Over the last 20 years, Simon has served as a secondary Headteacher in three inner city schools across Leeds and Wakefield. He became Headteacher of Carr Manor Community School in April 2005; a school working with some of the most complex and diverse communities in Leeds. In 2014, Simon was appointed Executive Principal for Carr Manor Community School and Wetherby High School in Leeds. In 2012, Carr Manor Community School became a 4-19 ‘through school’ and in 2019 the school opened a resourced provision for children with autism.  

​

Between 2010 and 2014, Simon was seconded to Leeds Local Authority to support the leadership of Children’s Services. During this time and since, he has developed the use of inclusive and restorative approaches to leadership, management and school improvement at Carr Manor, Wetherby and several secondary schools across Yorkshire. 

More recently Simon has led the formation of the Leeds Learning Alliance (LLA), which has emerged from a desire to provide a partnership of significant Leeds organisations committed to working inclusively and collaboratively to close outcome gaps, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.