‘Kanevolve has had an incredibly positive influence on our organisation. Working with multiple groups of leaders from across the Trust and, in addition, providing more bespoke coaching to individuals and school teams, Kanevolve has given us the tools to develop a strong culture based on purposeful, mutually supportive relationships that get the best of out of our workforce. John’s sessions have now become an indispensable part of our leadership training programmes.’
Jon Culpin, CEO
Anglian Learning Trust
“I have had the privilege of working with John both personally and with members of my senior leadership team, and his impact has been both immediate and sustained.
John combines a high level of emotional intelligence with professional rigour and integrity. He builds trust quickly and creates an environment in which colleagues feel safe to think aloud, challenge assumptions and refine their practice. At the same time, he is unafraid to ask the difficult questions that move discussion beyond comfort and into meaningful progress.
In his work with my team, John consistently translated research and theory into practical, actionable strategies. Sessions were carefully tailored to our context and priorities, and staff left not only energised but equipped with clear next steps. Over time, this has strengthened our culture of professional learning and sharpened our collective focus on evidence informed improvement.
On a personal level, I have valued John’s ability to balance strategic perspective with genuine warmth. His insight, well-judged humour and clarity of thought have helped me reflect more deeply and lead more decisively. Conversations with him are purposeful and focused, and they have had a tangible influence on how we approach development planning, accountability and change.
John has shaped not just what we do, but how we think about leadership. I would recommend him without hesitation as a principled, thoughtful and highly effective professional whose work leaves a lasting impact.”
Dr Ian Gross
Principal
The Worthing School, Canterbury
"Leaders across Corvus Learning Trust have responded extremely positively to the Kanevolve Limited Middle and Senior Leader Programme led by John. Feedback highlights clear and meaningful growth in participants’ leadership knowledge, confidence and skill set, with colleagues consistently describing the sessions as highly valuable and impactful for their professional development.
The programme has made a tangible difference to leadership capability across schools within the Trust. Participants frequently commented on the high quality of the training and the practical support provided, noting how it has strengthened their day-to-day leadership practice.
We are delighted with the impact the programme has had on our developing leaders. John’s expertise, professionalism and ability to support leaders in refining and strengthening their practice have been widely recognised and appreciated. The programme has made a significant contribution to building leadership capacity at all levels, and we are grateful for the positive impact it has had across our schools."
Stuart Matthews
CEO, Corvus Learning Trust
“As a Headteacher of a large secondary school, I have found working with Kanevolve to be a genuinely transformative experience for both myself and my leadership team. Their coaching has sharpened our strategic thinking, strengthened our communication, and increased our confidence when navigating complex challenges.
What has been particularly powerful is the objectivity they bring. As school leaders, it can be difficult to gain clear perspective when you are immersed in the day-to-day demands of the role. An external, impartial coach provides challenge without agenda, support without bias, and insight grounded in professional expertise rather than internal dynamics. This has enabled us to reflect more honestly, make better-informed decisions, and align more effectively as a team.
The impact on our leadership culture has been significant, and I would strongly recommend the use of Kanevolve to any senior team seeking to grow in clarity, cohesion, and strategic impact.”
Anthony Steed
Headteacher
Denbigh School, Milton Keynes
“The coaching programme has had a significant and positive impact on leadership development across the school, shaping both individual practice and the wider culture. For me as headteacher, the coaching has acted as a catalyst for shifting the school toward a more empowered, reflective, and distributed model of leadership.
The coaching has also fostered a growing culture of preparation and thoughtful engagement: those who enter the conversations having reflected on their progress and challenges report the most powerful outcomes. Staff are using coaching toolkits more intentionally, enabling them to hold challenging conversations that result in positive impact.”
At the same time, the coaching has highlighted emerging areas for development—most notably the need for strong self‑regulation, resilience, and a healthy feedback culture as autonomy increases. The school’s shift toward higher challenge brings new demands, and leaders are recognising the importance of managing their emotional responses and ensuring that line management structures support open, safe dialogue. ”
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
The Bulmershe School, Reading