I am an assistant headteacher at Thornleigh Salesian College. My Fellowship allows me to research how equity and excellence are achieved at schools in Canada and the USA. I will study curriculum design, teaching methods, modes of assessment and professional learning programmes.

I will use my research findings to develop a plan of action which contributes to school improvement at Thornleigh Salesian College and better provide students with what they need to thrive in, make a positive contribution to and shape their future world. I will also share my research with members of the Bolton Learning Partnership as I invite peers to critically reflect on their own systems.

As a school leader, I am part of an education system that could be considered inequitable and as failing too many young people. I believe that a focus on high stakes accountability frameworks and standardised testing are inefficient school improvement tools to effectively develop students' characters, their ability to collaborate, and their creativity and autonomy. I am honoured to have the opportunity to visit high-performing jurisdictions and learn at first hand how they are organising their schools to achieve equity and excellence.