Our School Improvement Specialists (ID 1319)

• Adam Lowing
  Adam Lowing

  Adam is an experienced education consultant, school improvement partner and peer review facilitator. A former headteacher, Adam has led significant school improvement in contrasting contexts, including strengthening leadership, curriculum, inclusion and pupil outcomes. His background includes particular expertise in English, assessment and quality assurance, alongside extensive experience of external review, leadership development and strategic planning.

  Adam now works with schools, trusts, partnerships and local authorities, including as Project Director for system-level external validation work across schools and services in the Isle of Man. His approach is valued for combining supportive professional challenge with clarity, practical insight and a strong commitment to collaboration.

• Michael Larkin
  Michael Larkin

  Michael is an independent educational consultant with experience across primary and secondary schools, and as a headteacher in London and Milton Keynes, where his leadership was consistently judged outstanding. He has a strong track record in school improvement, supporting schools to address priorities quickly and sustainably through clear insight and effective challenge.

  He began his career in Brent as a drama teacher at Preston Manor High School and is passionate about ethical leadership. Michael supports strategic school improvement, leadership development, coaching and mentoring, headteacher appraisal, curriculum development, governance, safeguarding, and improving teaching and learning. He is known for being highly organised, personable and committed to excellence in all aspects of his work.

• Neil Farmer
  Neil Farmer

  Neil is an independent educational consultant working with schools and settings across London, the Midlands and the Southeast. He is a School Improvement Specialist for The Brent Schools Partnership, the Diocese of Southwark, and The Griffin and Future Education Trusts, supporting both operational and strategic school improvement.

  His work includes curriculum development, leadership support, governance and whole-school review. He leads a project on increasing parental engagement in East Sussex and undertakes performance management reviews for headteachers.

  Previously, Neil held senior leadership roles including Head of Early Years and Executive Headteacher. He is also a school governor, trust director, published author and conference speaker.

• Nick Butt
  Nick Butt

  Nick is a highly experienced former lead inspector and primary headteacher who supports schools and multi-academy trusts across London, East Anglia and the East Midlands. A former London Challenge adviser working with the Department for Education and local authorities to improve primary schools in London boroughs. He is also a lead adviser for Challenge Partners.

  He specialises in leadership and management, governance, teaching and learning, curriculum development, SEND and Early Years. Nick has extensive experience as a school improvement consultant and inspector, having worked in the UK and internationally. He is widely valued for his professional expertise, practical insight and support, no-nonsense approach.