Find an Expert

We are happy to provide expert opinion on music, educational and learning topics. Please do get in touch using the individual emails/phone numbers below or call our Press Office at Clarke Associates on 07808 735 255 email david-c@clarke-associates.co.uk (when David is not available, there is a voicemail/re-route arrangement)

Services For Education is able to provide journalists, columnists and editors with expert opinion, commentary and background in those areas detailed below or you can download a copy here

Note: the areas of expertise are in alphabetical order with the experts also in alphabetical order except for the Head of Service and School Support lead, who appear first.

Richard Mabbott - Head of the Music Service, Services For Education  

A former choral scholar, Richard joins Services For Education after 15 years working in secondary schools having started his career as a classroom teacher in an inner-city school in Sheffield, before becoming Head of Music at Hessle High School in East Yorkshire in 2011. Whilst there, he became Specialist Leader of Education for Music working with schools in Yorkshire and Humber region to enhance the classroom music offer and build networks of music teachers enabling pedagogical developments and performance opportunities to be shared more readily.

In 2019 Richard was appointed Assistant Headteacher at Withernsea High School as part of a small senior team to deliver improvement to enhance the life chances of the school’s students. Amongst his achievements was the development of the much praised ‘Classically Yours’ programme with Manchester Camerata - a project that brought a world class orchestra to perform an annual concert in a remote East Yorkshire school and which continues to this day.

Jo Perrin - Interim School Support Lead,  Adviser, Services For Education

Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.

With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.

Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.

With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.

Charlotte Buxton - Deputy Head of Music Service, Services For Education

Charlotte began her teaching career in 2003 working for Bromley Youth Music Trust as a Licenced teacher. After graduating with a BMus(Hons) degree in 2005, Charlotte was appointed as a full-time member of staff at BYMT. Over 11 years Charlotte progressed through the ranks and ultimately held the post of Wider Opportunities Coordinator and Assistant Head of Woodwind for the borough.

Charlotte joined Services For Education in September 2014 as Head of Woodwind and enjoyed five years leading a vibrant department and teaching across the city. She was appointed Deputy Head of Music Service and Head of Ensembles in September 2019 and has since spearheaded exciting collaborations with international artists Nicola Benedetti and Jess Gillam whilst leading the ensemble system into the digital age to maintain provision throughout the pandemic.

She was the inaugural recipient of the Music and Drama Education Awards Gold Star Award in March 2021 for ‘formidable impact and reach, with a remarkable ambition and vision’.

Paul Douglas - Head of SFE Music School, Deputy Head of Music Service, Services For Education

Paul studied music at the University of Hull before embarking on a varied portfolio career, including projects management, songwriting, performing, studio recording, and conducting at venues all over the UK, as well as many parts of Europe and the USA.

Paul joined the Music Service in 2006 as a brass, piano and keyboard teacher, as well as obtaining his PGCE. Paul was Head of Ensembles from 2014-2019, and has been the Head of the highly successful and growing SFE Music School since its inception in 2018.

Sophie Gray - Head of Inclusion, Services For Education

Sophie Gray has been in music education for the past 20 years working primarily in special schools/alternative provision and with those with complex disabilities. Sophie is Head of Inclusion, and teacher at Services For Education’s Music Service, and link tutor on the PgCert in Sounds of Intent which investigates and promotes the musical development of children and young people with learning difficulties - although the system can also be used effectively with adults. She is also currently studying for an MA in Severe, Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (SPMLD) at the University of Birmingham. Sophie is also co-author of Count Me In!, published in 2023.

Sophie has always believed in the power of music for everyone at any age, from any background, but especially for those with the most complex disabilities.

Helen Grundy - Adviser, Services For Education

Helen's journey began in 1998 when she proudly graduated with a first-class honour’s degree in English and Education Studies. Her time studying in Amsterdam at the Hogeschool Holland added a TESOL element to her degree, opening her eyes to international approaches to education.

Her teaching career in Staffordshire saw her excel in various roles, from subject leadership to SENCo and SLT. Helen's passion and dedication led her to become a Leading Maths Teacher, supporting colleagues and ultimately transitioning into consultancy and advisory roles.

Joining Services For Education in 2015 as an Education Adviser, Helen's initial focus on Maths Advising quickly expanded to include managing the highly successful Health for Life in Primary Schools programme and overseeing ECT Induction. Her expertise is also sought after for delivering parts of the nationally recognised NPQ suite of qualifications.

