John Fowler

I have 30 years experience in education during which I have had a number of roles; as a head teacher, an Ofsted Registered Inspector, a Local Authority Advisor, notably leading a ‘teaching and learning’ team and a Leadership Development Partner. I have advised schools, here in the UK and overseas, local authorities and national organisations on 'leading learning schools', as well as continuing to offer independent advice.

For many years I have been involved with ideas around ‘learning to learn’; as part of this I was a founding member of a Teaching and Learning Alliance, and have shared my ideas to a range of forums to further such debate. Sam and I (with colleagues from some of the schools we work with) spoke at the House of Lords on promoting children's well being and I am actively involved in the National Children's Bureau.

I aim to support schools in 'developing and making explicit their school's ethos’, stimulating and leading change, developing a language for learning across the school, turning declared intentions into effective practice and finally developing a community of learners that involves, all children and their families, all staff and governors and where possible, the wider community. I like a challenge!

I have been heavily involved in laying the foundations for EquippingKids, although, as I combine my ongoing passion to support schools with the reality of retirement and being based out in Australia, I have recognised the need to play a more support based, getting involved as much as I can!

Recent Publications:

Frankel, S. and Fowler, J. (2017) How to Take your School on a Journey to Outstanding, Church Stretton, EquippingKids.

John Fowler

Associate - School Engagement

Testimonials from Schools

What it means for the children, is that they now have the ability to apply and even synthesise ways of implementing the learning attributes (metacognitive tools) in all facets of their learning and socialisation.

Ducan Robers, Head of Little Green

Equipping kids have breathed new life into our school. We are on the journey for giving them the skills to navigate life, not a text book. The bespoke, knowledgeable, research-based approach of Equipping Kids allows us to do this; to find solutions but most importantly all be ourselves. There is no 'lunchbox' of tricks, just knowledgeable, passionate professionals who want to maximize the opportunities for every child to make a difference.

Philip Grey, Principal, Hertfordshire

The impact has transformed the adults in school to see themselves as partners in learning rather than learning that is something that is done to children

Hannah Trickett, Head, Maple Cross

The methods used by equipping kids to gather tangible qualitative data and make visible the learning process have enabled staff and governors to value priorities that are 'hard to evidence' and as a result maintain sustained focus on longer term changes to ethos and culture in the school, such as a focus on developing growth mindsets and developing pupils as learners.

Simon King, Head, Dundale

We get to inspire each other with fun activities.

Equipping Kids Student - Aged 8

I think it will help me because it helps me communicate with adults better.

Equipping Kids Student

It makes me feel more confident.

Equipping Kids Student

So I can work with a partner, be confident, overcome challenge and be creative.

Equipping Kids Student

We have discovered more about everything we can do. We believe in ourselves more.

Equipping Kids Student

John Fowler

John Fowler

John Fowler

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