Barry has been involved in education for over twenty years after studying a B.Ed (Hons) QTS at the University of Hertfordshire. He has worked in a wide range of roles including as a teacher, SENco and senior leader in several primary schools and an international secondary school.   

For the last twelve years, he has worked as a headteacher in two Medway primary schools. He has overseen significant improvements in schools, especially around engaging communities which have been positively recognised, including in Ofsted inspections.  He has studied both the NPQH and the NPQEL and has a wide range of experience in supporting other schools through his work as a Local Leader of Education; the Headteacher Advocate for the Kent & Medway Maths Hub and the chair of the Medway Education Leaders Association. 

At The Howard Academy Trust, Barry focuses on the School Improvement of the Primary Schools.  As well as this, he is the Trust Lead on Safeguarding and Assessment. Barry has a wide range of governance experience as both a headteacher but also as a trustee and Governor at both primary and secondary schools in Kent and Medway.

bsymons@thatrust.org.uk