Helen's journey is not just a career, but a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and the betterment of schools and students.   

Denise Harris - Adviser, Services For Education

Denise has enjoyed many years working as a qualified teacher in Birmingham. She has taught across the age range in schools, in an Education Action Zone, and in a Youth Offending Unit. 

As a local authority primary numeracy consultant, she has supported many schools to effectively develop their maths provision, and this continues through her management of the very successful 'Every Child Counts' mathematics interventions, developed and supported by Edge Hill University, and which are proven to have a significant impact, not only on underachieving and SEND pupils, but also on teacher and teaching assistant subject and pedagogical knowledge, classroom and whole school practice.

Nowadays, Denise successfully delivers the primary statutory assessment contract for moderation and monitoring on behalf of Birmingham LA. She has been instrumental in effectively managing the changes over time to the statutory assessment processes but does not lose sight of the need for schools and teachers to make use of ongoing formative assessment strategies as part of the teaching and learning process to monitor pupil progress. In her statutory role, Denise works closely with other moderation managers both locally and nationally to ensure a consistent understanding of national guidance and related requirements. She recruits, trains, and accredits both KS1 and KS2 pool moderators and utilises her knowledge and understanding of these processes to ensure, through her training offer, that schools are equipped to fulfil their statutory duty confidently.

Adam Hickman - Deputy Head of Music Service, Services For Education

Adam graduated from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (formerly Birmingham Conservatoire) in 2008 with a BMus (Hons) degree, where he studied classical guitar with Mark Ashford and Mark Eden. Upon graduation, Adam completed a PGCE in Primary Education at Birmingham City University and has since worked as a peripatetic music teacher. He is currently Deputy Head of Music Service at Services For Education.

In the past, Adam has worked as an External Examiner at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and coordinated and lectured on music education modules at both Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham.

In June 2019, Adam was awarded Honorary Membership of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in recognition for his work in music education. Adam is also active as a conductor and ensemble director through his work with the Birmingham Schools’ Training Guitar Ensemble and the National Youth Guitar Ensemble.

Emma Mudge - Adviser, Services For Education

Emma has more than 20 years' experience in primary education and has worked in a variety of roles including Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, and Acting Head Teacher - working at the forefront of school leadership and improvement for the majority of her career.  

Emma now works as the Educational Adviser for English sharing her experience and knowledge to continually promote and improve the standard of teaching and learning in English, and in school improvement overall. Supporting schools with the accuracy of their KS1 and KS2 writing assessments is an important part of her role, using her expertise as a member for the moderation team to inform, train and support teachers and school leaders. 

Emma is also part of the team which delivers the Health For Life programme (improving the healthy opportunities for primary aged children) and the NPQSL, where she proudly supports the development of our aspiring leaders in the city. 

Harjit Singh - Head of World Music & Percussion

Harjit is a specialist in Music Education and has been for over 35 years; his work also involves working in the community with various music projects. He was part of the pioneering and famous Bhangra Band of the 80s and 90s called Azaad from Wolverhampton and played Indian percussion with the band.

His mission is to make Indian drumming classical and folk genre accessible to a wider audience, and to see people from all cultures playing Indian drums in schools and the community.

Lucie Welch – Adviser, Services For Education

Lucie Welch has worked in the field of Primary Education for the last 15 years, holding the positions of Assistant Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Through working across several local authorities and within multi-academy trusts, Lucie has garnered a passion for safeguarding and supporting children and young people to enable them to thrive.

At Services For Education, Lucie is an integral part of the Safeguarding team, sharing her expertise with schools, colleges, trusts, and other educational settings across the city of Birmingham and beyond. Dedicated to improving safeguarding practices in an actionable and impactful way, Lucie works closely with settings to provide bespoke training, supports with reflection on their own practices during Safeguarding audits and always strives to contribute to a better learning environment for all children. Through delivery of statutory training for DSLs and Safer Recruitment, Lucie works with colleagues in all age ranges and is a source of expertise within these areas.

Lucie also wears other important hats within the School Support Team. Not only is she dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of students through her role in safeguarding, but she also plays a key part in the PSHE/RSE and Health for Life teams. Additionally, Lucie partners with the Best Practice Network to deliver the Early Career Framework, supporting new teachers in their professional development.

Our Press Office

You can contact Clarke Associates on  

  0121 702 2525 or 07808 735 255

    david-c@clarke-associates.co.uk