Educating Northamptonshire Mr Stephen Drew opens event for the University of Northampton

​What is the moral purpose of Education? How can education professionals reflect on their own practice given the pressures and constraints they face? These are just two of the questions that will be posed by Stephen Drew, Headteacher and star of Channel 4’s popular television series “Educating Essex” and “Mr Drew’s School for Boys”, at a University of Northampton gathering of education professionals on Wednesday 18 June at Northants County Cricket Ground.

At the event, which is a celebration of working in the education sector, Stephen Drew will highlight the importance of teachers and support staff continually learning and improving their own practice. The University of Northampton will showcase the opportunities it provides for Continuous Professional Development ranging from full Master’s Degrees to short courses, with specialisms in Special Educational Needs and Early Years.

Stephen Drew will say: “We spend so much of our time educating and inspiring children and young people.  When do we get a chance to reflect on our own practice and learn for ourselves? How do we continue to be focused on the moral purpose of education when we are facing so many pressures and challenges in today’s education system?”

Ann Shelton Mayes, Executive Dean of the School of Education, will say: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to our event today and to welcome so many education professionals to share in this celebration of working in the education sector. It is extremely important to take the time to reflect on the achievements and hard work that takes place in all educational settings every day. The University of Northampton’s School of Education is passionate about leading change which transforms the lives of children and young people both in the UK and internationally. With over forty years of experience delivering education training and development we hope today’s event will inspire teachers to think about their own career and future development.”

Stephen Drew is Headteacher of Brentwood County High School in Essex. Stephen has been a teacher of history in secondary schools since 1997, working at schools in Tower Hamlets, Suffolk and Essex. Between 2002 and 2012 Stephen worked at Passmores Academy in Harlow, Essex. In September 2012 Stephen started his first headship at BCHS, achieving his aspiration of being a head before his 40th birthday – which came in November 2012.