On behalf of AET and myself personally, I wanted to write formally and thank you for the excellent work you have done this year at Sandown Bay Academy. I’m sure it has been a challenging year, but I know how much you have put in to keep the academy working and moving forward. So much of your work is clear and of value to every teacher in the school and I know it is much appreciated. I hope you feel that the three of you made a good team and that together you have achieved remarkable things in just a year to make the school viable and functioning.

AET, Regional Chair of Governors. - July 2018

Thank you again for your help and support yesterday. You left us with a ton of ideas and a good strategic vision of where we want the school to be and how we want our reporting system to look like. All of which is much simpler in the long run and will have greater impact on the progress of pupils. We have already been working on some of the ideas you gave us. We look forward to working with you further.

Member of extended SLT Bexleyheath Academy. - February 2018

I was School Improvement Adviser to Colin’s school as he led it out of Special Measures. This was an achievement for which he earned considerable professional respect. The greatly improved GCSE outcomes for his final year of headship demonstrate the impact of his work. He is an analytical, innovative thinker with an established reputation for systematic school planning and evaluation. He has successful experience across the range of secondary school improvement, including teaching and learning, assessment and staff capability. Colin has much to offer as a consultant. He is very committed and will give good value for money.

Peter J Senior, Director, Mustang Education. - August 2016

Oakmeeds GCSE results 75% A*-C incl English and Maths. Individually, the subjects of Maths and English both over 80% A*-C. All other subjects held up. Thanks for all you did to make this happen.
Best results ever!

David Fry, Chair of Governors, Oakmeeds Community College - August 2016

GCSE results 2016 - best results ever. "That is fantastic news, I wonder if anyone will remember to praise Colin Taylor for such a result. We thank you Mr T.
Go Oakmeeds Go."

Parent comment - August 2016

"We appreciate your work and we know the school was a better place for your input and daily drive for standards and expectations of staff. I am happy to convey your considerable impact at LECA."

Executive Headteacher, Littleport Academy, March 2022

“Thank you so much for everything you have done to support us over the last few months – unforgettable! You have taught me a great deal and I have enjoyed the experience.”

Assistant Headteacher, Littleport Academy, March 2022

“I have knowledge of Colin’s work whilst I was working as Head of School Improvement for West Sussex County Council in 2016. Colin was employed as a consultant during the summer and autumn terms to provide expertise on a number of tasks but principally, a review of education provision in one of our schools and a self-evaluation of the authority’s work in preparation for an OfSTED inspection.
Colin’s work is very thorough; it pays attention to detail and is delivered on time. In gathering evidence for a report, he quickly establishes good relationships with those with whom he engages in dialogue, he asks probing questions in a sensitive and professional manner and records events for analysis and synthesis to inform a well-argued report. He deals with sensitive issues well, shows political acumen and articulates his thoughts in a clear and concise way.
I have no hesitation in recommending Colin as a consummate professional who is outcomes focused and dedicated to meeting customer needs.”

Stuart Powell, Managing Director, Change for Excellence Ltd - December 2016

I first started my coaching sessions with Colin in June and by the end of September I had achieved my ambition of becoming a Principal of a Special School Academy. I can’t thank him enough for the difference he made to me in such a very short space of time. So how did he do this? I believe that it was a result of a number of things: his deep understanding about education and leadership; his supportive but challenging approach and finally his trustworthiness, passion and commitment to helping me achieve my dream.

Nicky Wells, Headteacher designate, Quest Academy - September 2016

“A big thank you to Colin he did an excellent training session on Friday”

Debbie Goodrich, Assistant SENCo, Abraham Darby Academy, Telford - December 2016

“The training is outstanding, well explained and very useful”

Mathematics teacher, Haydon School, Pinner, London - December 2016

I would just like to say a personal thank you. It has been a real pleasure working with you during the last 12 months. I have learnt so much more from you during that time, particularly during your support last summer. Your kind words and understanding at that time was really appreciated. Your leadership at a difficult time in the Academy was much appreciated. You managed to hold a committed staff together in what were very testing times. Every time I came to you with a problem or looked for advice you were always there and nothing was ever too much trouble even if you were juggling 20 things at once! Your leadership, and no nonsense approach, being able to be there for staff and students will be something that stands out to me as I/we move forward at Broadlands under the leadership of the Principal elect and her new SLT team.”

James Evans, Head of Humanities Faculty, Broadlands Academy - April 2020

It has been a real privilege this year to work with you on my development as a credible middle leader moving into a senior leader posting. The work you have undertaken with me as coach has enabled me to review my progress and views other colleagues have of me and my work within the school setting. The 360 review was of particular value, enabling the views of others to be considered alongside my own self-reflection. I felt this was a highly successful tool for me to balance the day to day impact through a clear structure of empowering colleagues to put pen to paper in an informative and useful way. This has now led me to develop my 'why' and to move my practice further through a now successful application for NPQSL.

Andy Green, SLT member, Sandown Bay Academy - July 2018

Colin has been instrumental in not only listening with respect to my goals but also helping me to tune in to my "why". He is proactive and fully engaged in the coaching experiment, not only as an active listener but an advocate who uses his own network of professionals to help me to gain more practical experience but also enhance the scope of my pedagogical understanding. When needed he has directed me to the correct people, activities, groups, twitter accounts etc. He uses the full spectrum of resources to aid me in reaching my full potential. It has been a pleasure working with Colin and I know that with his continued support I will reach my optimum.

Abena Akuffo-Kelly, coachee via WomenEd - June 2018

Colin you have been a great support to me professionally and in my role as a regional leader for @womenEdSE - thank you.

Mal Krishnasamy, Coach,Regional Leader for @WomenEdSE - May 2018