colleague of the Year 2023 - Co-op Academies Trust
Affiliations
- Rugby
- Dungeons and Dragons
- Documentaries
- Travel
Timeline
Headteacher
Co-op Academy New Islington
2024.02 - Current
Director of Curriculum
Co-op Academies Trust
2022.01 - 2024.02
Class Teacher, Assistant Headteacher
Heatherbrook Primary Academy
2017.08 - 2022.01
Postgraduate Diploma in Education - Education
University of Birmingham
2017.08 - 2018.07
Teaching Assistant
Oaklands Special School
2016.10 - 2017.08
Bachelor of Arts - Ancient History
University of Nottingham
2012.08 - 2016.07