Dr Craig Avieson, MBA

Education Consultant | Executive Coach

I bring over 25 years of experience in education.

Today, I work as an education consultant, Ofsted inspector and executive coach, supporting school and trust leaders with leadership development, school evaluations and ongoing professional support and challenge.

My approach combines practical executive experience, independent evaluation and professional coaching, with an emphasis on clarity, thoughtful challenge and purposeful action.

How I work

Having worked at every level of school leadership, I understand the responsibilities, competing demands and often complex decisions that come with leading schools, Trusts and organisations.

I aim to bring a balanced perspective to my work: supportive but willing to challenge, evidence-informed but pragmatic, and always focused on helping leaders identify what matters most and to ensure impact in classrooms.

My approach is collaborative and developmental, underpinned by rigorous evaluation, high expectations and an unwavering ambition for children.

Roles and Experience

• Former CEO of a Multi-Academy Trust - 12 primary schools, 3 SRBs

• Executive Headteacher and Headteacher (primary) for seven years

• Teacher, Lecturer and Leader - East of England and Tower Hamlets

• Serving Ofsted Inspector - since 2022

• Lead MAT Reviewer - Challenge Partners

• Trustee and Chair of Education Committee - EMAT

Academic and Professional Qualifications

• Doctor of Education (EdD) – Children's Rights and Pupil Voice

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Distinction

• Master of Arts (MA) - Inclusion and Education

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)

• Future Leaders - National Leadership Development Programme.

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education - Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) - First Class

Executive Coaching Credentials

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - International Coaching Federation

• ILM Level 7 – Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching – ICF Level 2

• Advanced Certificate in Career and Performance Coaching – ICF

• Over 250+ hours of professional coach training

A little more about me

Away from work, I'm married with children and understand the reality of balancing a demanding career with family, relationships and life outside work.

I've always been interested in people - how we think, develop, respond to challenge and make sense of change.

I therefore value the importance of working with people collaboratively.

I'm also a lifelong learner, fitness enthusiast and enjoy travel and generally being outdoors.