Simon Dougherty
Southport,Merseyside
Summary
Strategic leader with extensive experience in program development and stakeholder engagement, known for building effective partnerships. Deep understanding of the armed forces community and youth education systems, with a successful history in team leadership and staff development. Strong public speaking and representation skills contribute to driving initiatives that promote growth and innovation. Leads student induction programs that enhance engagement and collaboration among students, staff, and educational partners.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2033
2033
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Lecturer & Course Leader – Initial Teacher Education
Edge Hill University
Ormskirk, Lancashire
2020.09 - 2026.04
- Lead delivery of a large-scale Initial Teacher Education programme supporting ~90 trainees annually across a broad partnership of schools
- Build and sustain partnerships with schools and stakeholders, influencing curriculum design and professional practice across multiple settings
- Oversee trainee progress, mentoring systems, and quality assurance across school-based provision
- Contribute to strategic development of teacher education provision aligned with national policy frameworks
- Deliver training and lectures to large audiences (100+), enhancing engagement and professional learning
- Represent the institution externally as External Examiner at University of Warwick and through validation panels and sector engagement
Curriculum Area Leader – Physical Education
Range High School
Formby, Merseyside
2007.09 - 2020.08
- Led curriculum development and delivery across PE, overseeing staff and programme quality
- Managed extracurricular sport and whole-school physical activity initiatives
- Developed partnerships with local schools and organisations to enhance provision and participation
- Supported staff development and contributed to whole-school improvement priorities
- Fostered a positive work environment, contributing to improved employee retention rates.
- Increased team morale by organising regular team-building exercises.
Teacher of Physical Education & School Sport Coordinator
Birkdale High School
Sefton, Merseyside
2006.09 - 2007.08
- Delivered high-quality teaching across KS3–KS5
- Led school sport provision and coordinated inter-school partnerships and events
- Developed inclusive opportunities to increase student engagement and participation
- Delivered inclusive school sport and physical activity programmes that increased pupil participation and engagement, particularly among less active groups.
- Developed and coordinated extra-curricular clubs, competitions and events, strengthening links between schools, community clubs and wider partners.
- Led targeted interventions and leadership opportunities that supported pupil wellbeing, behaviour and the development of young sports leaders.
Fitness instructor
JJB Health Clubs
Southport, Merseyside
2001.08 - 2005.08
- Conducted regular equipment checks ensuring all was in proper working order, increasing overall safety standards in the gym area.
- Ensured safety during workouts by demonstrating proper techniques.
- Increased class attendance via inventive session planning that catered to various skill levels simultaneously.
- Contributed towards member retention rates with effective customer service strategies.
Able Seaman (Operator Mechanic)
Royal Navy
Plymouth, Devon
1997.01 - 2001.07
- Served on flagship HMS Cornwall, contributing to operational readiness within a high-performance team
- Deployed on West Africa Guardship (1998), supporting humanitarian operations in Sierra Leone
- Completed global deployment (2000), operating in diverse and complex international environments
- Final posting at HM Naval Base Clyde supporting shore-based operations
- Awarded Good Conduct Badge and received strong final reference
- Developed a strong understanding of Armed Forces culture, leadership, and transition to civilian life
Education
MA Education - Education
Edge Hill University
Lancashire, England 2023.09 - 2025.11
Senior Fellow (SFHEA) -
Advance HE
PGCert Teaching in Higher Education - Higher Education
Edge Hill University
Lancashire, England 2021.01 - 2023.06
PGCE Secondary Physical Education (QTS) - Education
Edge Hill University
Lancashire, England 2005.09 - 2006.07
BSc (Hons) Sports Studies -
Edge Hill University
Lancashire, England 2002.09 - 2005.06
Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Programme Development
- Partnership Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Armed Forces Community Insight
- Youth Engagement & Education Systems
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Public Speaking & External Representation
- Evidence-Informed Practice & Evaluation
PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT
- Established and maintained partnerships with a wide network of schools and education stakeholders
- External Examiner at University of Warwick (2024–2028)
- External validation panel member (Leeds Beckett University)
- AQA PE Examination Assessor
- Contributed to sector-wide developments in teacher education and professional practice
RESEARCH & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
- Research focus: inclusion, masculinity, gender, and professional practice in education
- Conference presentations at national events
- Publications and outputs in development (2026)
- Delivered presentations at conferences, including Centre for Learning & Teaching and Liverpool City Region 'Education in Mind'.
Affiliations
- As a committed husband and father of three daughters, I place high value on balance, resilience and leading by example. I maintain an active lifestyle through sport, with a particular passion for tennis and distance running, having completed the London Marathon twice. I have also taken part in endurance cycling challenges, including London to Paris, raising funds for charitable causes reflecting my commitment to community engagement and service. I enjoy film and regularly follow a wide range of sports, and I have a strong interest in history, particularly through visiting sites of historical significance, which complements my appreciation for heritage, service and national identity.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
MA Education - Education
Edge Hill University
2023.09 - 2025.11
PGCert Teaching in Higher Education - Higher Education
Edge Hill University
2021.01 - 2023.06
Senior Lecturer & Course Leader – Initial Teacher Education
Edge Hill University
2020.09 - 2026.04
Curriculum Area Leader – Physical Education
Range High School
2007.09 - 2020.08
Teacher of Physical Education & School Sport Coordinator
Birkdale High School
2006.09 - 2007.08
PGCE Secondary Physical Education (QTS) - Education
Edge Hill University
2005.09 - 2006.07
BSc (Hons) Sports Studies -
Edge Hill University
2002.09 - 2005.06
Fitness instructor
JJB Health Clubs
2001.08 - 2005.08
Able Seaman (Operator Mechanic)
Royal Navy
1997.01 - 2001.07
Senior Fellow (SFHEA) -
Advance HE