Liam Connolly

Deputy Headteacher, Senior Leader in Education
Ramsgate, GB.

About

Highly accomplished and values-driven Senior Leader in Education with 15 years of progressive experience across leading UK and international independent day and boarding schools, currently serving as Deputy Headteacher. Proven expert in strategic oversight, operational excellence, and holistic educational provision, with a strong track record in school improvement, safeguarding, curriculum innovation, and achieving regulatory compliance (ISI/Ofsted). Adept at leading change, fostering positive stakeholder relationships, and driving student attainment and wellbeing through data-driven strategies and staff development.

Work

Independent Schools Inspectorate
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ISI Schools Inspector

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Conducted comprehensive inspections of independent schools, evaluating compliance, educational quality, and safeguarding in line with the ISI framework.

Highlights

Conducted comprehensive inspections aligned with the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) framework, evaluating compliance, educational quality, and safeguarding standards.

Gathered and analyzed evidence through diverse methods including lesson observations, work scrutiny, data review, and stakeholder interviews to inform robust assessments.

Assessed the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment across Key Stages, providing clear insights into strengths and areas for development.

Contributed to drafting clear, evidence-based inspection reports, ensuring alignment with ISI criteria and supporting regulatory compliance.

St Lawrence College
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Deputy Headteacher

Kent, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led strategic planning and operational excellence across pastoral, academic, and boarding provisions to drive whole-school improvement and student outcomes.

Highlights

Led whole-school strategic planning, contributing to the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Self Evaluation Framework (SEF) to enhance educational quality and drive institutional growth.

Drove significant improvements in classroom practice and student outcomes across KS3-KS5 by holding comprehensive responsibility for teaching and learning.

Ensured a robust culture of student welfare and protection by leading safeguarding as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the senior leadership team.

Managed middle leaders and pastoral leaders, supporting performance management and professional development to elevate staff effectiveness.

Utilized advanced data analysis and assessment, leveraging internal and external metrics to inform targeted interventions and significantly raise attainment.

St Lawrence College
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Head of Teaching & Learning

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Summary

Led academic strategy for Grades 7-12, driving improvements in student attainment, progression, and university readiness within a high-performance private school.

Highlights

Led academic strategy across Grades 7-12, driving improvements in student attainment, progression, and university readiness within a high-performance private school setting.

Oversaw curriculum design and delivery, ensuring alignment with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Line managed Heads of Department and teaching staff, embedding high-quality teaching, assessment, and feedback practices.

Utilized student performance data to inform targeted interventions, monitor progress, and support individualized learning pathways.

Managed timetabling, staffing allocation, and academic reporting, ensuring operational efficiency and a strong focus on student outcomes.

Trinity Catholic High School
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Deputy Headteacher

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led whole-school teaching and learning strategy across a multi-campus provision to improve instructional quality and secure stronger student outcomes.

Highlights

Led whole-school teaching and learning strategy, improving instructional quality and securing stronger outcomes across Key Stages 3-5.

Managed multi-campus provision across 3 sites and provided comprehensive pastoral leadership for Year 7-13.

Drove school improvement priorities through the School Development Plan, achieving measurable impact on attainment, progress, and behaviour.

Line managed middle and senior leaders, strengthening accountability, performance management, and leadership capacity.

Played a key role in Ofsted readiness, including SEF development, evidence gathering, and staff preparation aligned with Ofsted framework.

St Bonaventure's Catholic High School
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Assistant Headteacher

London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Led teaching and learning initiatives and supported school improvement planning to raise student attainment and ensure quality assurance across Key Stages 3-5.

Highlights

Led teaching and learning initiatives, improving classroom practice and raising student attainment across Key Stages 3-5.

Supported the development and implementation of the School Improvement Plan, contributing to measurable gains in outcomes and standards.

Line managed middle leaders and teaching staff, driving accountability and professional development.

Oversaw behaviour and pastoral systems, promoting high expectations, consistency, and student wellbeing.

Played a key role in inspection preparation and school self-evaluation in line with Ofsted requirements.

Our Lady of Lourdes School
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Teacher

Essex, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Served as a Curriculum & Pastoral Leader, contributing to student development and academic success.

Highlights

Managed curriculum delivery and pastoral care initiatives, fostering a supportive learning environment for students.

Contributed to departmental planning and student progress monitoring, ensuring alignment with school educational goals.

Implemented effective classroom strategies to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

Northamptonshire Police
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Police Officer

Northampton, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Summary

Responded to emergencies and conducted criminal investigations, specializing in detective work, homicide, and major crime.

Highlights

Responded to emergency calls, managing critical incidents and ensuring public safety.

Conducted criminal investigations, specializing in detective work, homicide, and major crime.

Collaborated with multi-agency teams to resolve complex cases and bring perpetrators to justice.

Utilized investigative techniques and forensic evidence to build strong cases and secure convictions.

Education

St Mary's University
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

PhD

Education

BSA - Boarding Schools Association
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Diploma

Boarding School Leadership & Management

Foundation for Leadership
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Professional Qualification

Educational & School Management & Leadership

UCL
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Master of Arts

Educational Leadership

St Mary's University
London, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Post Graduate Certificate

Teaching - QTS

University of Birmingham
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy & Theology

Grade: Honors

Languages

English
Latin
French
Italian

Skills

Strategic Leadership

School Improvement.

Boarding Leadership
NMS Oversight
Teaching & Learning Leadership
Data Analysis

Data-Driven Decision Making.

Staff Management

Staff Development, Performance Management.

Curriculum Development

Curriculum Design, Curriculum Implementation.

Quality Assurance

Assessment.

Student Welfare

Behaviour Management, Safeguarding, Wellbeing.

Regulatory Compliance

Inspection Readiness, ISI Compliance, Ofsted Readiness.

Change Management

Organisational Leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement
Operational Leadership
Communication

Influencing.

Pastoral Leadership
International Education

Cross-Cultural Awareness.

School Marketing & Recruitment

Independent Schools, International Schools.

Educational Technology

Innovation in Education, EdTech Integration.

Sixth Form Leadership

Post-16 Leadership.

Accreditation Leadership

Inspection Leadership.

Attendance Management