Northern Enterprise Awards 2025/ 14 Education Changemaker of the Year 2025 – North East Jonny Kay is an education consultant who works with Further Education colleges, Post-16 settings, schools, international organisations and professional networks across the UK and beyond to help strengthen teaching, learning, leadership and culture. After many years in teaching and leadership, Jonny founded his consultancy with one aim: to help people and teams unlock their potential – through CPD, coaching and mentoring, strategic consultancy, and keynote speaking. In every project, Jonny is focused on making sure that professional development is both meaningful and sustainable. “CPD shouldn’t be a tick-box exercise; it should change the way people think, feel, and act – leading to more impactful teaching, stronger leadership and, ultimately, better outcomes for students,” he says. “At the heart of it all, empowerment and reflection are vital.” Jonny blends practical classroom experience, leadership insight and a deeply personal approach, whether he’s facilitating smallgroup CPD, offering individual coaching, or supporting setting-wide improvement. His advice is grounded in research, evidence, and the lived reality of today’s classrooms and teams. “Those I work with often tell me they appreciate that the strategies I share can be applied to students and lessons straight away,” Jonny explains. “I’m not interested in jargon or quick fixes – I want to offer support that makes an immediate difference. Every CPD or coaching session is built collaboratively, with clear steps and follow-up. People know I want them to succeed, and that I’ll be there alongside them.” A consistent thread in Jonny’s work is a culture built on trust, respect and genuine partnership. He believes people do their best work when they feel valued and understood. Whether he’s coaching colleagues or working with leaders, Jonny aims to make every interaction constructive, practical and focused on growth. While he runs his consultancy independently, Jonny is part of a wide professional community across FE, Post-16 and schools. Collaboration plays a significant role in his work – from contributing to national events to representing awarding organisations and exam boards – and he thrives on connecting with teachers and leaders who share a commitment to improving practice. “I’m passionate about translating research and strategy into action – helping teams move from ‘knowing’ to ‘doing’, and making sure good ideas actually work for everyone. My approach is a mix of evidence, empathy and experience, and I think that’s what helps create real, lasting impact.” Reflecting on his recent award win, Jonny is quick to share the credit. “I’d like readers to know that my work – and this award – are both about people. I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from some phenomenal professionals, and I hope this award represents the support I received early in my career. I’ve always believed that education and leadership are at their best when the focus is on helping others succeed, and that belief drives all of my work. This award is as much a reflection of the exceptional support I’ve received over the years – from the leaders and peers I’ve been lucky to work with, as well as the fantastic support I have at home in Steph and my two girls, Nancy and Maggie.” “Winning the North East Changemaker of the Year Award is an incredible honour, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward – to keep supporting, coaching, and encouraging people to believe in what’s possible. My aim is always to leave every person, team and organisation I work with stronger, more confident and more capable. Hopefully, this award is a sign that this is happening.” Looking ahead, Jonny is developing a series of new CPD frameworks that will focus on leadership development, behaviour culture, and long-term improvement. These will offer practical, evidence-led tools designed to help teachers and leaders embed reflective practice, strengthen wellbeing and build capacity from within. This work will sit alongside the publication of his second book, which explores behaviour management and how educators can create consistently positive environments, both in classrooms and across whole settings. Drawing on real stories, research and practical tools, the book will offer a framework rooted in what actually works. Jonny will also be expanding his keynote and conference work, sharing insights on leadership, change and professional growth with audiences beyond education. Company name: Further Education Consultants Contact name: Jonny Kay Email: [email protected] Website: www.jonnykay.co.uk
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