Speakers

Mark is Headmaster of Frewen College, an independent co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 7-19 specialising in dyslexia and co-occurring specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), in East Sussex. The school provides outstanding teaching and pastoral support for students with dyslexia, unlocking potential, enabling all to aspire, believe and achieve. Frewen College is thought to be the oldest dyslexia school in the country (and possibly the World!) and is a beacon of dyslexia practise. Mark is currently developing opportunities for other schools and settings to benefit from the Frewen approach with the creation of the Frewen Advisory Support Team (FAST), delivering assessments, conferences, advice and training.

Prior to taking up post at Frewen College, Mark was Head of Service and Deputy Headteacher at Chadsgrove School and was responsible for the creation and development of a specialist teaching and inclusion advisory service: Chadsgrove School Support Services. As part of this, Mark set up an alternative provision for children experiencing emotional based school avoidance (EBSA) in 2020, with the provision winning national Alternative Provision of the Year at the NASEN 2023 Awards.

Mark is a Specialist Leader of Education (SEND) and has regularly worked as part of multi-professional task boards supporting school improvement and development. In addition, Mark is also a visiting university lecturer, a visiting fellow for the early career teacher framework, and also undertakes advisory work for assessment companies and educational suppliers. Mark has been in education for over 20 years and has taught across primary, secondary and sixth form settings in both mainstream and specialist provision. He has held a variety of leadership roles including Head of Service, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form, and Head of Inclusion and Learning Support.

Mark is a Board Director and Trustee of a Multi Academy Trust and a Board Director for the national Specific Learning Difficulties Assessment Standards Committee (SASC). Mark frequently delivers training, speaks at conferences, and forms part of expert panels, both at national and international events. Mark is passionate about improving outcomes for all children; in particular, those with additional needs. He is a firm advocate of partnerships, co-production, and ensuring that all parties have a voice. As a specialist teacher (SpLD), he firmly believes in helping children (and adults) unlock their inner superpower!