Northern Education was formed in 2000 to support secondary schools in Bradford on behalf of the DfES. We are now the leading consultancy dedicated to supporting improvements in services to children and young people.

Les Walton OBE

Les founded Northern Education following a request by DfES to lead the interim management and subsequent outsourcing of education services in Bradford. During this period he developed the concept of a ‘New Relationship with Schools’ and introduced partnership boards involving headteachers as ‘School Improvement Partners’.

Les was, until August 2006, Principal and Chief Executive of Tyne Metropolitan College. He was Assistant Chief Executive (Education) within Bradford MDC, after being Executive Director for North Tyneside Council where he’d previously been a secondary head. He has recently relinquished the role of Chair in order to concentrate on national initiatives.

More about Les Walton …

School Improvement Experts

Under Les’s leadership the company has developed an extensive network of outstanding consultant teams working within the northern region. Northern Education is the only company in the United Kingdom providing School improvement Partners to schools. Across 10 local authorities, we provide SIPs to over 150 secondary and special schools. Our reputation for quality assurance is described as ‘outstanding’ by external evaluators.

Recognised Authority

Northern Education now works nationally and regionally with government, local authorities, FE colleges, schools, training providers and with independent organisations to provide support through our experienced team.